LABOUR opposition councillors were grumbling about the new housing contract awarded to Morrisons (There will be more about that in January) as well as the £125k post for an assistant chief executive (whatever happened to that?)
St Clere’s school had a superb Ofsted with many “Outstanding” features.
We interviewed mild mannered film-maker Joseph Bull from Chadwell whose fascinating portfolio included the video for Warwick Avenue by Duffy.
The Royal Opera House were producing great work in the schools such as ninety minute operas at Grays school. The words No Masts on Chafford first came to the fore.
St Luke’s hosted a starlight and stiletto walk at Lakeside.
The recession starts to bite with job losses at the addiction advisory service Oasis in Orsett Road, Grays. Thurrock is also named as a repossession hotspot in a survey.
The fall-out from the controversial planning committee meeting sees a vote of no confidence in Thurrock Council leader Garry Hague is placed on the agenda by..wait for it…a member of his own party. Former leader Ann Cheale! Cllr Cheale is expelled from the party as the Tories put on a brave front.
The voluntary sector are under threat with organisations such as Council for Voluntary Sector, Ngage and Trust worried about their funding.
A Zimbabwean politician, John Nyamande, who lived for a short time in Thurrock, died in a car crash and the Thurrock community said farewell to a dear dear friend in Luz Tacon.
Troubled Grays nightclub Entourage closes its doors. Later on in the year it is to re-open as a place of worship.
Februarys’ council meeting was tremendous theatre with a number of passionate speeches especially from veteran John Everett and Labour’s Lynn Worrall.
Was Tory leader Garry Hague under pressure? Judge for yourself by this interview straight after the turbulent three hour meeting.
