News in Thurrock

A THURROCK commuter certainly caught the eye of fellow travellers this morning (Friday, 29 October) as he travelled to London.

John Mason caught the 7.12am from Stanford-le-Hope to Fenchurch Street dressed as a cartoon gangster - raising money for the Alzheimers Society.

THRILL seekers and spook watchers in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham have been given a step-by-step guide to where to see the most haunting experiences for this Halloween weekend.

Halloween enthusiast Jannine Helps has put together a map showing many of the decorated houses and sites in the town and surrounding area.

THURROCK Nub News is pleased to highlight the efforts of one of our sponsorship partners, Vert, which is helping to combat the menace of air pollution in the borough.

In September Nub News reported on the launch of Grays-based Vert, the latest string on the bow of borough-based entrepreneur Dacian Keran and his business partners.

THE Queen Elizabeth II bridge at Dartford celebrates its 30th anniversary this weekend.

Built at a cost of £120m and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in October 1991 it was the first bridge to be built at an entirely new location along the river Thames for more than 50 years. For a short time it was also the longest single span bridge in Europe measuring over 2,872 metres long.

THURROCK planning councillors have this evening (Thursday, 28 October) approved plans for a new secondary school in Grays.

The contentious plan has been five years in the making since approval was given by the government for new schools in the borough, but it has been criticised by local residents who fear it was cause significant traffic problems in an area that already has five schools.

PERMISSION has been granted for a contentious development of 32 flats in an apartment block in the heart of Stanford-le-Hope.

Councillors had deferred a decision at their last meeting in the hope of changes from the applicants and one major concession granted by the developers to alleviate local concerns is that the site in the Sand Pits car park in King Street will provide 42 short term parking spaces that will be free for three hours.

THURROCK Council planning officers were accused of favouring the 'big boys' and not supporting local builders at tonight's (Thursday, 28 October) meeting of the authority's planning committee.

Cllr Gary Byrne laid down a challenge to officers during consideration of an application to build six houses on land adjoining Balgownie Farm on Lower Dunton Road near Horndon on the Hill.

THE Thurrock man accused of murdering two teenage boys in Brentwood has made a second appearance in court.

Frankie Watson, 19 of Baker Street, Orsett, appeared before magistrates in Southend yesterday (Wednesday, 27 October), who referred him to Basildon Crown Court because of the serious nature of the charges.

EAST Thurrock United showed great resilience during their trip to Margate for this evening's (Tuesday, 26 October) Isthmian Premier fixture, but in the end went down to two late goals.

In contrast to Saturday's 8-0 home capitulation against Enfield Town, the Rocks held their own at Hartsdown Park, keeping the clash goalless at half time.

A DECISION could finally be made tonight on the planning application to build a new block of 32 flats in the heart of Stanford-le-Hope.

At last month's meeting councillors were poised to reject the application on a number of grounds but in the end decided to give the developers the chance to amend their proposal and, among contentious issues, offer free parking to shoppers in the town centre.