29th October 2012

IS Thurrock in London or Essex? A silly question you may think, but given the strengthening of Thurrock Council’s management arrangements with the authority in Barking and Dagenham, I think it is time to have a proper debate about the future of Thurrock.

It is a question I find easy to answer. So far as I am concerned, Thurrock is the powerhouse of south Essex.

10th October 2012

IT WAS with some pride that I visited the new National Skills Academy for creative and cultural skills in Purfleet.

The academy will teach students all the disciplines required for staging and theatrical performance.

26th September 2012

NEXT week sees the first Opportunity Thurrock jobs fair. The brainchild of South Essex College and the heads of our secondary schools, it intends to showcase the many job opportunities in Thurrock.

Running from 9am to 9pm, the day is aimed at young people, the evening at adults. Some 70 businesses have signed up, but there is still room for more.

12th September 2012

LAST weekend I had the chance to visit Tilbury Riverside railway station, the subject of a bid for Heritage Lottery funding to turn the excellent Grade II building into a visitor attraction.

“By Thames to all peoples of the World” is our borough motto, but it strikes me that while the proximity to the River Thames is a major asset to our borough, we could make more of it as a tourist destination. I wish the Big Ocean Project every success in achieving that.

10th October 2012

JUST before Parliament broke up for the summer, Foreigh Secretary William Hague came to the House to announce a review of the powers of the European Union.

Given the excitement that Europe usually generates, I am surprised this attracted so little attention.

JUST before Parliament broke up for the summer, Foreigh Secretary William Hague came to the House to announce a review of the powers of the European Union.

Given the excitement that Europe usually generates, I am surprised this attracted so little attention.

SO the naysayers have been proved wrong. The Olympics have been an astonishing success, showcasing Britain to the world. Our athletes’ performance outclassed all expectations.

Everyone has their own view of what made the Games special for them, but here is my roll call of heroes and villains.

It is a widely held view that Grays town centre is in need of some love and I therefore welcome Thurrock Council’s interest in restoring the State Cinema.

The rejuvenation of Grays needs some serious leadership, thought and imagination – it won’t be achieved simply by the introduction of a loyalty card and a few bits of street furniture.

CONGRATULATIONS to all involved in putting on a fantastic event to celebrate the centenary of Tilbury town.

The beauty of the event is it was driven by the community, for the community and therein lies the secret of its success.

THIS weekend saw people up and down the country show their support for our servicemen and women on Armed Forces Day. Congratulations to all at in the Purfleet Heritage Centre on an excellent event.