Her retirement makes way for the Conservatives to regain the seat after the lady mayor left the party after tabling a vote of no confidence in Tory leader Garry Hague. YT understands the political assistant to Jackie Doyle Price and Stephen Metcalfe, Mark Coxshall is due to contest the seat for the Conservatives.
The charity Trust have set up the Trust Football Club as an innovative way to encourage disadvantaged or isolated young people to engage with each other and the community.
When finally I asked the Portfolio Holder if she supported Academies, her reply was that she thought that successful schools becoming Academies were a way to creating Grammar Schools by stealth. Yet the Ockendon Academy is not a selective school and has repeatedly said that they have not changed their admissions policy. They are, and will remain, the local school for Ockendon children and will continue to serve their local community. Unfortunately the political dogma of Cllr Diana Hales is obstructing the ambition of the Ockendon Academy and Ockendon children.
THE MUCH-LOVED Thurrock Traffic Light Club faces closure after losing its funding in the latest round of cuts by Thurrock Council. The club, which has been running for twelve years and has 143 members is one of the most popular in Thurrock.
WE ARE not sure if it is a fond farewell or not but the doors to Grays magistrates court closed for the last time yesterday. For many instead of regeneration coming to Grays town centre it is another facility closing down just like the Marks and Spencers, McDonalds and indeed Grays Athletic Football Club.
ONE OF the most enigmatic lines in music has to be: "You can check out anytime but you can never leave" from The Eagles Hotel California. You can hear that song alongside many other classics as Eagles tribute band Talon play the Thameside Theatre.
"The monies being clawed back are earmarked for the construction of a new eight classroom block which has been planned since January 2009. The Council is fully aware of the school’s plans as it has been managing the building programme – a programme which has been delayed because the builder went bust. For the last five years the schools financial returns were never questioned - until it became an Academy. By its actions the Council is wilfully putting these much needed classrooms at risk.
At the full council meeting last night, portfolio holder, cllr Diana Hale stated that one of the reasons for taking back £1.2 million from the school was that the money was "sitting in a bank account not making any interest". But now headteacher, Barbara King has revealed the money has infact accrued interest of £395,000!
Cllr Hale responded: "We are following national guidelines ensuring schools’ revenue balances and have to ensure they are not carrying forward an excessive balance. “That money should not be sitting in a bank. It needs to be for the benefit of all the children of all the schools.
There is always an activity and as the weather improves, they will be out and about led by their leader, the irrepressible George Whalley. This week, the Fairtykes Accordion Band were in town. Here are a couple of numbers.
Voters are reminded to check their polling card — being delivered from this week (starting 28 March) to see where their polling station is. Two stations have changed since last year and some residents will be directed to different stations in their ward.
Please remember the Civic Awards are awards for the people of Thurrock, chosen by the people of Thurrock. If your local heroes deserve an award please don't wait for someone else to nominate them, do it now – nominations close on 30 April 2011.
"Lord Harris is such an enthusiastic supporter of good education it was obvious to want to involve him in Thurrock’s schools. When Chris told me he was considering academy status last year I could see that this was a partnership which might work for the school and put Lord Harris in touch.
The band will be performing during the day at the bandstand in Hyde Park, both before and after the ceremony. The former Grand Shield winners will play a variety of music with a special emphasis on ‘The Best of British.’
In his last appearance at a meeting of Thurrock Council, cllr Neil Rockcliffe made reference to when he left the services, fifteen years ago. He said: "One minute you are a soldier and the next minute you are back on civvy street. It is very very difficult.
