News in Thurrock

A DEVELOPER is challenging a decision by Thurrock Council's planning department to block his plans to create nine new flats on the site of a former motel.

Though the site consists of a number of longstanding temporary and permanent buildings already, planning officers decided the scheme would be an intrusion into the green belt.

A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting two men on a late-night service out of London.

The 24-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of two counts of sexual assault and four counts of common assault, British Transport Police said.

BRITISH Transport Police officers and revenue inspectors from train operator c2c have again targeted Stanford-le-Hope station in an operation to capture fare evaders.

Last month saw a first crackdown at the station, where work has halted on a major refurbishment.

POLICE are appealing for information after a man was robbed and viciously assaulted while walking close to a cemetery in Grays.

The victim, a 32-year-old man, reported that he was walking in High Street near to St Peter and St Paul Church between 10pm and 11pm on Friday 1 November when he was approached by three men.

THE manager of a borough community hall has taken to social media after being asked to take down Christmas decorations in order to secure a fundraising booking.

Gary Byrne, who is also an independent borough councillor, says he has had a request to book Homsteads Hall on Dunstable Road, Stanford-le-Hope, for a pre-Christmas function.

TIME will be turned back with vintage Christmas feeling at a market to be held in a borough school later this month.

The Dickensian Christmas Market at Gable Hall School, Southend Road, Corringham, will take place on Saturday, 14 December from 11am to 4pm.

YOUNGSTERS in Grays have been praised for giving up their time for others less fortunate than themselves.

Thurrock Volunteer Police cadets gave up part of their evening on Wednesday (4 December) to attend the civic offices in Grays and assist in sorting and wrapping presents for Thurrock Council's GiveAGift campaign.

OUTGOING East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe has once again organised his annual Christmas appeal - and children at Basildon Hospital will benefit.

Mr Metcalfe, who is standing for the Conservatives in the South Basildon and East Thurrock ward, says: "For most of us Christmas is a time for happy family celebrations and getting together with friends.

THE talents of a young musician have seen him crowned best in the borough and now he goes on to a regional final.

Sean Corrigan was the overall winner of this year's Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock's "Young Musician 2019" which was held at the Gateway Academy.

GRAYS-based Bright & Beautiful, an ethical and eco-friendly professional housekeeping franchise business, celebrated Christmas early this year by hosting a party to bring its elderly clients together to help reduce their social isolation and loneliness.

Together with volunteers from locally-based charity Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly) guests were invited to the Beehive Community Resource Centre in Grays to enjoy an afternoon of festivities - a sumptuous tea, gifts and entertainment from a couple of talented singers - Hollie-Blue and Richard Gillbody.