News in Thurrock

THE ability of Thurrock Council to finally pull together a local development plan has been questioned by a leading local councillor.

The much-delayed local plan as been in the melting pot for several years and was once again debated at a meeting of the council's local plan task force group on Monday evening.

A SOCIAL media storm has erupted in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham this evening following confirmation of the fact that Cllr Shane Ralph, as first predicted on Thurrock Nub News, has joined the Conservative party just nine months after beating their candidate in the local elections - and six months after slamming them as a 'calamity Tory council that has to go'.

The tone of the criticism has shocked many in the local community, not least Cllr Ralph's wife who has called on the local community to respect a 'good man' and his family.

AFTER a weekend of public debate about the rights and wrongs of his actions, Stanford councillor Shane Ralph has confirmed his defection from the Independent Group on whose ticket he was elected last May to join the Conservatives on Thurrock Council.

And a second Independent, Ockendon councillor David Potter, has also crossed the floor today - to join Allen Mayes who defected last week.

A PLAN to increase the rent paid by council tenants has been slammed by members of Thurrock's housing committee which branded the idea "unjustifiable" - despite being told the council is short of millions it needs to spend on properties.

The council is proposing a rise of council rents along with service charges, which relate to estate maintenance, following the expiration of a 2015 government policy that called for the charges to be reduced by one per cent each year over four years.

A 16-YEAR-old boy from Horndon on the Hill has been ordered to pay compensation of £1,500 to the victim he attacked and injured.

Basildon Magistrates' Court heard that the offence took place in the Thurrock village on 20 May last year when the defendant, who admitted the charge, unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on another person.

POLICE have confirmed they are investigating an incident in Stanford-le-Hope when a young student was robbed - though the items taken were later returned.

The student, a pupil at St Clere's School in the town, was approached by other young people in Butts Lane, close to the school, and it is reported he was assaulted, threatened and robbed.

THURROCK Foster Carers have been honoured at a celebration event for the inspirational work they do helping children and young people in the borough.

Cllr Terry Piccolo, Mayor of Thurrock and Dan Jones, Service Manager - Fostering, Adoption & Placements Service, presented awards to our Foster Carers who had attained 5, 10 and 20 years of fostering children and young people in Thurrock. Foster carers who have supported our recruitment of new foster carers throughout 2019 were also acknowledged.

ENVIRONMENTAL campaigner and naturalist photographer Nick Lay has spoken of his upset after discovering a fox which he believes was shot by youths with air guns.

Mr Lay, from East Tilbury, has been responsible for restoring and managing an area of waterway near the village which has become a sanctuary for water voles.

BOROUGH residents will get the chance to help allocate funds to local art groups later this month.

Thurrock CVS (Thurrock Community and Voluntary Services) is behind a 'Small Arts Grants fund' which has been introduced to provide funding to local individuals and organisations for projects which help build strong and well-connected communities.

PLANS are well underway for a third canoe paddle and fundraising event in memory of a young mum from Thurrock.

Borough resident Zoe Thomas has already organised two extremely successful events paying tribute to her sister Vikki Cordina and a third will happen in August this year.