News in Thurrock

A lorry driver accused over the deaths of 39 migrants has pleaded guilty to plotting to assist illegal immigration.

Maurice Robinson, 25, who was allegedly part of a global smuggling ring, is also charged with the manslaughter of the group of men, women and children found dead in a refrigerated trailer.

TAXI drivers in Thurrock have welcomed news that Uber has been stripped of its licence to operate in London over safety breaches.

Transport for London has confirmed the decision and said the company had not been granted a new licence to operate in the capital after 'several breaches that placed passengers and their safety at risk' were identified.

Aveley Village Community Foundation will host the Aveley Christmas market on Sunday, 8 December in the High Street, running from 11am to 3pm.

There will be stalls, entertainment, Father Christmas and much more!

BOROUGH mayor Cllr Terry Piccolo has officially opened this year's 'Give a Gift' campaign.

Now in its fourth year, the Give a Gift project offers the opportunity for people to donate a Christmas present to a local child for whom Christmas can be a difficult time of year.

THURROCK Council has backed a scheme which is helping to spread out the cost of a new bike this festive season through the Tilbury ForwardMotion Cycle Hub's Christmas Club.

Thurrock residents and those living outside the borough can all benefit from the offer on any bike at the Tilbury Cycle Hub, which is based at 43 Calcutta Road and run by ForwardMotion – a collaborative initiative between Thurrock, Essex and Southend-on-Sea councils.

Supermarine 5, Thurrock T-Birds 35

AN in-form Thurrock T-Birds side made the long journey to Swindon to face Championship new girls Supermarine today (Sunday, 24 November), chasing chasing the bonus point victory to apply pressure at the top of the table.

THE Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock Youth Debate competition has once again taken place at Thurrock Council offices in Grays.

Nine teams from secondary schools from within the borough went head to head on a range of topics from 'Should the death penalty be legal', 'Zoos should be banned' and 'Should plastic be eradicated'.

THURROCK residents got another chance to meet with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn when he once again visited the borough today (Sunday, 24 November).

Mr Corbyn has been no stranger to Thurrock over recent years, visiting the marginal seat several times. Today, accompanied by Thurrock Labour councillors and a large number of activists, Mr Corbyn spoke on a number of issues including the state of the economy, Foodbanks, debt, education and Brexit.

Tilbury 1, Felixstowe & Walton United 1

DOCKERS and Felixstowe & Walton United had to settle for a share of the spoils following a 1-1 draw on a damp Saturday afternoon at Chadfields.

THE final service in Thurrock's sequence of remembrance events took place at Coalhouse Fort at East Tilbury this morning (Sunday, 24 November).

Borough mayor Cllr Terry Piccolo and former Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre, were among the dignitaries in attendance.