News

Your guide to health services over the festive period in mid and south Essex

9 December 2025
The local NHS is sharing some festive-season tips to help everyone stay healthy and know where to turn for medical support over Christmas.
With Christmas and New Year fast approaching, we’re all hoping to feel our best as we celebrate the season — but winter bugs and unexpected illnesses can sometimes get in the way. To help you enjoy a happy and healthy holiday, the local NHS has put together some helpful advice on managing any medical needs that might arise.

Christmas and New Year opening times for Library/Hubs

8 December 2025
Library/Hub opening times will change over the Christmas and New Year period.
All Library/Hubs will be closed from Wednesday 24 December to Saturday 27 December.
On Wednesday 31 December, all Library/Hubs will close at 1pm.
All Library/Hubs will be closed on Thursday 1 January for New Year’s Day.
Normal opening times will resume from Friday 2 January, with the exception of Aveley Library/Hub, which will reopen on Monday 5 January.

Tilbury shop selling illicit tobacco products forced to close its doors

8 December 2025
Thurrock Council’s Trading Standards Team has forced another shop to close its doors after it repeatedly sold illicit tobacco products.
Tilbury Vape Shop in Dock Road, Tilbury, will not be allowed to open or trade for three months following a ruling by Basildon Magistrates Court. Its owner Sami Kamali has also been ordered to pay the council £3,759.15 in costs.
The team responded to complaints and intelligence regarding the potential sale of illicit tobacco and sales of illicit tobacco to children.

Cabinet Member praises local businesses that are helping Thurrock's vulnerable children celebrate Christmas

5 December 2025
Thurrock’s local businesses have been commended by Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, following their inspiring efforts to ensure Thurrock’s vulnerable children receive a gift this Christmas.
On Tuesday 2 December, Cllr Hartstean paid a visit to Impulse Leisure in Blackshots, who have been collecting donations of toys and gifts at their leisure centre sites. She personally thanked staff for their contributions that will help to bring festive cheer to vulnerable children across Thurrock and those at Little Havens Children's Hospice.

Statement responding to Devolution election delay

4 December 2025
Cllr. Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council comments on the statement from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government which includes his intention to delay Mayoral elections in Greater Essex and other English regions participating in the Devolution Priority Programme.

Thurrock youngsters imagine the future of local neighbourhood

4 December 2025
Marfleet & Bradshaw recently visited Kennington Primary School to talk about safety, careers, and learning near construction sites. 
The students were tasked with a fun challenge to design what the new development at Teviot Avenue should look like! 
Congratulations to Niko, whose winning design will be featured on the site hoarding for everyone to see. 
Marfleet & Bradshaw will continue working with the school by donating surplus materials for creative playground projects. 

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.

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