News in Thurrock

THURROCK'S town centre policing teams have come under a bit of flack on social media after posting a series of pictures across the borough.

The teams, who are designated to patrol town centres in Grays, Stanford-le-Hope, Tilbury, South Ockendon and Purfleet, posted the pictures on their Facebook page yesterday (Tuesday, 13 April) with the message: "It's been business as usual for the Town Centre Teams over their last set. They have been on patrol across the district."

TRIBUTES have been paid to two stalwarts of Thurrock Rugby and Grays Thurrock Rotary clubs who have passed away.

Former vicar of St Giles in Orsett and a former Queen's Chaplain, Rev Canon Glyn Jones died in Basildon Hospital where he was admitted suffering from coronavirus and underlying health conditions.

A HEARTFELT expression of thanks – plus a plea for even more support – has gone out to Thurrock residents through Thurrock Nub News from a nurse right on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.

Julie Dann, 51, works in the critical care unit at Basildon and Thurrock Hospital. The brave and much-loved nurse from Stanford-le-Hope has been on site for weeks – forsaking her borough home and family to stay in accommodation at the hospital between her long and arduous shifts on duty.

CAMPAIGNERs hoping to win a stay of execution for Orsett Hospital, which is earmarked for closure under plans put forward by regional health trusts, have pointed to its value to the Thurrock and wider community in this time of coronavirus crisis.

Supporters of the hospital, which includes a minor injuries unit as well as a number of day centres including one for minor surgical procedures, say it remains a valuable asset and a crucial and much-needed provider of health care in Thurrock.

ONE of Thurrock's undertakers has asked local residents to pay tribute to those who have passed away - but whose death can't be mourned properly because of coronavirus.

West & Coe, which has branches in Aveley and Grays, says it will mean a lot to bereaved families to know they are not alone at a time of loss when access to funerals is limited.

THURROCK's number of confirmed coronavirus cases has edged up again, but only by a relatively small amount for the second success day.

After yesterday's rise of cases, which was just three, the latest figure has added just six cases taking the Thurrock tally to 195.

OVER the Bank Holiday weekend, Essex Police have spoken to 1,595 residents or visitors to the county about appropriate journeys or social distancing and only had to issue eight penalty notices, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Prophet has announced.

ACC Prophet had words of praise for his force and told his officers: "Engage explain, encourage before enforce. Keep it up Essex. Thank you."

STAFF at USP College, which includes the Palmer's College campus in Thurrock, have already beaten a target to help raise funds for personal protection equipment (PPE) for staff at local hospitals – but they hope you can help raise even more.

Having set up a crowdfunding page, they set an initial target of £1,000 – boosted by a donation of £500 from the college.

A THURROCK man is helping bring the local wildlife into the homes of people who can't get out and about because of coronavirus.

Local nature photographer and wildlife campaigner Nick Lay has built up a substantial following with his pictures of local animals, particularly birds, most taken in the countryside around his East Tilbury home.

CRUISE & Maritime Voyages' ship Columbus arrived in Tilbury in the early hours of the morning at the end of her month -long repatriation voyage.

Thurrock-based CMV has recorded no Covid-19 coronavirus cases with any passengers or crew members on board Columbus or any other ships in their fleet of six.