News in Thurrock

A PLAQUE is to be unveiled in Tilbury next week to honour the memory of a stalwart of the town.

SIGNIFICANT changes are being considered to Thurrock Council's waste collection services - with a focus on improving the performance of recycling.

Currently the council is failing in its bid to meet national goals and the performance against target has actually deteriorated in recent years.

IN the wake of official criticism of the maternity service provided at Basildon & Thurrock Hospital, the Trust that runs regional hospitals says that changes to the service mean less is more!

Maternity services across Mid & South Essex Hospitals Trust are adopting the Continuity of Carer model – under which six to eight midwives work together in the community – meaning mums-to-be will now be receiving care from the same small team of midwives before, during and after the birth of their child.

POPULAR attraction Festival Leisure Park at Basildon has recently been awarded the Visit England "We're Good To Go" industry standard and consumer mark, recognising businesses adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance around COVID-19.

The "We're Good to Go" stamp of approval reassures guests the destination is safe, after Festival Leisure Park carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and ensured all necessary safety measures have been taken to support social distancing and maintain cleanliness.

SOUTH Essex College is calling all maritime employers with a message about employment opportunities.

It is asking: "Have you thought about hiring an apprentice? Do you need an engineer to maintain your vessel? Why not train a young person in the industry at the same time and give them the opportunity to secure a lifelong career?"

PARENTS and residents in Thurrock have received a message of reassurance from Essex Police following growing concerns expressed on social media that predators have been seen approaching or attempting to abduct children near local schools.

Incidents have been reported to have happened at a number of schools in Grays and Chadwell St Mary and suspicious activity reported in other areas of the borough.

THE infection rate of coronavirus and the death toll in the borough featured in a report by the borough's leading councillor for health this week.

Cllr Allen Mayes, portfolio holder for health, reported to a meeting of the full council that the authority is doing 'an excellent job' protecting the health and well-being of the borough's residents.

RESIDENTS living next to a controversial construction site say they are going into yet another weekend fearing it will be spoiled by workers continuing to breach building control orders.

The site of the the Sergo Logistics Park in Purfleet has been a point of contention since its creation was first mooted in a planning application.

DRUGS with a street value of at least £40,000 and £25,000 in cash were seized during a fortnight of targeted action against the region's drugs gangs and criminals involved in violent crime.

Seventy-six arrests were made between 14 September and 27 September during a number of operations across Essex, with a particular focus in the south of the county including Thurrock.

THE thoughtfulness of a Thurrock store worker has resulted in a £500 boost for the borough's Foodbank charity.

Amy Jarman, who works for Homesense Thurrock at the Lakeside Retail Park nomimnated Thurrock Foodbank for support from the TK Maxx and Homesense Foundation.