News

Council acts to reclaim village hall for use by the whole community

16 May 2025
Thurrock Council has written to the Trustees of Belmont village hall in Grays, requesting that they step down from managing the hall and return it to the council in the next two weeks.
This action follows months of attempts to negotiate with the trustees and arrange mediation with a local Scout group that has been prevented from using the hall by the trustees. Unfortunately the trustees have failed to engage with the council.

Urgent need for foster carers in Thurrock

16 May 2025
Thurrock Council is encouraging more people to consider becoming foster carers this Foster Care Fortnight. 
Over the next week, Thurrock Council will be out and about across Thurrock and Essex to raise awareness of the life-changing impact fostering can have.  
To kick off the start of Foster Care Fortnight on Monday 12 May, Councillor Vikki Harstean, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education, joined a fostering information pop-up stall at C2C Chafford Hundred Station.  

Meet Shirley, one of Thurrock's foster carers

15 May 2025
When it comes to fostering, no one placement is the same. It is understandable for people to look at fostering as providing long-term care for a particular child, and while that may be true for many cases there are plenty of circumstances where foster parents provide care for a number of weeks, days or even hours. 
This type of short-term care relief is often known as respite care. 
For the past five years Shirley has been one of the foster carers helping to provide respite care for children in Thurrock. 

Mental Health and Well-being support in Thurrock

13 May 2025
When it comes to mental wellbeing, no one should feel like they have to face their struggles alone. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're supporting the theme of community by sharing some of the organisations and local services that offer support and a helping hand with mental health. 
Mind Wellbeing Group 
If you're looking for a safe, welcoming space to talk, connect with other people in the community, the Mind Wellbeing Group could be just what you need. 

Thurrock marks VE Day

9 May 2025
Hundreds of people were in attendance for special memorial events yesterday (Thursday 8 May) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. 
The commemorations started with a flag raising at the Town Hall in Grays. This was followed by a service at the Grays War Memorial, organised by Grays Royal British Legion, before a two-minute silence was held at 11am.  
Tilbury Royal British Legion held their service at the Tilbury Memorial.  

Financial Reporting Council sanctions Sean Clark, Thurrock Council's former Director for Finance

9 May 2025
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has officially sanctioned Sean Clark, Thurrock Council’s former Director of Finance and S151 Officer, in relation to his role in the council’s failed investment scheme.
The FRC launched its investigation in January 2024 and issued its findings on Thursday 8 May.
Mr Clark has been excluded as a Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for a recommended period of 5 years and been issued a Severe Reprimand by the FRC.

Performers needed for exciting new local show

8 May 2025
Start Thurrock and Teatro Vino are looking for community performers to get involved in a unique new show in Purfleet-on-Thames.
Theatre experts, Teatro Vito have been working with communities in Purfleet-on-Thames to create a new show celebrating local stories from the town.
'The Myths of the Marshes' will be performed on Saturday 28 June and Sunday 29 June.
To help make the show a success, Teatro Vito are looking for community performers to get involved.
Performers can help with various aspects of the show, from writing songs, acting, singing and dancing.

Feedback given on initial plans for Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex

8 May 2025
On Friday 21 March, all other 15 councils across Greater Essex, including Thurrock Council, joined the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in submitting an initial interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation. 
On Wednesday 7 May, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) provided feedback on our joint submission. This feedback has been provided in the form of a letter to the Chief Executives of all 15 councils and the Office of the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner. This was followed by a verbal briefing. 

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

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