News in Thurrock

A GRAYS couple have been charged with running a kennels without a licence.

Jay Hayers, 30, of Chadwell Road, Grays and Susan York, 56, of the same address have been charged with providing or arranging for the provision of boarding for dogs, without the authority of a licence for that purpose issued under section 13 of the Act.

MORE pedestrian crossings and safer road improvements close to school could take place in the borough if the hopes of two local councillors are fulfilled.

In the wake of an accident last week that saw an 11-year-old boy injured as he attempted to cross a busy South Ockendon Road, a pledge of prompt remedial action by Thurrock Council has been welcomed - but it is hoped it is only the first step.

THE next meeting (which will be a virtual one) of the Thurrock Soup group will be on Thursday, 29 October, with the virtual doors opening at 7pm and the event starting 15 minutes later.

Thurrock Soup Group is an opportunity for people with bright ideas for business to get together and share their thoughts - with a cash prize for the idea which participants vote is the best on the night.

THURROCK community advocate Rob Groves, CEO of Friends of Hardie Park in Stanford-le-hope is handing over the reins this week to their Board of Trustees to oversee the future development of Hardie Park.

From a local resident picking rubbish before work in 2009 to now, Rob has taken action, empowered local residents, recruited volunteers and encouraged similar groups around the borough to start doing the same. The park is now enjoyed by all generations.

PLANS have been received at Thurrock Council's planning department to add a new two bedroom home on the corner plot of a local junction.

The plan is for a new home on a side plot adjacent to the junction of Dell Road and Rookwood Close in Grays on the site of an existing extension to a property.

POLICE have been pumping additional officers into patrols at Lakeside's shopping centre in the wake of clashes between shoppers and staff over the wearing of masks to prevent and contain coronavirus infection.

A police presence was stepped up in response to reports of shop staff being abused by people refusing to wear face coverings.

THE head of a Thurrock secondary academy says she believes schools are not getting enough credit for what they are trying to achieve in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on teaching.

Joanne Williams is head teacher at Ortu Hassenbrook Academy in Stanford-le-Hope and she has spoken out after the school re-opened at the beginning of September, after being closed since 21 March.

A GROUP of youngsters were busy over the weekend, tidying up planters in their local town centre.

2nd Stanford-le-Hope Toomai Cub Pack Saturday Groups loved putting something back into the local community.

A shop opened with a champagne celebration at the weekend, bringing a local family together in a business venture that they literally hope will clean up.

THE mum of a Thurrock boy who was hurt when in collision with a car as he attempted to cross the road to attend the Harris Ockendon Academy has spoken of her pride in her son and thanked the local community for caring for him.

Logan Taylor, 11, was injured outside the school where he is a Year seven pupil on Thursday morning (24 September). He was taken to Basildon & Thurrock Hospital but his injuries proved not to be serious and he is home.