Progress continues on Teviot Avenue redvelopment
30 April 2026
Progress continues on the redevelopment at Teviot Avenue, with demolition now complete and foundations laid for the first eight new plots.
News
Closure order secured against Grays shop for selling illicit tobacco and vapes
30 April 2026
Thurrock Council has secured a three‑month closure order against a shop in Grays after repeated sales of illicit tobacco and vaping products.
Vapes & Tobacco & Gifts, located at 28–30 High Street, Grays, was ordered to close by Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 28 April under section 80 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Vapes & Tobacco & Gifts, located at 28–30 High Street, Grays, was ordered to close by Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 28 April under section 80 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
New Member of Youth Parliament for Thurrock
28 April 2026
Efe Donkor, 17, from Grays, has been elected as Thurrock's new Member of Youth Parliament.
UK Youth Parliament is made up of more than 300 young people aged between 11 and 18 years, elected as Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) to represent the views of their peers. It provides opportunities for young people to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning.
UK Youth Parliament is made up of more than 300 young people aged between 11 and 18 years, elected as Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) to represent the views of their peers. It provides opportunities for young people to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning.
Thurrock raises the flag for St George’s Day
23 April 2026
Thurrock Council marked St George’s Day with a special ceremony outside the Civic Offices in Grays.
The St George's flag flies every day outside the Civic Offices, with a ceremonial flag-raising being held today (Thursday 23 April) to mark the occasion.
The event began with a short prayer led by Revd Dr Kate Carter, followed by a speech from the Mayor of Thurrock, who spoke about pride in both the country and the borough.
The national anthem, God Save The King was then played as the Mayor raised the St George’s flag.
The St George's flag flies every day outside the Civic Offices, with a ceremonial flag-raising being held today (Thursday 23 April) to mark the occasion.
The event began with a short prayer led by Revd Dr Kate Carter, followed by a speech from the Mayor of Thurrock, who spoke about pride in both the country and the borough.
The national anthem, God Save The King was then played as the Mayor raised the St George’s flag.
Beat the Street set to return to Thurrock
23 April 2026
Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary will be transformed into a giant interactive game for six weeks as residents of all ages are invited to take part in Beat the Street, an innovative, free, and fun challenge that encourages communities to get active by walking, cycling, running, scooting or wheeling.
Support for victims of stalking
20 April 2026
This week is Stalking Awareness Week (Monday 20 April – Sunday 26 April). To help raise awareness of the dangers of stalking, Compass (a partnership of domestic abuse services providing a response in Essex) have shared a case study of how they came to support one of their users (names have been changed to protect identity).
Stalking after a relationship has ended is when a former partner engages in a pattern of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour that causes fear or distress.
Stalking after a relationship has ended is when a former partner engages in a pattern of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour that causes fear or distress.
Refusal of plans to build 750 new homes on green belt upheld by Secretary of State
16 April 2026
The Secretary of State has upheld a Thurrock Council Planning Committee decision to refuse outline planning permission for a new housing estate on green belt land in Orsett, made by Thurrock Council’s Planning Committee in July 2024.
The developers appealed the decision to refuse outline planning permission to build 750 new homes along with shops and a medical centre on green belt land at Kings Farm, Parkers Farm Road in Orsett, and held a public inquiry on the refusal.
The developers appealed the decision to refuse outline planning permission to build 750 new homes along with shops and a medical centre on green belt land at Kings Farm, Parkers Farm Road in Orsett, and held a public inquiry on the refusal.
Over 91% of Thurrock primary pupils offered their first preference school
16 April 2026
More than nine in ten children in Thurrock applying for a primary school place this year have been offered their first‑preference school for September.
Of the 2,183 applications received from Thurrock residents, 2,000 children (91.62%) have been offered a place at their first‑choice primary school. Over 98% of applicants have been offered a place at one of their top three preferences.
A total of 123 children (5.63%) were offered their second‑preference school, while 32 children (1.47%) were offered their third preference.
Of the 2,183 applications received from Thurrock residents, 2,000 children (91.62%) have been offered a place at their first‑choice primary school. Over 98% of applicants have been offered a place at one of their top three preferences.
A total of 123 children (5.63%) were offered their second‑preference school, while 32 children (1.47%) were offered their third preference.
Make your local library part of your Easter fun
1 April 2026
Our libraries have lots of activities to keep the young ones entertained over the Easter period
Check out what your local library is doing:
Every day, during opening times, until Saturday 11 April
Spring Treasure Hunt and colouring, Blackshots Library (during opening times)
Spring Treasure Hunt and colouring, Grays Central Library (during opening times)
Saturday 4 April
Check out what your local library is doing:
Every day, during opening times, until Saturday 11 April
Spring Treasure Hunt and colouring, Blackshots Library (during opening times)
Spring Treasure Hunt and colouring, Grays Central Library (during opening times)
Saturday 4 April
Residents shape major improvements to parks and play areas across Thurrock
1 April 2026
Residents across Thurrock are set to benefit from a wide range of park and play area improvements, following extensive community feedback gathered through three public surveys led by Thurrock Council.
Hundreds of responses were received, helping to shape plans that will enhance play, fitness, and accessibility across local green spaces.
Community feedback driving change
Based on residents’ views:
Hundreds of responses were received, helping to shape plans that will enhance play, fitness, and accessibility across local green spaces.
Community feedback driving change
Based on residents’ views: