News in Thurrock

A MAN currently in jail and serving a long sentence for crimes including rape, attempted rape, assault, criminal damage and threats to kill has been ordered to repay £553,772 in illegal profits taken from a self storage business on green belt land in Bulphan, without planning permission.

Paul Ballard, formerly of Theydon Bois, Essex, has been ordered to repay £553,772 in illegal profits taken from the business and the sale of the land at Burrows Farm, Brentwood Road, Bulphan.

"Well little lies often lead to bigger lies. And lying can become a habit." Reflections on truth in the council chamber.

GRAYS Athletic enjoyed success in the third round of the BBC Essex Senior Cup on Tuesday (14 December) with a 2-0 away win against Waltham Abbey.

Blues boss Paul Joynes took his side to Capershotts, where he was once manager, and a goal in each half against the Abbots - who currently ply their trade in the Southern League central division.

BUSINESSES that have already been badly affected by the A13 widening programme have been told by contractors Kier that disruption could go on until May.

The roadworks have been taking place for three years and after a number of delays to the project, Thurrock Council - which commissioned the work - projected a final completion date this month, December 2021.

A CAFE and sandwich bar in Grays is planning to become a takeaway pizza venue.

An application has been submitted to Thurrock Council to turn the Freshfill Snack Bar on Orsett Road to Starboys Grill.

YOUNGSTERS at 2 Little Birds Preschool, based in Grays have been supporting the Friends of Essex and London Homeless with their rucksack appeal.

The preschool, located on Chestnut Avenue, received a donation of rucksacks in the summer from Costco and they have been put to good use.

BOTH borough Conservative MPs, Jackie Doyle-Price and Stephen Metcalfe voted against elements of the government's Covid Plan B proposals in this evening's (Tuesday, 14 December) vote in the Commons.

Before the votes, Prime Minister made a last-minute plea to his MPs to support the government's Plan B measures, but Conservative backbenchers lined up during the debate to criticise them.

Thurrock Labour councillors have slammed Conservative proposals for planning to introduce parking charges for residents visiting local parks. .

PLANNING officers have stepped in and refused a retrospective planning application for a home extension already built at a home in Chadwell St Mary.

They have acted following a complaint about the four metre extension at the home at 77 Cole Avenue.

RESIDENTS in South Ockendon are looking forward to a visit from Santa tomorrow evening.

Members of the Rotary Club of Mar Dyke Valley will be taking their sleight around the area from 6pm.