News in Thurrock

REVIEW by Neil SPEIGHT

BASILDON Towngate Theatre's pantomime might just present a problem for the borough council's trading standards department.

A THURROCK councillor says 'enough is enough' and has called on the local authority to do more to stop lorries dropping mud and debris on local roads - and for a general clean-up of signage.

Residents in East Tilbury and Linford have inundated ward councillor Fraser Massey with complaints about the state of the roads and in turn he has taken up the issue with Thurrock Council.

AS part of their ongoing efforts to raise police profile in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham, officers were out and about in the two communities on special patrol yesterday (Friday, 6 December).

Officers from Essex Police's Thurrock Local Response Team conducted high visibility patrols in and around the two town centres.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a cash from a security box was stolen in Chafford Hundred yesterday (Friday 6 December).

A security guard from G4S was approached from behind while collecting cash from the Tesco Express in Fleming Road just after 10.40am. A five-figure sum of cash was stolen.

EMERGENCY services rushed to the Grays shopping Mall today (Friday, 6 December) after a noxious substance was discharged - leaving several shoppers unwell.

Police, firefighters and ambulance crews attended and an Essex Police spokesperson said: "We were called shortly before 12.20pm to reports that several people were feeling unwell after a container, which we believe may have contained CS or pepper spray, was discharged inside The Mall.

TWO new stores have opened at Thurrock's intu Lakeside - just in time for Christmas and to cap what has been a successful and eventful year for the regional shopping centre.

Today (Friday, 6 December) Ted Baker opened its doors to their circus themed store. The store features bespoke artworks, including; bold stripes, swinging trapeze artists and exotic animals from around the world. Shoppers can head to Level Two to find their favourite menswear, womenswear, footwear and accessories from the brand.

WHETHER you believe in Christmas or not, the festive season is always busy with plans and meeting family. There's always lists of things to do. But don't let your flu vaccine drop off the list.

That's the message from Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group who are working with Thurrock Council Public Health team, GPs and providers to ensure that borough residents get protected from flu before it's too late!

THURROCK Council has announced local parking will be free every Saturday in December for the third year running.

The initiative, which kicks off tomorrow (Saturday, 7 December) includes all council-owned car parks, as well as its pay and display on-street parking.

POLICE mounted a search after a woman reported that someone tried to take her child while they were in Grays town centre.

Local resident Mica Lauren Frith reported the incident which happened when she and her sister were shopping on Wednesday (3 December), accompanied by baby Elsie.

ONE of the biggest days in the Tilbury calendar is here.

Friday 6 December will see the town's annual Christmas lights switch on, with live performances in civic square, a fun fair and the arrival of Father Christmas.