News in Thurrock

Massively delayed and overspent A13 widening project will run into next year council chief concedes and new financial target is set - but there are no details.

IN a bid to save cash Thurrock Council is planning to cut seven full time jobs from its showcase 'cleaner, greener' environmental teams.

Since taking control of the council more than five years ago, Thurrock Conservatives have championed their commitment to the upkeep of the borough's streets and parks but now, as the cash-strapped authority faces up to the task of balancing its books to bridge a funding shortfall of more than £34 million, it appears sacrifices will have to be made.

A NEW outlet offering affordable children's clothing for struggling families has opened at lakeside regional shopping centre, where it will remain until 1 November and possibly longer if the pilot scheme is successful.

This initiative is a partnership between a not for profit group which is awaiting charity registration that supports families within the Havering, Barking, Dagenham, Redbridge and Thurrock areas.

CLIMATE protestors from the Insulate Britain campaign group attempted to disrupt traffic on the M25 and feeder roads in Thurrock this morning (Thursday, 30 September).

Police were on hand and tackled the protest on junction 30 at around 8.15am in a bid to minimise its impact.

A report to councillors next week says the botched and overspent A13 project will now run into 2022.

THURROCK'S police officers found themselves on the ball and the centre of attention at the weekend – on a local sports court.

On Sunday, all of the borough force's community policing team were deployed to #Corringham and Stanford for proactive patrolling.

Romford 1, Tilbury 2

A LATE goal from Joe Wright secured an Isthmian North victory for Tilbury in their derby with Romford at Mayesbrook Park this evening (Wednesday, 29 September).

A NIGHT of talent and opportunity is promised at the Fox pub on Orsett Heath on Friday night (1 October).

Thames Delta Radio, which together with its sister Quest Music Services operation has recently moved from the Thameside Complex to Grays Hall, hosts monthly and weekly, live music in and around South Essex.

THE campaign to stop Thurrock Council's plans to close or sell off the Grangewaters Outdoor Education Centre continues to gain momentum – bolstered by news that the council has acknowledged the facility is an 'Asset of Community Value' after pressure from borough's Yacht Club.

That means if the council follows through on its intention to dispose of the site, as part of a fire sale of assets as the cash-strapped authority attempts to rebalance its financial future, community organisations must be given the right to bid.

A PLEA has gone in to Thurrock Council to stop the planned sale or possible closure of the Grangewaters activity centre.

The council plans to sell assets to bridge the shortfall in its funding were reported on Thurrock Nub News last month. Grangewaters is included on the list.