News in Thurrock

A SEVEN goal derby triumph for Aveley and a defeat for the overnight leaders Stowmarket means the Millers sit top of the Isthmian North this evening.

Aveley took a while to get into their stride against bottom club Romford at Parkside this afternoon but once Alex Akrofi put them ahead on 20 minutes when he hooked home Jon Benton's corner there was no looking back.

DETECTIVES investigating a serious assault in Tilbury are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

It was reported members of the public found the victim, a man in his 30s, had been found injured in Feenan Highway shortly before 9.45pm yesterday (Sunday, 2 January).

CASH-saving measures proposed by Thurrock Council to scrap school buses for children include the option of encouraging pupils to cycle or walk on a country road - which a school has already branded as 'too dangerous' in its travel plan.

Parents and ward councillors in East Tilbury have already expressed significant concern about a Thurrock Council proposal to scrap the provision of a free bus service for youngsters in the village to St Clere's School in nearby Stanford-le-Hope.

FIRE crews rescued and revived an elderly man from a house fire in Chadwell St Mary overnight.

The lifesaving drama was played out when crews were alerted to the blaze at a property on Bowerman Road at 2.24 in the early hours of today (Monday, 3 January) and found the first floor of a two-storey house was 50 per cent alight.

RESIDENTS in the Bulphan area have expressed concern about a large fire that appeared to be fueled by the burning of waste material on an industrial site near their homes.

The large blaze at the Burrows Farm site of Simms Milling on the A128 started on New Year's Day and was visible for some distance from the site. Smoke and smells from the fire affected local residents who called the fire service a number of times, resulting in two visits to the scene by a fire crews.

BOROUGH residents and visitors to the Thameside Nature Park at Mucking have spoken of their anger and frustration after vandals went of a spree of destruction, tearing down fencing, breaking fence posts and cutting wires.

The damage will cost around £3,000 to repair and there has also been considerable harm caused to the local habitat.

THURROCK'S all out bid to attract more foster carers, which included a current advertising campaign on Sky TV's channels including the pay-for-view Atlantic platform, is paying dividends, a committee of councillors will hear this week.

Following a concerted campaign, 11 new foster carers are currently being assessed with a view to helping youngsters.

THE Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for the south East of England, saying residents should be prepared for heavy rain this afternoon (Sunday, 2 January).

It says a band of thunderstorms will move quickly eastwards, perhaps leading to some localised disruption.

THERE was New year's Day disappointment for all the borough non-League sides today, though Tilbury might be best pleased of the four having grabbed a second half equaliser to thwart Aveley's derby-winning hopes.

The visiting Millers took the lead after nine minutes through Alex Akrofi's glancing header but they were denied the win when Tilbury sub Igli Metalia scored for the Dockers nine minutes from time, no doubt much to the delight of Dockers boss Keith Rowland in his first clash against the club that dispensed with his services just a couple of months ago.

DESPITE a pantheon of community service and achievement during the past year, Thurrock was largely bypassed in this year's New Year's Honours list.

There are borough connections to at least three recipients of awards, including the mother of East Thurrock and South Basildon MP, Stephen Metcalfe.