News

Celebrating the Art Deco history of State Cinema

4 December 2025
A series of striking murals are being created at the State Cinema in Grays, transforming the hoardings around the Grade II* listed landmark.
The bold, Art Deco–inspired street art celebrates the building’s extraordinary cultural heritage.
Young people from Arts Outburst’s Urban Motion programme are working alongside street artist Scotty Irving from Brave Arts to create a visual narrative reflecting the States cinematic history,
The artwork has been commissioned by the building’s owner, Naveed Ahmad

Thurrock students lead the way in Debate and Democracy event

4 December 2025
Over 30 secondary school students learned about democratic processes and discussed the issues that matter most to young people at an engaging event led by Thurrock Council’s Youth Cabinet.
As part of UK Parliament Week, members of Thurrock’s Youth Cabinet organised a Debate & Democracy Day for secondary school students across the borough.

Crown Court acts on food safety following council action

2 December 2025
Mama G’s Afro Caribbean Food Store, based in Grays, has been fined for 18 separate food hygiene and six trading standards offences following guilty pleas entered at Basildon Crown Court. In addition to financial penalties, the Court imposed a Prohibition Order on Mr. Fredrick Boateng and Ms. Georgina Bonsu, permanently banning them from participating in the management of any food business.

Brisbane House – what has happened and what will happen

28 November 2025
Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “Over the last couple of weeks, as residents of Brisbane House have found themselves in an extremely difficult situation, and council officers have worked day and night to support them, I have seen really unhelpful misinformation circulating that I want to address publicly.

Tilbury Civic Square – official event marks improvements

28 November 2025
A special ceremony took place to mark the completion of works that have brought huge improvements to Tilbury Civic Square.
New footpaths, roads, flowerbeds, green areas, landscaping and streetlights have transformed the way the square looks and made access for public transport, cars and parking better for residents and shops.
This includes works around the war memorial that include new benches, paving and flowerbeds and planters.
The ribbon to mark the completion of works was officially cut by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Steve Liddiard.

Festive crowds gathered for Grays High Street Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On

28 November 2025
Grays High Street was brought to life on Thursday 27 November as the community gathered for the annual Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On event at 5pm. The celebration welcomed hundreds of residents who enjoyed an evening filled with festive entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities.

Lakeside Shopping Centre and Thurrock Council light up orange to launch 16 Days of Activism

27 November 2025
Thurrock Council is proud to announce its participation in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running to 10 December.
The council launched the campaign by illuminating Lakeside Shopping Centre in orange, to show solidarity with the global campaign to end gender-based violence. The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr. Sue Shinnick, led the event.

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. 

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