News in Thurrock

A FIRE at West Ham station has had a significant impact on rail services on the c2c line this evening (Monday, 28 February)

Services on the Thurrock loop, both east and west bound, are the worst affected - with a number of services cancelled.

AFTER a second day of deliberation without reaching a verdict, the jury in the murder trial of Grays woman Cheryl Banks has been sent home and will return for more deliberations tomorrow (Tuesday, 1 March).

The 12 jurors retured to consider their verdict on Friday lunchtime after hearing four previous days of evidence.

PURFLEET-on-Thames looks a little bit tidier after the weekend efforts of a group of litter pickers.

The clean-up event, organised by the local forum, should have taken place a couple of weeks ago but was delayed because the impact of successive storms.

Harpenden 32, Thurrock 24

ONCE again on Saturday (19 Februrary) Thurrock travelled to Redburn Place with a severely depleted team and produced what was arguably the performance of the season!

RESIDENTS of Grays tower blocks have raised concerns after learning Thurrock Council is to romove locks on drying rooms in the buildings.

They were alerted to the change in letters from the council which say the authority is following a recommendation from the fire service.

THURROCK Council is seeking the help of parents and carers and it examines its strategy for child care across the borough.

It is the latest in a number os surveys on the subject and follows a presvious suvery into the future of two council-run nurseries in Tilbury, which looked set for closure but public interest and an 'overwhelming response' prompted a reconsideration and it now looks like they will go into the private sector.

FIREFIGHTERS were alerted and attended a fire at the Kier Hardie tower block in Blackshots, Grays, last night (Sunday, 27 February).

Corridors were filled with smoke from the small fire, reported to have been started by an electric bike that overheated while being recharged around 10.30pm.

EXPECTATIONS that the jury in the trial of Grays woman Cheryl Banks, who has admitted killing her 89-year-old mother, would be able to deliver a murder or manslaughter verdict today (Thursday, 24 February) were thwarted by another overrunning case in Reading.

Since Monday, Basildon Crown Court has been the setting for witnesses and experts giving evidence and being cross examined and the claims and counter claims of prosecution and defence counsel heard by the jury.

TWO initiatives will be launched by Thurrock Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) tomorrow (Monday, 28 February) offering financial support to local community projects.

'Small Sparks' is a community fund that can be used to support local events, clubs and activities in Thurrock. Applications for a maximum of £250, which must be match funded and include a group of people or neighbours, can be made to the CVS.

A THEATRE group is calling on talented youngsters in the borough community to take part in auditions for a forthcoming production of Peter Pan at the Thameside Theatre on Orsett Road in Grays.

Rare Productions are performing Peter Pan at the Thameside Theatre on 28-30 April 2022 and are looking for both children and young adults to perform in the show.