News in Thurrock

Coronavirus is clearly not going to let these teachers, staff and pupils stop enjoying the spirit of their schools.

THURROCK's number of recorded coronavirus cases rose by 14 in the latest figures published by Public Health England.

The tally of infected local people, on a day when the UK figure rocketed to 84,279 cases, is 186.

List of local offenders brought before courts. .

A THURROCK telephone mast that was destroyed by fire could have been attacked by supporters of a bizarre conspiracy theory that is even linking the spread of coronavirus to radio signals.

The theory has been debunked by scientists but nevertheless appears to be a possible reason for a spate of arson attacks across the country.

THURROCK singer and songwriter Paul Mayo has created an optimistic song called Rainbows which features children from across the borough.

Paul is former front man for Basildon-based synth band, Electro Kill Machine and now current lead singer/songwriter for the universal New Wave band AustenEx.

IN contrast with some neighbourhoods across the UK where there has been criticism of local police for being 'over-enthusiastic' of the application of social distancing guidelines, there was a warm welcome for Essex cops in Stanford-le-Hope today (Saturday, 11 April).

Popular community team PCSO JoJo Mitchell was among the officers on patrol visiting areas of the town and highlighted the way residents at Stanford park were celebrating Easter.

RESIDENTS in Thurrock and the wider region are being invited to help keep staff at Basildon and Thurrock Hospital safe by making a donation.

The hospital, which recently merged with hospitals in Chelmsford and Southend to form the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Foundation Trust, has a charity arm which has launched a Just Giving Page - which has already raised more than £6,000.

AFTER several days of increasing comment from the public about the way Thurrock Council housing department employees and contracters appear to have been going about their business 'as normal' the council has announced this evening (Saturday, 11 April) that it has immediately suspended all routine maintenance repairs.

Residents have reported incidents where they have been 'cold-called' by council staff carrying out routine inspections and last week Thurrock Nub News reported there was a furore about inspections of water supplies in South Ockendon.

VOLUNTEER first aiders in Grays have stepped right into the front line in the battle against coronavirus.

Members of the Grays St John Ambulance group, a volunteer charity based at their HQ on London Road and who have been serving the town since 1916, have committed to adding four ambulances to the fleet of NHS vehicles across the region.

THE acceptable side of graffiti has turned up in Tilbury and been welcomed by local people.

A large piece of artwork thanking the NHS has been created on the flood defence wall alongside the Thames.