News

Free creative arts programme designed by and for Thurrock residents returns

13 January 2026
A two-week programme of exciting, free creative activities is returning to Thurrock for the third year running between Monday 9 February and Sunday 22 February. 
Organised by Start Thurrock, each activity, workshop or show in the Green Light programme has been booked as a direct response to feedback from residents on the types of fun activities they would like access to locally. 

Sunday service is just the ticket for the 88 bus

12 January 2026
The Council is extending the popular 88 bus service to a seven-day operation.
Currently the service, which runs from Orsett to the bus station at Grays, via Stifford Clays, operates Monday to Saturday.From the 18 January, the bus will also be running an hourly service on Sunday.
Cllr Victoria Holloway, Cabinet Member for Place and the Environment, said: “We know many of our residents are reliant on bus services to get around and we are committed to improving services. Making this popular and well used route available seven days a week is part of that commitment.”

Thurrock residents invited to a webinar for practical advice about cost of living support

8 January 2026
Thurrock Council is inviting residents to join a special webinar to learn how they can access advice and support about the rising cost of living. 
From 4pm to 5pm on Monday 19 January, a Thurrock Cares webinar is being hosted to share more information about the wide range of support available to help manage the ongoing cost of living challenges. 
Thurrock Cares is a campaign run in partnership by Thurrock Council, Thurrock CVS, and local Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprises. 

Thurrock's Care Leavers enjoy a community Christmas celebration

8 January 2026
Care leavers in Thurrock were able to celebrate Christmas Day at the new Stanford-le-Hope Aftercare Hub and Children’s Centre, thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses, charities, and volunteers. 
The event, which aimed to make sure no young person spent Christmas alone, brought together 20 care leavers to enjoy the festive celebration with volunteers from Thurrock Council.  

Thurrock Council welcomes funding boost which is supporting young people

7 January 2026
Young people in Thurrock are benefitting from major investment which has been secured to create new opportunities, improve wellbeing, and help prevent youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
It’s been six months since the Active Essex Foundation secured a groundbreaking three-year partnership through the London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund (LFGCIF), helping expand its support for young people in Thurrock and Thames Estuary communities as part of the Sport and Life Skills prevention and intervention projects.

Adam Buxton shines a light on the need for more foster carers in a new documentary

6 January 2026
A new mini documentary has launched, following writer, comedian and family man Adam Buxton as he visits two local authority foster families in the East of England. Approaching fostering from the perspective of someone who “doesn’t know anything about children in care”. 

Over cups of tea, emptying the dishwasher, Top Trumps, a dog walk and a kick-about in the garden, Adam asks Gary and Catherine the kinds of questions people often have when first considering fostering. 

New Year, New Start: Thurrock residents encouraged to get early support to stop smoking

5 January 2026
As residents across Thurrock make New Year resolutions to improve their health, Thurrock Council is encouraging anyone who wants to stop smoking to get support early by registering online for its free Help to Stop Smoking service. 
The service is delivered by the council’s Health Trainer Service and is designed to support residents from the very start of their quit journey. Getting help early can make a significant difference, particularly during the first few weeks when cravings and relapse risk are highest. 

Brisbane House, Tilbury - first households to move back in before Christmas

19 December 2025
We have been working with flood recovery specialists, though our insurer, to get the building ready for residents to move back in as quickly as possible and good progress has been made with completing works and carrying out safety checks in flats and communal areas safety checks.  
With electricity and running water restored throughout the building and one of the lifts now repaired and fully working, we have been able to arrange for the first households to move back into their homes before Christmas. 

Christmas message from the Leader

19 December 2025
Dear residents, 
As 2025 draws to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy new year, and thank you for your contribution to our borough this year. 
Back in May, I was proud to take over from Cllr John Kent as Leader of Thurrock Council, and continue the important work to get Thurrock Council back on its feet so it can properly support you, the residents we are here to serve. 

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