News in Thurrock

THURROCK Council has pledged to replace a huge tree it has removed from the centre of a borough cemetery.

The council recently mounted an operation to remove the 150-year-old cedar tree in Grays New Cemetery, reporting that it had died.

THERE was a special feeling around the Thameside complex in Grays this evening (Tuesday, 5 October, when musical theatre returned to its threatened theatre's stage.

Highly acclaimed borough-based TOPs on Stage finally brought their production of Lionel Bart's 'Oliver' to life after 18 months of waiting.

Shelford 15, Thurrock 3

THURROCK travelled to Cambridge on Saturday looking to capitalise on their improving form and reduced injury list against London One North pacesetters Shelford.

IT'S back to the drawing board for a controversial Thurrock Council housing proposal that caused residents' outrage and condemnation of the authority.

Plans first mooted several years ago by the council to develop former allotment land close to Belmont Road in Grays sparked significant public opposition, particularly from residents of Parker Road who feared increased traffic congestion on a residential road that already suffers parking and access problems as it is the access to a local primary school – the Belmont Castle academy.

RESIDENTS have warned they will be watching any moves by Thurrock Council, who appear to have backed down in a long-running dispute over access to a housing development site.

The long-running feud between council and residents in the Belmont road area of Grays has produced lots on public protest and animosity, ultimately culminating in the council reviewing its plans for the site – and access to it.

THE Thurrock-based South Essex Wildlife Hospital is hoping local folk will rally round and help in its efforts to save hedgehogs.

In August Thurrock Nub News reported on the hospital's survey to try and find new areas where hedgehogs could be released safely.

THE much anticipated return to the boards at Thurrock's Thameside Theatre in Grays by musical theatre group TOPS on Stage happens this week with their performance of Lionel Bart's 'Oliver'.

The musical will run from Tuesday, 5 October to Saturday, 9 October.

LARGE sections of Thurrock's Civic Offices in Grays continue to be out of bounds following a major water leak that happened three weeks ago.

Last month several meetings, including a packed full council meeting, were cancelled or moved because of the leak which took place in the ground floor café of the three storey section of the council building which also houses the civic chamber.

A DERBY rivalry will be renewed on Tuesday (5 October) evening when Aveley make the short trip to Brentwood Town in the Isthmian North.

The Millers, with just one win in their last five league matches, will be seeking to rekindle early season optimism after a disappointing result at the weekend when they went down 4-3 at Bury Town and slipped to 12th in the table.

POLICE have now confirmed the death of a motorbike rider in the accident that closed one of the Dartford crossing tunnels for much of the day, causing severe delays to the crossing from the south.

This evening (Monday, 4 October) a statement from Kent Police gave details of the fatal incident and says its investigators, who spent much of the day working at the crash site, are appealing for information.