News

Thurrock Council Cabinet Update

26 November 2025
Cllr Mark Hurrell has resigned from his position as Cabinet Member for Housing for personal reasons.
Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of the Council, said: 
"On behalf of the Council, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Cllr Hurrell for his commitment and contribution to Cabinet since his appointment in May. His efforts have been greatly appreciated.

Thousands of pupils attend online safety event

21 November 2025
Primary school children and teachers from across Thurrock joined a special event to learn about digital safety. 
2,613 Year Five students and 276 adults were in attendance at the Civic Hall, Blackshots in Grays for the Walk Online Roadshow, which took place on Tuesday 17 November and Wednesday 18 November. 
The roadshow had taken place annually for the last nine years. 

Adoption training was the catalyst to fostering for Gary 

20 November 2025
We spoke to Gary, 56 and his wife Caroline, who were inspired to start fostering after hearing a story during adoption training that stuck with them for years. 

The couple have been a fostering family for 12 years. They have two daughters, aged 17 and 20. 

Thurrock Council encourages local organisations and residents to have their say as consultation launched on local government in Essex

19 November 2025
The government has announced today (19 November 2025) that a comprehensive public consultation into the shape of local government in Essex has now begun.
Following the submission by local authorities to ministers of proposals for change, the government is now inviting residents, businesses, the voluntary, community and faith sector and others to get involved and have their say on which of the options they prefer.

Thurrock celebrates Care Leavers' Month with inspiring events and skills training

18 November 2025
Thurrock Council’s care leavers have enjoyed a series of fantastic events in celebration of National Care Leavers' Month.
A range of social activities and inspiring sessions were organised for the young people, including a bonfire and outdoor Cinema Night, a staff versus young people football tournament, bowling, an aftercare celebration, and a cultural diversity event celebrating the richness of different cultures across our care leaver population.

Local group of volunteers win King’s Award for Voluntary Service

18 November 2025
We’re thrilled to share that 1st Ockendon Cub Pack has been honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), which is the highest national award a voluntary group can receive in the UK!
This incredible group of volunteers goes above and beyond to provide an engaging, inclusive, and life-changing experience for local young people. With 50 cubs attending regularly, they offer camping trips, practical skills, badge earning, and a space where every child is supported.

Christmas arrives in Grays!

17 November 2025
Grays High Street Christmas Tree lights will be officially switched on by the Mayor of Thurrock Council at a special event in Grays High Street on Thursday 27 November.
Cllr Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock, said: “Christmas is just around the corner and it is fantastic to bring festive cheer back to Grays by switching on the Christmas Tree lights.
“I would especially like to thank DP World London Gateway who have supplied the tree again this year, and Impulse Leisure who are sponsoring our fantastic launch event.

Council confirms arrangements for residents as burst pipe at Brisbane House requires evacuation

13 November 2025
Thurrock Council has confirmed today (13 November) that it continues to support residents of Brisbane House while a burst water pipe’s after-effects are dealt with. The council is assessing the damage following the flood late yesterday led to flooding throughout the block, meaning that residents are now either in temporary accommodation provided by the council or staying with friends or family.

Inconsiderate neighbour prosecuted after her waste filled garden puts neighbours at risk

12 November 2025
A woman has been forced to pay out more than £1,800 after a skip full of food and other waste caused public health issues for her neighbours by attracting pests and vermin.
Samantha Doyle, of Bata Avenue, East Tilbury, was fined £440 by Basildon Magistrates on Wednesday 5 November. She was also ordered to pay £1,200 costs and a £176 victim surcharge.
Thurrock Council’s Environmental Protection Team took action after receiving complaints from neighbours. The council was forced to take legal action after Ms Doyle refused to listen to warnings and orders to clear the rubbish.

Sign-up for Thurrock News – our monthly email newsletter.

Media enquiries

Journalists and media professionals can make enquiries from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, 01375 652 017 or at communicationsteam@thurrock.gov.uk.

For emergency media enquiries outside of these times, phone 07912 782 470.

The communications team email inbox is not monitored outside of office hours, so email media enquiries received out-of-hours may not be answered until the next working weekday.

We advise our staff, when approached directly by a member of the media, not to answer questions themselves but to refer you to the communications team who will provide our response.

We do not normally comment on individual cases or enquiries relating to council staff.