News in Thurrock

THURROCK has one of the highest levels of tobacco smoking in the UK, it has been revealed.

Thurrock councillors are set to get to grips with the problem, one of the main causes of preventable deaths across the country, when the borough's health and wellbeing board meets next week to discuss a strategy for dealing with the issue.

After a summer recess when sports fans were revitalised by England's passage to the Euro finals, the return of Wimbledon, a Lions tour and a delayed Olympics, Ralph Henderson has returned to the pages of Thurrock Nub News to reflect on the latest developments in the world of rugby.

"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure dome decree

Where Alph, the sacred river ran

Through caverns measureless to man

Down to a sunless sea."

THERE will be two more return trips to London from Tilbury via a Thames Clipper Uber boat this coming weekend (28 and 29 August).

The new service, which is being trialled with the possibility of making it a permanent service and earlier trips this month, sold out.

THE opening day is drawing nearer for the new St Luke's Hospice in Thurrock – built in return for permission to build dozens of houses in the green belt.

The decision to allow the new housing estate off Lower Dunton Road near Horndon on the Hill was a highly controversial one but with many of Redrow Homes' executive houses now built and occupied, the public part of the bargain is to about to come to fruition.

WARD councillors are celebrating after winning a planning battle against new telephone mast.

Leading the campaign against the 15 metre mast which was planned for a pavement on Dunstable Road in Stanford-le-Hope, close to the Homesteads Hall was independent Cllr Gary Byrne, who worked closely with fellow councillor, Conservative James Halden, to focus attention on the application.

STANFORD-le-Hope has officially welcomed its new vicar with the licencing service taking place at St Margaret's Church for Rev Tom Rout.

The service was well attended by parishioners but also broadcast live on social media.

A NEW drive through restaurant that will create up to 50 jobs is to open in West Thurrock as the latest venue from a North American chain.

Iconic Canadian restaurant brand, Tim Hortons is making a name for itself in Essex, announcing the arrival of two new restaurants this winter.

A CHARITY event will be taking place in the car park of the Grays Morrisons store on Saturday (28 August)

Staff at the store will be are teaming up with Thurrock Foodbank and Friends of Essex & London Homeless and are going to attempt to fill a car park space with groceries.

ALL three borough sides who retain an interest in the FA Cup were drawn away in today's first qualifying round draw.

Tilbury will have to wait until tomorrow evening (Tuesday, 23 August) to know their opponents.

DESPITE a second half attempted comeback, Grays Athletic bowed out of the FA Cup at the preliminary round stage, losing on the road this afternoon (Sunday, 22 August).

The win was something of a giant-killing for Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Baldock Town who play at Arlsey's Hitchin Road ground but have lost their first two league matches this season.