News

Thurrock’s housing innovations recognised nationally

13 February 2026
The council has scored a double victory at the national Housing Innovations Awards last week.
Thurrock won in the category of Most Innovative Approach to Resident Welfare with its unique programme supporting some of the borough’s residents.  
The council faced the challenge of a small group of tenants who, due to complex mental health, addictions and disengagement have been at high risk of losing, or have lost, their tenancies resulting in homelessness, poor quality of life and limited future prospects.

Say Yes in Thurrock: Fall in love with getting married locally

12 February 2026
As Valentine’s Day approaches and many people reflect on love and commitment, Thurrock is showcasing the variety of ceremony options and venues available across the borough.
Fall in love with getting married locally, with options including weddings, civil partnerships, renewal of vows and commitment ceremonies, all taking place in familiar and meaningful local settings.

Residents invited to have their say on play equipment plans for Grays Beach Riverside Park

12 February 2026
Residents are being encouraged to have their say on plans to renew and improve play equipment at Grays Beach Riverside Park. 
Grays Beach Riverside Park is planning to renew some of its play equipment, with the aim of providing a range of play opportunities for people of all abilities and ages, including children and young people.  
We’d like to hear your views on the types of play equipment you and your family would most like to see in the park. Your feedback will help shape a play area that is welcoming, engaging, and enjoyable for the local community. 

Detective dogs keeping illicit products off our high streets

12 February 2026
Thurrock Trading Standards is now working to detect illegal vapes at our border points, with the help of tobacco detection dogs Dora and Grace.
Trading Standards across the UK frequently use specialist sniffer dogs (tobacco detection dogs) to uncover illegal, counterfeit, and non-duty paid products, particularly imported tobacco and vapes.

More Buses, More Often: Boost to services on key routes

11 February 2026
Residents will soon benefit from more frequent and more convenient bus services, as the Council expands operations on two of the borough’s busiest routes, delivering extra evening and weekend journeys.
From Sunday 22 February, the popular 100 service (Lakeside to Basildon, via Grays, Stanford‑le‑Hope and Corringham) will run every 30 minutes during evenings from Monday to Saturday. Sunday evenings will also see the introduction of a new hourly service, giving residents more flexibility to travel later in the day.

How to dispose of your old PC safely and securely

11 February 2026
Buying a new computer and not sure how to dispose of your old machine? Maybe you have draws filled with old mobile phones and smart tablets?
Simply throwing out IT equipment into the rubbish adds to landfill and may expose your personal data to criminal gangs.
We have the solution. Bring your unwanted computers, tablets, mobiles, and other tech to Grays Library on Saturday 21 February and donate it to Every Child Online.

Thurrock hosts special conference to share new ways to support children

6 February 2026
More than 100 staff from Thurrock Council and partner organisations attended a special conference showcasing a new approach designed to better support children and families in the borough. 
Held at Orsett Hall Hotel, the event provided an in-depth introduction to the new Families First Partnership Programme, a national initiative led by the Department for Education. 

Corringham event brings cost‑of‑living support directly to residents

6 February 2026
Residents from across Thurrock were able to access a wide range of advice and support to help them manage the rising cost of living at a free wellbeing event held in Corringham. 
Corringham Library hosted the drop-in session on Wednesday 4 February, bringing together Thurrock Council, local health organisations, and partners from the community and voluntary sector to offer practical guidance on how to navigate increasing day‑to‑day costs. 

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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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