News in Thurrock

GRAYS Athletic grabbed the derby bragging rights, the points and a place at the top of the Isthmian North after beating their landlords Aveley 2-1 at Parkside this afternoon.

After the game though, it was announced that manager Jim Cooper is leaving the Blues, retiring after a long career in the police force and managing in non-League.

IN-form Grays Athletic and Aveley clash in one of the Isthmian League's bank holiday matches of the day at Parkside this afternoon (Monday, 30 August).

Both go into the derby at Parkside on the back of impressive wins at the weekend.

Thurrock Council has struck a deal with a private company that is buying properties in the borough that will be sused to alleviate the social housing shortage.

Exclusive

AFTER almost two years of bullish talk about the benefits of Thurrock Council's borrow-to-invest policy, its chief financial officer has now briefed councillors that the strategy will have a negative impact on the council's financial position in coming months and years and will 'make the council's financial position worse'.

CASH-strapped Thurrock Council may have backtracked on plans it announced to cut up 500 jobs in a bid to cut costs over the next two years. But the issue is clouded through a lack of direct information with staff saying they are kept kept in the dark about their futures, though the council says more clarity may emerge later, in September.

In June Thurrock Nub News reported on details of a plan approved by the ruling Conservative administration to make cuts to its budget.

ONE in four jobs at Thurrock Council may be cut over the next two years under a new austerity programme due to be debated by leading councillors next week.

Over the past 36 hours Thurrock Nub News has reported on the planned cost-saving measures the cash-strapped council says it has to make, despite its much-reported boasting over the past two or three years about how effective its 'borrow to invest' strategy has been and how it has protected the authority.

DESPITE an attempt by Thurrock Council's leading finance councillor to put a positive spin on the future, a report to cabinet next week will paint a bleak future.

As reported on Thurrock Nub News yesterday (Tuesday, 29 June) the council is already planning selling off or closing assets including the Thameside Theatre and Grangewaters activity centre.

A CHARITY event held in Grays has been hailed a big success.

The Morrisons store in the town played host yesterday (Saturday, 28 August) to a collection of goods and cash for two local good causes.

TOMORROW'S Bank Holiday (Monday, 30 August) will bring a further opportunity for people to visit the outdoor art and sound installation on the pontoon walkway at the International Cruise Terminal on the Thames at Tilbury.

Tilbury Bridge Walkway of Memories is a site-specific art installation, comprised of images, documents, audio recordings and memorabilia on 432 panes of glass, adorning one of the bridges that passengers of the Empire Windrush first walked across as they entered Britain in 1948.

THURROCK Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill has flagged up an increase in the number of under 18s testing positive for Covid-19 in the borough.

In his weekly social media message to residents Cllr Gledhill says: "As parents and children across the borough get ready for the return to school, it's a good time to reflect on the importance of continuing to follow the current government guidance and ensuring that everyone who is eligible for a vaccine is getting one.