News in Thurrock

ESSEX Police have launched a pilot scheme in Thurrock to help safeguard children who witness domestic abuse at home.

Specialist officers are working alongside a number of schools, academies and Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Council by running an initiative called Operation Encompass until the end of this academic year.

TWO thirds of residents who responded to a police funding consultation support an increase in the police precept.

More than 2,000 people responded to an Essex Police commissioner survey asking for views on funding.

THURROCK Adult Community College (TACC) recently held a very successful Careers Day event, for their learners and partners at their centre in Richmond Road, Grays.

Throughout the day, learners attended a variety of free workshops delivered by a Google Digital Garage specialist.

THURROCK'S Adult Community College has announced a new range of cake Decorating and sugarcraft evening courses at its base on Richmond Road in Grays.

Last places now booking for the Beginners course starting on Tuesday, 21 January with Edible Gifts (Confectionary) and Easter Egg Making classes due to start in March.

THE recently appointed operations manager of Thurrock's Foodbank has spoken of his 'amazement' at the way it is supported by the local community.

Thurrock Foodbank was established by Thurrock Christian Fellowship in July 2012. Operating out their warehouse in Corringham, the Foodbank serves 10 distribution centres across Thurrock.

THURROCK Council announce funding for Private Residents and Tenants with low or poor energy efficient ratings.

As a home owner I had the opportunity to have my entire system replaced three years ago under a similar scheme which was not means tested.

AVELEY and Kenningtons Community Forum are urging Residents in Aveley to have their say.

Today (Monday, 13 January) is the second Aveley Design Workshop at St Michael's Church Aveley High Street from 2pm until 8pm.

A CHARITY in Thurrock committed to tackling isolation and loneliness by helping older people to re-engage with their local community is looking for more volunteers.

Local co-ordinator Loraine Coleman says: "At ReEngage Thurrock we work within our local community to set up free, regular social gatherings, tea parties, games nights and special outings for people over 75 living on their own and hoping to find new ways to get out and about that suit them at this time in their lives.

THE community stalwart behind a local charity has explained why it has decided to sell its main vehicle and has had a dig at Thurrock Council's intransigence which has meant it couldn't be used for its recycling purpose.

Ironically, Paul Luke from Stanford-le-Hope is currently up for a top council award for being a civic hero as an environmental champion!

A WOMAN from Horndon on the Hill received a 12 months conditional discharge after admitting an assault.

She was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £105.