News in Thurrock

A DETECTIVE sergeant for Essex Police has been dismissed by the force after being caught drink driving last year.

Concerned members of the public rang the police to alert them to then-Detective Sergeant Philip Greaves' driving on July 8, 2020.

THERE may still be doubts about when theatres will be reopening, with Thurrock Council being particularly circumspect about the reopening of the Thameside Theatre in Grays, but local groups are beginning to get back into action in anticipation of being able to tread the boards once more.

Rare Productions will shortly be hosting two open auditions for a production of the musical Matilda planned for Grays' Thameside Theatre between 11 and 13 November.

A 49-year-old woman from Stanford-le-Hope has been barred from entering premises in King Street in the town while she awaits trial on charges of harassment and fraud.

Amiee Antonia Moss of Ellie Close, is alleged to have harassed Toyah Oughton on several ocassions at locations in Stanford-le-Hope last March and April.

THURROCK Council workers who suffer miscarriages could soon be able to take paid leave.

The council has drawn up a plan to allow anyone who suffers a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy time at home to fully recover.

A LEADING light in the campaign to oppose - or at the very least mediate the impact of the planned Lower Thames Crossing that would carve a route through the heart of Thurrock - has welcomed a public hearing currently underway and praised fellow campaigners who have funded a legal challenge to the government's road investment strategy.

A hearing that starts today (Monday, 28 June) and will last for two days, has been brought about because the Transport Action Network (TAN) campaign says transport minister Grant Shapps, broke the law when law when he gave the green light to the governments future plans without giving adequate thought to the impact on the environment.

IN the wake of news yesterday (Monday, 28 June) that Grays town centre is to get close to half a million pounds spent on improving security and lighting, there has been another potential boost for the borough's civic capital with another announcement from Thurrock Council.

At statement issued this morning says plans to deliver a safer and improved crossing adjacent to Grays rail station have 'progressed to the next stage'.

THURROCK'S recently-elected mayor has paid a visit to two schools in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham to see how the students are settling in after half-term.

Mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick was first taken on an extensive tour of Ortu Gable Hall School by headteacher Ceri Evans and saw some of the students at work. They were both accompanied by Dr Sophina Asong, CEO of the Ortu Federation, Steve Nash, Chairman of the Trust Board, and Georgina Clark, Vice Chair of the Trust and Chair of Ortu Gable Hall.

THE woman who was appointed to the newly-created joint role of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive three and a half years ago is to stand down after announcing her pending retirement.

The appointment of Jo Turton by then newly-installed Fire Commissioner Roger Hirst, whose role as the county's police and crime officer had been extended to cover the fire service, came with some controversy.

RESIDENTS in Purfleet have damned Thurrock Council for failing to empty bins, creating litter-strewn compounds that have become an attraction for vermin.

The problem has been mounting in the Caspian Way area where apartment owners have to use communal bin sites, but over recent weeks they have bemoaned a lack of collections.

"The addition of more CCTV and lighting will not only deter criminal behaviour but will also improve the feeling of safety for everyone in the community".