News in Thurrock

ANGRY borough residents – and some supporters of the arts who had travelled to the borough to support a local protest – gathered at Thurrock Council's civic offices this evening to lobby councillors and call for the retention of the borough's theatre, which is earmarked for closure alongside other community services offered via the Thameside Complex in Grays.

An eclectic mix of performers, charity administrators, arts lovers and local residents gathered with placards and banners to make their point this evening (Wednesday, 21 July) – and engaged with councillors arriving for today's full council meeting.

IN the wake of this evening's consecutive 'full' meetings of Thurrock Council (caused by the abandonment of June's meeting because of technical difficulties), the authority's press team have released a number of releases highlighting the reports of senior councillors who have eulogised about how successful the council is.

For example, recently appointed education portfolio holder Cllr Barry Johnson champions the success of education in the borough, highlighting last year's academic results. The council is directly responsible for one school in the borough.

BOROUGH residents who are angry about the planned closure of Thurrock's Thameside Theatre and the disposal of the Thameside Complex will be making their point at a protest gathering today (Wednesday, 21 July).

It will take place outside the civic offices in New Road, Grays, from 5pm.

FOR the second time this week the Met Office has issued a 'severe weather warning' for the region.

Yesterday (Tuesday, 21 July) the alert was raised in anticipation of heavy rain, which duly arrived in some parts last evening.

A LOCAL paving company has helped a Tilbury family remember and pay tribute to a popular and much-loved town resident who died aged just 26 last month.

Lauren Gardner, known to many people as Lolly, died on Wednesday, 16 June and her passing was Continue Reading

COUNCIL workmen have cleared up and made a roadside area safe after a hit and run driver caused substantial damage after leaving the road in Purfleet.

The incident happened on Sunday when damage was caused to the bollards round the bus stop close to the junction of Marlow Avenue and Tank Hill Road.

Aveley 5, East Thurrock United 2

FORMER East Thurrock United player Alex Clark enjoyed a great evening against his former club when Aveley played host to the Rocks in a friendly at Parkside last night (Monday, 19 July).

ANGER and disappointment across the borough continues to grow over the ruling Thurrock Conservatives' proposal to shut down the Thameside Complex in Grays and with it the much-loved community theatre it houses.

A petition opposing the closure has now topped 2,000 signatures within three days of being launched.

BOROUGH MP Jackie Doyle-Price has spoken up on the need for a united fight against racism following criticism reported in a national newspaper over her views on the 'Black Lives Matter' campaign.

The Daily Mirror picked up on a recent visit by the Thurrock MP to the Harris Academy and claims there was 'uproar' after she shared her views with students as part of an address to students in which she discussed the recent European Football championships and England player 'Taking The Knee'.

A COMMUNITY event is to be held in the heart of Corringham next month which will help a children's cancer charity.

It will take place on Saturday, 7 August when Samantha Ralph, community champion at the town's Morrisons store, has organised a carnival outside the store and in the town square.