THE Ockendon Ward by-election results have been declared and Alan Benson (Reform UK) and Russell Cherry (Reform UK) have been elected as councillors
Alan Benson (Reform UK) – 1,214Russell Cherry (Reform UK) – 1,138Sue Johnson (Conservative Party) – 533Shalini Bhatt (Labour Party) – 478Graham Snell (Conservative Party) – 439Haruna Hamza (Labour Party) – 438Ri Goodyear (Green Party) – 93Daniel Fallows (Green Party) – 86Brad Hayman (Liberal Democrats) – 74Kameel Mohammed (Independent) – 47
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CHILDREN and teachers at Quince Tree Day Nursery in South Ockendon have made their own memorial that they have put up outside the nursery to commemorate our heroes and remember VE Day 80 years ago.
A nursery spokesperson said: “Teachers looked at different ways in which they could explain what VE Day is to the children and as the children love getting creative they assisted in helping to make a brilliant solider and some bunting to commemorate our heroes while chatting about VE Day and what is.
“The soldier was made by drawing around one of the children and was decorated with some lovely stickers
“He highlights and recognises the bravery of our heroes
We will always remember them and we will always honour those who gave their lives for us.”
POLICE wanted to speak to Filimon Destalm in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual offences
The 29 year-old from Basildon is described as being around 5ft 6ins tall and slim and also has links to the South Ockendon area
If you have any information then please get in contact with us
Please quote the crime reference number 42/187869/22
You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day
If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers
by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111
ALMOST 800 players have already registered to play an innovative physical activity game that has been launched in South Ockendon and Aveley
Beat the Street launched on Wednesday 23 April and is running until Wednesday 21 May
thanks to funding from a National Lottery Grant from Sport England
The interactive game encourages people of all ages to get active by transforming outdoor spaces into a real-life adventure
Residents will notice special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts across the area.Beat boxes can be found by using the Beat the Street map
People can get involved by picking up a free game card from designated distribution points listed on the Beat the Street website
participants aged 13 and over can choose to play via the official mobile app
available for download on Google Play and the iOS App Store
and tapping their cards on the sensors or using the Beat the Street app as they pass
Players who collect the most points have a chance to win a £150 voucher for Decathlon
Some events have been planned to help participants to get active and meet with others while they play
A full list of the upcoming events can be found on the Beat the Street website
said: “We are delighted to finally launch Beat the Street in South Ockendon and Aveley
“Being part of a national initiative that has already engaged over a million players in England is very exciting
We’ve already got over 790 players registered and I’m looking forward to seeing how many more we can get to take part
“There are some great prizes available
and even if you don’t win it’s a great way to benefit your physical and mental health by getting active and outdoors.”
A WOMAN has denied murdering her five-year-old son at their home
Lincoln Button was found unresponsive at the property in South Ockendon
entered the not guilty plea at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday
The judge said a trial would begin on 29 September
THE family of a South Ockendon five-year-old who died in an incident at his home are slowly coming to terms which the horrific pre-Christmas event and are planning how best to remember his short life with money raised through a fundraising page that smashed through its target in days
Lincoln Button died at an address in Windstar Drive
on 15 December in an incident that has subsequently led to his mother
who was a pupil with special needs at Bonnygate Pprimary School in the town
has left his loved ones feeling “broken”
Jamie Warren is a cousin of Lincoln’s father
Nicky said: “Life will be forever different now”
particularly for his cousin and Lincoln’s grandmother
who loved his toys,” said the 32-year-old
Mr Warren said his family was “really close” and had rallied together to be there for each other in the aftermath
“It’s sad for me but seeing Nicky and Lincoln’s grandma
“You wouldn’t wish it on your worst enemy
Mr Warren said the community spirit shown to help the family showed “good humanity” during dark times
he community spirit shown after an online fundraiser was set up by Mr Warren to help with funeral costs had been “overwhelming”
It surpassed a £5,000 goal within 48 hours and the family has been thinking of ways to honour Lincoln’s memory with any funds that are left over following the funeral
The appeal currently stands at £7,197 and donations continue to be made daily
“I want to make sure whatever we do next is a fitting tribute for Lincoln,” added Mr Warren
“Such a sad situation has brought some good in the sense of the community coming together and helping out
“People have resonated with what’s going on and giving donations is beyond belief
“It goes to show there’s good humanity in such a horrible world we are living in.”
which was a magnet for anti-social behaviour has been transformed thanks to the help of a local resident and Thurrock Council
would often see anti-social behaviour from large groups of young people who would meet by an old playsite in his neighbourhood
Following a morning of litter picking around the area
Tony said: "As we were picking up rubbish one morning
I over heard some mothers complaining that their toddlers couldn't come down to the area to play
"I contacted Thurrock Council's tenancy management team for help in replacing the old frame new one for children up to eight to enjoy
as well as putting a children's flower planter in
They put me in touch with Veolia Environmental Trust
who were more than happy to support the project
we were able to harvest seventeen bags of carrots
The transformational work didn't stop there
with further development taking place to ensure it's a space the whole community can be proud of
"We also created a memory garden in honour of a baby girl who passed at seven months old
While I was volunteering at the RSPB Rainham site a resident overheard about the space and donated seven crates of plants which was enough to fill the area
which people can now use to remember their loved ones
bringing neighbours together with their families and building a sense of community
I volunteer about three hours a week to help with council matters and I can honestly say it is all worth it when you see the children playing outside and their parents chatting away
A PHYSICAL activity game that has engaged over a million people is coming to South Ockendon and Aveley
Beat the Street will take place from Wednesday 23 April to Wednesday 21 May
thanks to funding from a National Lottery grant from Sport England
Residents will soon notice special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts across the area
primary school pupils from participating schools will receive contactless game cards
while parents and teachers will also receive cards so they can join in
The wider community can pick up a free game card from designated distribution points listed on the Beat the Street website
Players can join a school or community team or participate individually
players collect points by tapping their cards on the sensors
Beat the Street has already made a significant impact in locations across England
and encouraging families to spend more time in green spaces
said: “We are thrilled to bring Beat the Street to South Ockendon and Aveley
One of the best things people can do for their physical and mental health is to move more and spend time outdoors
and you can start right from your front door
helping to turn your daily journeys into an exciting game.”
ESSEX Police have issued a statement over an incident in South Ockendon on Sunday
A spokesperson said: “We’ve made an arrest as part of our response to a serious incident in South Ockendon
We were called to a property in Windstar Drive shortly after 3pm on Sunday 15 December with reports of serious concerns for the welfare of a woman and a child
All emergency services were sent to the scene
The woman was taken to hospital for treatment and her condition did improve.
As a result of the information presented to us
the woman has now been arrested on suspicion of murder.
we are not looking to identify anyone else as part of this investigation”
this a tragic incident in which a child has lost his life
and I would please ask for the South Ockendon community – and further afield – to please refrain from speculating
“Specialist officers and staff are continuing to build a picture of the events which led up to the call to emergency services yesterday.
“This will of course take time and a thorough investigation is now under way
“Officers remain in the area this morning and residents will notice a footprint throughout today and I would urge anyone with concerns or any information which they believe may be useful to our investigation to please come forward
either in person or using our other reporting mechanisms.”
Anyone with information should get in contact as soon as possible.
Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services
Please cite incident 645 of 15 December.
THURROCK MP Jen Craft has urged the Post Office to reconsider plans to shut its main branch in South Ockendon
The branch on Derwent Parade is one of more than 100 in jeopardy as the government owned Post Office tries to offset financial difficulties with a ‘transformation plan” that could mean the loss of more than 1,000 jobs nationwide
Mrs Craft has asked Post Office Chair Nigel Railton to “bear the concerns of my constituents in mind” and “think again about this decision”
She raised concerns that the removal of the post office would deprive the community of in-person access to important while also endangering the jobs of those employed by the branch
The MP added: “I’m deeply concerned by the news that South Ockendon main branch is at risk of closure
“This branch provides vital services to the local community
Closing the Post Office means residents lose out on these services
particularly the elderly and those that are less comfortable accessing the internet
“While it’s essential that we secure the future of the Post Office as a public service
this can’t be done at the expense of local people in Thurrock.”
Alongside Ockendon councillor Ryan Polston
Ms Craft plans to launch a petition to campaign to keep the Post Office open
SOUTH Ockendon may be about to lose its Post Office in a cull on directly-owned branches
The Post Office is looking at options for its wholly-owned branches
which currently employ about 1,000 workers and are loss-making
These could include alternative franchise arrangements where an operator like the retailer WHSmith or another third party could take on the branches
The government-owned Post Office has 11,500 branches across the UK
with 115 Crown Post Offices staffed by Post Office employees
led by the Post Office’s new chairman Nigel Railton
One of the branches under threat has been confirmed as the Post Office on Derwent Parade
general secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU)
said it appeared the Post Office had “learned no lessons from its chaotic and uncoordinated mistakes from the past”
“CWU members are victims of the Horizon scandal – and for them to now fear for their jobs ahead of Christmas is yet another cruel attack,” he added
Post Office minister Gareth Thomas said the organisation was at a critical juncture and the government had already commissioned its own review into what the Post Office should look like in the future
hundreds of jobs at its head office are also under threat
with Mr Railton saying it was necessary to “right-size” the organisation
Mr Railton said that conversations with the government on the proposed changes
THURROCK Council is set to consider an application to allow fishing on a lake in Ockendon reports the Local Democracy Reporter
The council has received an application to allow fishing in a lake and pond north of Harrys Place
A timber walkway and 14 timber fishing swims
places on a river bank for setting up fishing tackle
would be constructed if permission is granted
The site south of Mollands Lane has two existing lakes with an access road leading from Buckles Lane
Two pedestrian access routes lead onto the site from the north and the north and west of the site is used for housing
The site has been previously used for mineral extraction but this use was stopped several years ago and a change of use to public open space was approved in 1987
The green belt land has since remained vacant and is used as a recreation ground by residents
It is designated as a potential wildlife site
agent Richard Stephenson said: “Permission is sought for two of the existing lakes to be used for fishing
Associated fishing swims and a new timber walkway are proposed
The new swims and walkway will be of timber construction to give a natural feel
“14 new parking spaces are also proposed to the South of the existing access road to provide parking for visitors
The lakes are accessed via the existing road to the south of the site accessed via Buckles Lane and no changes to this are proposed
Two pedestrian access routes are available to the North from Mollands Lane.”
The statement adds: “The introduction of new swims and walkway have been designed to minimise any effect on the existing biodiversity
and 10 per cent increase on biodiversity post-development can be achieved
“The land is currently used informally by local neighbours for outdoors recreation and this application would not preclude neighbours from using the land.”
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Three people have been stabbed in an Essex park in a 'serious incident'
A disturbance was reported between a group in the area of Bonnygate Park
in South Ockendon at around 4.20pm yesterday (Thursday March 20)
Three people suffered injuries in the incident and were taken on to hospital
Response officers were on the scene within minutes alongside ambulance service colleagues
providing immediate care to the victims and carrying out a search of the area
The work continued late into last night as teams pursued a number of targeted lines of inquiry
Read more: Paedophile primary school teacher caught red handed in Essex Police sting
Read more: RSPCA investigation after dead tortoises dumped in Essex woodland
Essex Police is continuing an investigation and maintaining a presence in the South Ockendon area after the incident
The force has said in a recent update: "This morning (Friday 21 March) officers have been conducting patrols in the South Ockendon area
after responding to a serious incident at Bonnygate Park yesterday
"Thanks to the quick actions of your response officers and ambulance service colleagues
immediate care was provided to those in need
We understand the importance of feeling safe in your neighbourhood
which is why we will be back at the same location later today during school kick-out time
"You may notice an increase in high-visibility patrols as we continue our investigation and maintain a reassuring presence in the area
If you have any concerns or information that could help us
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation."
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THE family of a boy who tragically died during an incident in South Ockendon have paid tribute to him as a “beautiful young soul who will be missed every day”
Police officers and medics worked to save the life a young boy at an address in Windstar Drive shortly after 3pm on Sunday 15 December.
Essex Police is today naming the boy as five-year-old Lincoln Button
Emergency services had been called to the address with reports of serious concerns for a child and a woman.
As a result of the information presented to us early on in the investigation
the woman was arrested on suspicion of murder
We are not looking to identify anyone else as part of this investigation.
Lincoln’s family said: “’Link’ was a cherished
beautiful young soul who was adored by all and will be sorely missed every day.”
Lincoln was a Year 1 pupil at Bonnygate Primary School
in South Ockendon which is part of the Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust.
the school described Lincoln as a cheeky
happy boy who was loved fondly by our Bonnygate family.
laughter and cuddles will be remembered and missed dearly.
“The school is working closely with the authorities and is being supported by Thurrock Council’s education team
who offer support and advice to schools over sensitive issues.
“The school’s priority is to support those within the community who need help to come to terms with this tragic loss.”
who is leading the Essex Police investigation
said: “This remains an extremely sensitive and complex investigation which we are carrying out with the care
compassion and professionalism that I know Lincoln’s family – and the wider public – would expect.
“Those involved are continuing to work around the clock to ensure that we understand the full circumstances of what happened in the lead up to Lincoln’s death on Sunday
We are leaving no line of enquiry unchecked.”
DCI Blakesley added: “I also want to reemphasise that at the heart of this investigation is the death of a young child with a family now facing an unthinkable pain.
“I would continue to urge the community – here and further afield – to please not speculate on the circumstances around Lincoln’s death and to give his family space.”
A WOMAN has been charged with murder following the death of a young boy in South Ockendon
Detectives within our Serious Crime Directorate are continuing a hugely sensitive investigation following an incident in Windstar Drive on the afternoon of Sunday 15 December.
Police officers worked alongside paramedics to try and save the life of five-year-old Lincoln Button after being called to the address.
They had initially responded to reports of serious concerns for the welfare of a child and a woman
The woman was taken on to hospital for treatment and her condition did improve.
She’s since been discharged into custody and questioned.
She is due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Monday 23 December
said: “This continues to prove to be an immensely complex investigation into the death of a young child
“My thoughts and the thoughts of all the investigative team remain with the family of Lincoln Button as we continue to support them through this awful time
“It has taken a huge amount of work and dedication from the investigative team to reach this stage in our investigation and I would continue to call upon the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances around this case
“Any case as harrowing as this will understandably attract attention
the time has come to respect the judicial process and to continue allowing Lincoln’s family privacy and the space to grieve.”
FIRE Crews have extinguished a fire affecting a derelict building in South Ockenden
They were called to Daiglen Drive today (6 November) at 1.20am and two crews from Grays initially attended
Watch Manager Gary Bannister said: “Crews fought the fire from the outside
due to the condition of the building and the fact there was no risk to other properties
“When the fire was out and it was safe to enter
firefighters entered the building to extinguish hotspots.
“Crews have worked hard to bring the incident to a safe conclusion and a relief crew will be at the scene into the early of hours of the morning.”
THURROCK MP Jen Craft has issued a statement following the death of a child in South Ockendon
Ms Craft said: ‘We are all horrified by the news of the tragic events that took place at Windstar Drive in South Ockendon yesterday afternoon
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in this horrific incident
as well as the whole of the local community in the wake of this terrible news
“I would please ask people in South Ockendon and the wider community in Thurrock to refrain from speculating about the details and wait for the police to release further information
It’s vital that we give the police space to do their job and allow the family to come to terms with this awful situation
“I have been in close contact with the police and will continue to do so as they conduct their investigations
I am here to support any residents that have been impacted by this tragic incident
“If anyone has information about this incident
please contact the police as soon as possible by calling 101 and citing incident 645 of 15 December
or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report information anonymously.You can also report information on the Essex Police website
“Details of the online reporting services can be found here: www.essex.police.uk/digital101”
Police were called to a property in Windstar Drive yesterday afternoon (credit: Essex Police)
Officers were called to a property in Windstar Drive shortly after 3pm on Sunday
15 December with reports of serious concerns for the welfare of a woman and a child
All emergency services were sent to the scene but despite the efforts of medics
The woman was taken to hospital for treatment and when her condition improved
Police say they’re not looking to identify anyone else as part of this investigation
“Specialist officers and staff are continuing to build a picture of the events which led up to the call to emergency services yesterday
either in person or using our other reporting mechanisms.”
Anyone with information should get in contact as soon as possible
You can let Essex Police know by submitting a report on their website or by using their online 24/7 Live Chat service
If you would like to make an anonymous report
you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111 – cite incident 645 of 15 December
Redbridge Council are launching a new initiative which aims
Three people have died following the crash on the A13
Grace Payne died on the A13 in Dagenham last year (credit:
Havering Council say the move is to help pupils falling
A mother has admitted killing her five-year-old son at their home
is charged with the murder of her son Lincoln at their home in South Ockendon in Essex on 15 December
Appearing at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday
Emergency services were called on the afternoon of 15 December
and police officers worked with paramedics to try to save Lincoln's life after receiving reports of serious concern for the welfare of a child and a woman
Button was briefly taken to hospital before being interviewed by police
beautiful young soul who was adored by all and will be sorely missed every day.”
Bonnygate Primary School in South Ockendon
happy boy who was loved by the school community
The school added: "His love for school
laughter and cuddles will be remembered and missed dearly."
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TWO people have been arrested after a stabbing in South Ockendon
We were alerted shortly after 1pm yesterday
It was reported that a teenage boy had sustained a number of injuries to his hands and torso
These injuries were assessed as stab wounds
He was taken to hospital for treatment and thankfully his injuries are not thought to be life-changing or life-threatening
detectives began piecing together the moments leading up to
the incident and two men aged 18 and 23 were arrested
Both remain in custody today being questioned on suspicion of GBH with intent
Superintendent Tim Tubbs said: “I understand that this incident may cause concern with our community
and I hope the public are reassured by the speed at which our officers have identified a number of people suspected of being involved
“Both these men remain in custody today and we’re continuing to progress a number of targeted lines of enquiry.”
Anyone with information on the incident should get in touch
ALMOST 30 years in prison sentences have been passed down on three men involved in the production and supply of vast quantities of MDMA
That’s thanks to a years-long investigation by our Serious and Organised Crime Unit
This investigation culminated in the dismantling of a ecstasy pill manufacturing lab
located inside a lock-up in South Ockendon
were arrested in 2021 part of an investigation which we developed as a result of Operation Venetic
Op Venetic was a major operation involving the cracking of a bespoke encrypted global communication service
EncroChat offered a secure mobile phone instant messaging service with 60,000 users worldwide and around 10,000 in the UK
The primary use was for co-ordinating and planning criminal activities including the distribution of illicit commodities and money laundering
international law enforcement agencies worked together to target EncroChat
and other encrypted criminal communications platforms
agencies in France and the Netherlands infiltrated the platform
The intelligence gleaned through this was then shared via Europol to national law enforcement agencies
showed discussions around the manufacturing and selling of MDMA pills
The conversations discussed crafting ecstasy pills from powdered MDMA and cutting agents
The chats discussed ecstasy pills worth between £400,000 and £1.4 million being available and ready to sell
Through the information gathered from the chat
officers were able to identify one of those involved as Lawrence
Officers were then able to track the movements of Lawrence’s car to the site of the lock-up in South Ockendon
Further messages on the chat referred to a ‘Ray’
This was later established to be Raymond Cooper
whose vehicle was also identified in the area of the lock-up
Lawrence was arrested when a search warrant was carried out at his home address in February 2021
his deposit box at a location in Ilford was opened and £30,000 was seized
officers were able to identify that he was in contact with Cooper on multiple occasions
He sought to have his storage unit lock-up cleared of incriminating evidence and our officers struck in February 2021
attending the South Ockendon location and gaining entry
was present at the storage unit and arrested
Encrochat messages attributed to Stone detailed his own separate operation to supply cocaine
He was also found to have been planning to clear the unit of drugs and other evidence following Lawrence’s arrest
containers were searched and found to contain more than 170kg of ketamine
One container was set up as a working office or production factory
precision scales and a large bag of white powder found to be a cutting agent
Vast quantities of MDMA powder and ecstasy pills were found inside
Cooper was arrested in June 2021 and found with high-value items
Lawrence was later charged with and later admitted production of ketamine
Cooper was charged with and later admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine
being concerned in the production of Ketamine and being concerned in the production of MDMA
Stone was charged with and later admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and perverting the course of justice
Our investigation showed Lawrence had been organising the production and onward supply of MDMA tablets and the adulteration of ketamine
His cracked encrypted messages included a request from another individual for 100,000 pills
which would be valued in the region of £600,000
The messages revealed he utilised his engineering knowledge to produce ecstasy on a commercial scale
Cooper was involved in the onward supply of cocaine
He was responsible for the movement and transportation of the drugs
who obtained cocaine in bulk for supply in his own drug dealing operation
All three appeared for sentence at Southend Crown Court on Friday 18 October
Cooper was jailed for 10 years and four months
Lawrence for seven years and four months and Stone for eight years and four months
“This was a highly sophisticated and organised operation leading in the bulk manufacture and supply of MDMA in Essex.“The production of these harmful substances involved cutting drugs like MDMA and ketamine with other substances.“The nature of illegal drug supply and manufacturing means the user can never really know what they’re taking.“Pills may be much stronger or more deadly than advertised
or otherwise contain other damaging substances to dilute or adulterate them.“Drugs like MDMA
ketamine and cocaine are illegal for a very real reason.“They ruin lives
The trade and use of these substances brings with it wider offending
disorder and theft.“We will pursue those at the top of these illicit operations relentlessly
ensuring they face justice even if it takes months or years to see an outcome.”
ESSEX Police are working hard to find Frankie Hodder
who is missing from her home in South Ockendon
A spokesperson said: “We’re now very concerned for her welfare and we’re asking for the public’s help to find her
Frankie has blonde hair and is about 5ft 3ins tall
She was last seen wearing cream jogging bottoms
no shoes just socks and was also wearing sparkly bracelets
“If you’ve seen Frankie or if you know where she is
The family of a five-year-old boy who tragically died during an incident in South Ockendon at the weekend have paid tribute to him as a “beautiful young soul who will be missed every day”
Police and medics worked to save the life of Lincoln Button at an address in Windstar Drive shortly after 3pm on Sunday December 15
Emergency services had been called to the address with reports of serious concerns for a child and a woman
The woman was taken to hospital for treatment and she has been arrested on suspicion of murder
Lincoln’s family said: “’Linc’ was a cherished
in South Ockendon which is part of the Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust
the school described him as a cheeky
happy boy who was loved fondly by the Bonnygate family
laughter and cuddles will be remembered and missed dearly
who offer support and advice to schools over sensitive issues
compassion and professionalism that I know Lincoln’s family – and the wider public – would expect
We are leaving no line of enquiry unchecked.”
DCI Blakesley added: “I also want to reemphasise that at the heart of this investigation is the death of a young child with a family now facing an unthinkable pain
The family of a five-year-old boy who tragically died during an incident in South Ockendon at the weekend have paid tribute to him as a “beautiful young soul who will be missed every day”
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The Inspiration for Pub Success Since 1794
07-Nov-2024 Last updated on 07-Nov-2024 at 11:03 GMT
Crews were called to tackle the blaze at the former Jack O’ Lantern pub on Daiglen Drive in South Ockendon at 1.20am on Wednesday 6 November.
The boarded-up two-storey pub, which measures approximately 20 by 30 metres, was around 60% alight, according to the fire service.
Firefighters from Grays Fire Station initially attended the scene, followed by a further two crews from Orsett and Corringham. Support from Southend were also requested.
Using an aerial ladder platform, crews fought the fire from the outside and had the inferno under control by 3.20pm. There were no reported injuries.
According to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) website the site had been closed since 20 September 2020, when it suffered “major fire damage”
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said the cause of the flames had been recorded as “deliberate”. No further details have yet been released.
Watch Manager Gary Bannister said: "Crews fought the fire from the outside, due to the condition of the building and the fact there was no risk to other properties.
"When the fire was out and it was safe to enter, firefighters entered the building to extinguish hotspots.
"Crews have worked hard to bring the incident to a safe conclusion and a relief crew [was] at the scene into the early of hours of the morning."
New JDW hotel to open this month06-Nov-2024By Rebecca WellerJD Wetherspoon (JDW) is set to open a new hotel at the end of this month following a £2.8m redevelopment project.
How to make: Chorizo and onion brioche 06-Nov-2024By Rebecca WellerIn this edition of The Morning Advertiser’s (MA) Dish Deconstructed series, we’ve looked at how to create a chorizo and onion brioche from award-winning gastropub the Rising Sun.
Admiral injects £260k into city pub06-Nov-2024By Felicity GilesThis week's property round-up includes mentions from Admiral Taverns, Banx Pub Company, Henley Pub Co. and more.
Quench your Thirst with Beers from the European UnionPaid for and content provided by European Union
designed by pupils has been built at Benyon Primary School
Capacity building was delivered alongside the creation of the garden to allow teachers to use the space as part of an outdoor classroom
which is situated in the heart of the community of the Flowers Estate in South Ockendon aims to connect pupils to the wider natural environment
understand where our food comes from and encourage healthy eating choices with pupils voting on what they would like to grow and eat
Mollands Lane Sensory Garden and The Flowers Community Group are based on the Flowers Estate in South Ockendon
Working together they deliver social and environmental projects to support the health
and social connectivity of residents to create a strong healthy and resilient neighbourhood
The two community groups worked together deliver the garden as part of a wider project to bring residents and the community closer together
Thurrock Council enabled the project and partnership
with members of the councils Public Health and Housing team working together to secure the government funding and support delivery
Fruit and vegetables grown within the garden have been used as part of school meals and on Friday 11 October
students set up a market stall for parents and the local community to buy the food from the autumn harvest; including tomatoes
Money raised from the market stall will be spent on seeds and plants for the next season of growing
said: "I'm delighted by the response to the community garden space
It has offered a wonderful opportunity to get some of our youngest residents outside and learn about healthy eating
"Gardening can have such a positive impact on people's mental and physical health
It's fantastic that we were able to secure the government funding to allow this scheme to take place."
said: "We were so pleased to be able to provide fresh vegetables for our families during our first market stall
We look forward to the coming year of planting and developing the garden."