News in Thurrock

POLICE have issued an appeal for information after a gang wearing hoodies and carrying crowbars were spotted in Aveley.

The incident happened on Friday, 20 December when residents raised the alert as members of the hand tried to break their way into buildings.

WITH Christmas about to dawn on the community of Thurrock, it's no surprise that local campaigner and councillor Shane Ralph has once again been spreading the festive message.

Over recent years Cllr Ralph has made a number of seasonal videos focusing on the people of Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham and in a reissue of a video he has captured the two towns' festive spirit to a backing track from Slade.

FIREFIGHTERS from Thurrock were among a number of crews called out to battle a blaze on Canvey Island on Sunday (22 December) evening.

The fire took hold in a faith centre building known as Luzern Yeshiva, a Jewish school on Meppel Avenue.

POLICE have issued an appeal for information about a missing man from South Ockendon.

They have asked Thurrock residents to 'keep an eye out' for Kevin Stone, who has been reported missing from his home in South Ockendon.

A THURROCK milkman has told of the dramatic moments when he encountered a young man contemplating ending his life by jumping from a bridge over the busy A13.

Paul Luke, who runs Eco Fresh dairy in Stanford-le-Hope has long been recognised as a community champion for his many good works.

PLANS to create a new business and industry centre on the site of the former Coryton oil refinery continue to progress - with Thurrock Council publicising the developers' latest hopes and ambitions for the project.

Generally there has been a positive response to the project, which will see the creation on the Thames Enterprise Park and possibly up to 4,500 new jobs.

A GROUP of enthusiasts who literally take Thurrock to the rest of the world are hosting a course for anyone who would like to join them in their hobby.

Thurrock Acorns Amateur Radio Club regularly attend local events, showcasing their work and enabling people from Thurrock to make contact and spread their messages around the globe.

STAFF and patients at a Stanford-le-Hope dental surgery have extracted the maximum amount of Christmas spirit and delivered a festive treat to a local family in need.

This year the staff at Homesteads Dental Care decided not to do a Secret Santa for each other and instead decided to spend up to £20 each on food for the Thurrock Foodbank.

OLDER folk in East Tilbury enjoyed a Christmas meal at the Village Hall today (Sunday, 22 December) thanks to a great community effort.

It is the second time the event has been held and one of the organisers is Tracey Bright who said: "What a brilliant day for the senior citizens. I just want to say thank you to everyone that came.

ESSEX Police's traffic cops have released an eight year old's emotive message to drink drives after saying they are having to arrest too many offenders.

As Christmas draws ever nearer police fear they will be facing even more drivers under the influence taking to the borough's roads.