News | Thurrock Council

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.

Thurrock Council encourages local organisations and residents to have their say as consultation launched on local government in Essex

19 November 2025

The government has announced today (19 November 2025) that a comprehensive public consultation into the shape of local government in Essex has now begun.
Following the submission by local authorities to ministers of proposals for change, the government is now inviting residents, businesses, the voluntary, community and faith sector and others to get involved and have their say on which of the options they prefer.

Thurrock celebrates Care Leavers' Month with inspiring events and skills training

18 November 2025

Thurrock Council’s care leavers have enjoyed a series of fantastic events in celebration of National Care Leavers' Month.
A range of social activities and inspiring sessions were organised for the young people, including a bonfire and outdoor Cinema Night, a staff versus young people football tournament, bowling, an aftercare celebration, and a cultural diversity event celebrating the richness of different cultures across our care leaver population.

Local group of volunteers win King’s Award for Voluntary Service

18 November 2025

We’re thrilled to share that 1st Ockendon Cub Pack has been honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), which is the highest national award a voluntary group can receive in the UK!
This incredible group of volunteers goes above and beyond to provide an engaging, inclusive, and life-changing experience for local young people. With 50 cubs attending regularly, they offer camping trips, practical skills, badge earning, and a space where every child is supported.

Christmas arrives in Grays!

17 November 2025

Grays High Street Christmas Tree lights will be officially switched on by the Mayor of Thurrock Council at a special event in Grays High Street on Thursday 27 November.
Cllr Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock, said: “Christmas is just around the corner and it is fantastic to bring festive cheer back to Grays by switching on the Christmas Tree lights.
“I would especially like to thank DP World London Gateway who have supplied the tree again this year, and Impulse Leisure who are sponsoring our fantastic launch event.

Council confirms arrangements for residents as burst pipe at Brisbane House requires evacuation

13 November 2025

Thurrock Council has confirmed today (13 November) that it continues to support residents of Brisbane House while a burst water pipe’s after-effects are dealt with. The council is assessing the damage following the flood late yesterday led to flooding throughout the block, meaning that residents are now either in temporary accommodation provided by the council or staying with friends or family.