News in Thurrock

Belsize Park 38, Thurrock 17[.L]

THURROCK struggled with the windy, exposed conditions as they slumped to defeat in London's most central ground.

A DETAILED report on Thurrock Council levels of performance for the first half of the current financial year shows the authority missed more than one in four of the targets by which its achievements are measured.

Nevertheless, portfolio holder for central services, Cllr Jack Duffin, gave an upbeat analysis on the figures that were reported to this week's meeting of the authority's ruling cabinet.

WILDFLOWERS are set to proliferate in public spaces across Thurrock under an initiative confirmed by the borough council this week.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (8 December) evening, Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Thurock Council's portfolio holder for environment, sports and leisure, gave more details of the authority's plans, which were first highlighted by Thurrock Nub News in September, alongside plans to cut costs by cutting the number of staff in his department.

A LEADING Conservative activist in South Essex, with strong links to East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe and Thurrock councillors has dramatically resigned from the party on air during a radio interview in protest against the government's plans for tighter Covid restrictions.

Charlie Sansom, the chair of South Basildon Conservatives and a strong voice and campaigner inside the Basildon and Thurrock Conservative Federation told BBC Essex he did not agree with the Plan B proposals from the government.

A NEW drive-through and east-in restaurant will open in Thurrock tomorrow (Friday, 10 December.

Thurrock Nub News popped along to get a sneak preview of what's on offer at 'Tim Hortons' on the site of the former Pizza Hut at the Lakeside Retail park.

A CAMPAIGN by Thurrock Council to improve the image of Grays town centre and combat anti-social behaviour has been undermined by a video clip of one of its enforcement officers urinating in a public place in sight of residents and office workers.

The clip, which was filmed just before 9am on Monday, 6 December, shows a council enforcement officer entering a waste bin area close to the Queensgate building, which is overlooked by a number of offices and homes, and urinating.

A POPULAR local tearoom is offering a free brew to anyone who is lonely and would like to take up an opportunity to make new friends before Christmas.

The Cup and Saucer vintage tearoom at Walton Hall Farm near Linford is marking Friday, 17 December as 'Make a New Friend Day.

A THURROCK church and the hospice that serves the borough will benefit from an event organised by a long-serving community volunteer later this month.

St Luke's Hospice volunteer Mike Rawlinson has arranged a carol concert on Friday, 17 December at 7pm, in aid of St Luke's and the parish funds of the Church of Our Lady & St Joseph in Stanford-le-Hope, where the event will be held.

TWO Magnolia trees have been planted by Belhus and Ockendon Community Forum in recognition of community work carried out by Sonia Dewell and Father Peter Rabin.

Sonia has volunteered for many years clearing up Dilkes Park regularly, volunteering at Rural Horizons Country Park and looking after the flower beds in and around South Ockendon.

THURROCK'S lead councillor for housing has spoken of his 'delight' that planning permission has been controversially granted to demolish a large council house that had been adapted for disabled living and replace it with four smaller houses.

The bid to demolish the existing home, in Loewen Road, Chadwell St Mary, has been long running but was finally brought to its controversial conclusion at a planning meeting last week.