News in Thurrock

A BOROUGH football has done its bit to help homeless and deprived children at Christmas.

Teams from Tilbury Football Club have been collecting presents which have now been donated to needy children.

I have recently published the above book, written by the late Randal Bingley (former curator of Thurrock Museum Service). South Ockendon Hospital played an important part of village life from 1932 to its closure in 1994 - 25 years ago, this year.

IN the summer of 1932, Matron Sadie Butler and a handful of staff welcomed the first residents to what was to become South Ockendon Hospital.

IT'S that time of the year again and local community groups are wheeling out their sleighs as Santa tours the borough.

In Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham Rotary East Thurrock will be taking to the streets for the first time this year tomorrow (Monday, 9 December) and then nights right up until Christmas.

RESIDENTS in Aveley have expressed their delight after Thurrock Council agreed to donate trees to improve local parks.

Last month the Friends of Aveley and Kenningtons Parks expressed their delight when the council offered to plant a tree, prompting a message of thanks and the plea: 'Hopefully it's the start of lots more to come'.

SIX generous Thurrock businesses have got together to make Christmas special for three deserving borough families.

Grayers Graphics, AB Installs Ltd, DF Roofing, JVH Building Services, FBS Motor Salvage and Howgates estate agents have each donated £600 to a collective fund.

THURROCK Council responded to the latest breakdown at the controversial Buckingham Hill Road and Stanford Road (A1013 ) junction this afternoon (Sunday, 8 December).

The junction has been the bane of lives for Thurrock motorists for many months after new permanent lights were installed as part of the planning permission granted to Persimmon Homes to build new homes in East Tilbury.

A TIP-off from a Thurrock Council enforcement officer helped Essex Police uncover a cannabis growing operation at a borough car wash.

Four people were arrested and subsequently bailed pending further investigation after police officers raided the site on Friday (6 December) after being contacted by a council environmental enforcement officer.

THURROCK boasts a new group of world champions after the success of a local dance group this weekend.

Stanford-le-Hope based Youth Creation, who shot to fame with their performances in the 2013 Britain's Got Talent competition, were awarded first prize in their category in the BDO World Street Dance championships.

A BOROUGH youngster is just one of a number of local sea cadets going taking on a fundraising challenge.

Thurrock TS Dragon Sea Cadets are trying to raise money to buy a new minibus and have a target of £30,000!

A VILLAGE community is rallying around a man who was the victim of burglars who ransacked his home.

Messages of support and sympathy have flooded in after the raid was reported at the home of James Mays of Trent, in East Tilbury.