News in Thurrock

A CAR being pursued by police officers hit another police vehicle in a dramatic incident in Stanford-le-Hope last night (Tuesday, 17 December).

Police had been alerted shortly before midday with reports that a recovery truck had been stolen from outside an address on Brock Hill in Runwell.

THE 'moral fibre' and questionable tactics of Thurrock Council traffic enforcement officers has been questioned after they turned up to target a local school today (Tuesday, 17 December).

Though some parents have applauded the action against rogue parkers outside Lansdowne School in Tilbury a significant number have taken to social media to say the action is unfair - and a neighbouring business has been blasted for contributing to parking problems.

A HOST of festive activies are planned at Davy Down country park at North Stifford next week.

From 11am to 1pm on Monday, 23 December at the park's visitor centre residents can try festive rock painting, making Christmas decorations, festive sports – indoors, or hopefully outdoors if dry.

THURROCk library service has organised two events for youngsters to help with the festive spirit.

Children under five can listen to festive, fun stories for free at Stanford-le-Hope Library on Thursday 19 December at 10.30am.

A WEEK or so ago this reviewer was somewhat testy about the production of Dick Whittington at Basildon's Towngate Theatre – a production that is always well-visited by the Thurrock public.

It was – and remains – a superb show but I did not get a true sense of pantomime. Some of the traditional magic was missing and it didn't quite feel like Christmas.

MEMBERS at a health and fitness club in Thurrock have played their part in a major charity fundraising operation.

The Bannatyne Health Club in Chafford Hundred is one of a number in the chain in the South East that have come together to help hundreds of children in the developing world receive life-changing surgery.

THURROCK Council is warning private landlords renting shared houses or flats in the borough to ensure their properties are licensed correctly.

The council's Private Housing team recently held two days of action in Corringham and Purfleet, to crack down on private landlords renting unlicensed shared houses or flats to three or four unrelated people – known as houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

THURROCK Council is up for an award after promoting its work against anti-social behaviour including littering, fly-tipping, illegal encampments by travellers, nuisance bikers, graffiti and the ongoing menace of young people getting high on nitrous oxide canisters and the debris they leave behind.

The council's environmental enforcement team was recently announced as a finalist for Environmental Team of the Year in the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy Awards 2020. Nominations in this category are said to champion a team that is integral to an organisation, has an impact on the local area and continues to achieve top results.

IT'S that time of year again and this week Southend's Cliffs Pavilion launched its 2019 panto - once again featuring Thurrock's Ashley Banjo and the Diversity dance group.

It was a welcome return this year for the 2009 Britain's Got Talent winner and a refreshing change to see Robin Hood and The Merry Men (and women) as this year's panto.

A SOUTH Ockendon teenager has been recognised as "Young Talent of the Year" at the recent Essex TV awards.

Grace Brazier, 13, was given the accolade after being nominated by her teacher, Principal Julie Barker, from TipToe Stage School which has branches in Ockendon and Romford.