Sophie England

Care leavers in Thurrock attended a Pathways to Apprenticeships event hosted by Thurrock Council at the Inspire Employability and Skills Hub in Grays on July 30. Colleges, training providers and careers specialists offered information about apprenticeships, further education, training programmes and career pathways, along with advice to help attendees plan their next steps. Councillor Milena Bingley said the event was intended to provide practical support and help young people build successful futures.

Work has begun to improve the entrance and lobby of Thurrock’s Thameside Complex, which houses a theatre, library and museum. The first phase involved removing excess signage and advertisements, tidying planted areas and making the lobby cleaner and more welcoming. Thurrock Council says the work is part of a wider programme to improve access, enhance visitors’ experiences and restore civic pride across the borough.

SMD & Sons Construction Limited, trading as SMD Scaffolding, has applied to add five goods vehicles to its operator’s licence at its site in Unit G, Thames Industrial Park, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury. Residents and landowners who believe the change could affect their property use or enjoyment may submit written objections to the Traffic Commissioner in Leeds within 21 days of the notice’s publication on July 16, with copies also sent to the company.

Humiko Ltd has applied to use a site in Grays as an operating centre, proposing to station five goods vehicles and five trailers at North 2 Channel Close. Nearby landowners have until June 13 to submit written representations to the Traffic Commissioner, with a copy sent to the company. Guidance on submitting objections is available on the UK government website.

Outen Ltd, a logistics company based at Thames Enterprise Park in Stanford-le-Hope, has applied to modify its goods vehicle operator’s licence to add a new operating centre for 15 additional vehicles and 15 trailers. Residents near the site may submit objections to the Traffic Commissioner within 21 days of the July 2 notice and must also send copies to the company.

A premises licence application has been submitted by Kevin Barry for the Fobbing Food & Drink Fayre, scheduled for August 2 on land next to Brynmount in Fobbing. The event plans to include live music and alcohol sales between 10:30am and 5pm. Thurrock Council is accepting public comments on the application for 28 days, with records available for inspection during office hours. False statements related to the application may incur penalties under the Licensing Act 2003.