News in Thurrock

A SANTA'S Grotto will be created at popular Walton Hall Farm near Linford when families will be able to enjoy a pre-Christmas visit, which includes access to the play barn.

You will also be able to enjoy crafting in the Elves' workshop.

A MAN has been charged with human trafficking offences.

Christopher Kennedy, 23, was arrested on Friday 22 November in connection with a police enquiry in to the deaths of 39 Vietnamese nationals in a lorry trailer found in West Thurrock on 23 October.

RESIDENTS in the east of the borough have been reflecting on the performance of the four candidates for the coming general election.

All four took part in a hustings at St Margaret's Church, Stanford-le-Hope, organised by the local Transformation Thurrock group of church bodies when all four candidates for the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency answered questions from local people. A total of 14 questions were asked, and on one question all agreed. Say 'no' to the current proposal for Lower Thames Crossing.

A GRAYS man is set to stand trial charged with causing the death of his brother by dangerous driving.

Joe Benton, 20, of Ashley Gardens, Grays, has been charged with causing the death of James (Jimmy) Benton.

A POPULAR community venture is seeking volunteers after the retirement of a much valued member.

After three years Diane Duhamel has retired from volunteering duties with the Friends of Hardie Park in Stanford-le-Hope.

COUNCILLORS in Thurrock are expected to approve the appointment of a new boss of children's services following arguments over how much of a say they should have over major staffing decisions.

The appointment will be discussed during an extraordinary full council meeting on Wednesday and councillors will vote to approve the appointment of a new children's services director.

RESIDENTS in Aveley who have supported fundraising events at the local Co-op will get the chance to join in a celebration tomorrow (Saturday, 23 November).

The event runs from 11am and a store staff members said: We are celebrating all the money our community has made for good causes for feel free to pop in and have a chat and see how much you have helped raise."

'THE First Christmas' a free exhibition researched and presented by Thurrock Museum Volunteers will be in the ground floor exhibition space of the Thameside Complex in Grays from Monday, 9 December to Friday 27 December (closing at 11am on 27 December).

Food shortages were being felt and everyone was encouraged to 'dig for victory'. Gardens were turned over to vegetables, and many allotments sprung up. Rabbits, goats, pigs and chickens were kept for food. People had to adapt their meals to what was available.

THE book of condolence opened to allow people to pay their respects to the 39 would-be illegal immigrants who died in a container discovered in Eastern Avenue, West Thurrock, on Wednesday, 23 October will be closed at 5.15pm on Monday, 25 November.

Flowers, candles and ornaments have also been left in Mulberry Gardens, Grays, which was established as a temporary location for floral tributes. These, along with tributes left in Eastern Avenue, will be respectfully removed on Tuesday, 26 November and any cards and small ornaments will be kept with the book of condolence.

THANKS have been expressed to residents and businesses in Thurrock for their support of this year's Wings appeal in support of the Royal Air Force Association, which raised more than £7,000.

"I also thank the Grays town centre, Purfleet Heritage Centre and Military Museum, Horndon Feast and Fayre, the managers of Morrisons in Corringham and Grays, Sainsbury in Chafford Hundred, Coalhouse Fort and Lakeside, Langdon Hills, Mayflower and Pitsea Tescos.