News in Thurrock

A BOROUGH school has been celebrating the announcement that it has started the new year with a 'good' rating following an Ofsted inspection.

Orsett Church of England Primary School, which is part of the Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Multi-Academy Trust, was visited by inspectors in late November and, while the outcome of their visit was known before Christmas to school staff, it has now been made public.

AS demolition crews tear down its former premises, Thurrock Adult Community College has launched its new range of course offers for the coming year, with training and development opportunities to engage residents of all ages and abilities.

The college, which vacated its former site on Richmond Road in Grays last, which is being torn down to make way for housing developments, has relocated to a part of South Essex College in the town and other centres across the borough.

A BOROUGH councillor has condemned vandals who ripped down safety barriers within 24 hours of their installation in his ward.

Chadwell St Mary Cllr Adam Carter spoke up today (Wednesday, 19 January) after gates installed to protect pedestrians from bike riders on a local footpath were wrecked.

THURROCK Council's cabinet member for housing, Cllr Luke Spillman, says there is no longer any necessity for anyone to be without shelter in the borough and there are no longer any 'rough sleepers' within its borders.

He says help is at hand for every single rough sleeper who wants to get off the street and into accommodation.

ONE of the architects of plans to close down Thurrock's Thameside Theatre and the wider Thameside complex in Grays has been waxing lyrically today (Tuesday, 18 January) about an event to mark its golden anniversary!

Communities portfolio holder Cllr Deb Huelin has been one of the leading councillors in the spotlight, targeted and criticised by campaigners who are battling to keep the building alive.

East Thurrock United 2, Coggeshall Town 6

DESPITE taking an early lead East Thurrock's grip on the Essex Senior Cup, which they won when it was last contested to a conclusion three seasons ago, ended with a heavy defeat to lower league opposition this evening (Tuesday, 18 January).

THURROCK Council has failed to meet another landmark deadline for one of its showcase projects.

Following years of broken promises on major infrastructure projects including the A13 widening and Stanford-le-Hope rail station, the authority had set great store by the building of its multi-million pound civic offices extension, which includes a new council chamber.

AN ongoing joint operation between Thurrock Council and Essex Police to tackle illicit use of unlet council garages saw 89 garages searched and one vehicle seized.

The operation was launched last summer to make sure that unlet council garages are not being used to store nuisance or stolen vehicles.

DESPITE being found to offer a service that was caring, effective and responsive a small domiciliary care agency based in Thurrock has been told it 'requires improvement' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after it was inspected for the first time.

Universal Complex Care, which is managed from its base at Oak Road in Grays by Precious Masawi offers care for people aged over 65 in their own home. At the time of inspection, six people were using the service. This service was registered with the CQC on 19 October 2020 and this is its first inspection, with inspectors visiting last November.

Aveley 1, Barking 3

AVELEY'S interest in the Essex Senior Cup ended with a hope defeat this evening (Monday, 17 January) at the hands of near neighbours Barking in the fourth round.