News

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

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:

Notice of Election published

27 March 2026
Thurrock Council has officially published notice of the upcoming local election which will take place on Thursday 7 May.
Elections will be held for all 49 seats and in 20 wards across Thurrock for the first time since 2004, with each ward being represented by either two or three councillors.  
This will mean some changes for voters.

Register to vote – have your say on who runs the Council

27 March 2026
Only those registered to vote will be able to vote in the May elections. 
If you are not registered to vote, you must apply before midnight on Monday 20 April to be able to take part.
If you receive a polling card, it means you are registered to vote but check the details are correct.  Polling cards will arrive from 28 March.  If you receive an empty property card instead, or someone in your household who is eligible to vote does not receive a poll card, this indicates no one or not everyone at that address is currently registered.

Dust Hotline to report concerns in Tilbury

26 March 2026
A new 24 hour hotline will give Tilbury residents the opportunity to report issues with dust as they happen.
The hot line, which has been created by Thurrock Council after discussions with Environment Agency, Port of Tilbury and Port Health, will begin operation on Tuesday 7 April.
A spokesperson for Thurrock Council said: “The hotline will enable real time tracking and action to help find and tackle the sources of dust, which we know has been a real issue for those living in Tilbury for some time.

Council house building over the summer

26 March 2026
Work will begin over the next few months transforming disused garage sites at two locations in Thurrock into 13 new affordable council homes.
The new homes, at Chadwell St Mary and Stanford Le Hope, are part of the Council’s commitment to provide new council homes in our communities.
The project in Chadwell St Mary will see a disused garage site on Vigerons Way make way for seven modern, high-quality council homes. Building contractor TJ Evers has been appointed by the council to carry out the work.

Selective Licensing Scheme continues following court ruling to deny second inunction

25 March 2026
Thurrock Council continues to implement its selective licensing scheme after a judge refused the claimant’s second application for an interim injunction to suspend the scheme in clear terms.
Earlier this month a judge already declined permission for a Judicial Review brought by the claimant. The claimant has sought an oral review of that decision but also renewed her application for an injunction to suspend the scheme pending the court hearing.

Hop on down to your library this Easter

25 March 2026
There are some great treats and events for the young ones at our libraries this Easter, alongside all our regular library events.
Monday 30 March
Peter Rabbit themed story and craft event, Chadwell Library. 11am to 12pm
Tuesday 31 March
Easter Holiday Lego Club, Blackshots Library, 10.30am to 12.30pm. Booking essential via the venue
Easter hat making and parade, ages 4+, Tilbury Library and Hub, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Support available for private foster carers

25 March 2026
Thurrock Council is hosting an online information session to raise awareness of private fostering arrangements and share why it is important to let us know if you are in one. 
Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if they are disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a ‘close relative’ for 28 days or more. 
Examples of private foster carers could include a family friend, a great aunt or great-grandparent, or a more distant relative. 

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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.