News | Thurrock Council

Give a Gift is a wrap

9 December 2022

Thank you to everyone who donated a Christmas present to this year's Give a Gift.
Cllr Barry Johnson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education said: "It is due to the public's generosity that this project is a great success and we ensure that Thurrock children in need have a present to open on Christmas morning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who has donated via the Amazon Wishlist or at one of our drop of locations this year.

Developing proposals for the future of Blackshots estate

7 December 2022

Proposals for a brighter future for the Blackshots estate in Grays will be developed while essential work takes place immediately to improve the three 11-storey tower blocks.
Thurrock Council's Cabinet approved plans to create proposals – in consultation with residents – that could see the estate redeveloped. Cabinet also approved plans to carry out essential repairs on the existing building.

Council to help deliver Thames Freeport benefits for Thurrock

7 December 2022

Thurrock Council is to have a key democratic voice in ensuring Thames Freeport delivers on its ambitions as a member of the Thames Freeport Governance Board (TFGB). Cllr Mark Coxshall, Leader of Thurrock Council, will now sit on the board and bring local residents to the centre of discussions around the Freeport.
Thames Freeport is set to create 21,000 new jobs, put £2.6billion a year into the UK economy, attract £4.6billion in investment and see 1,700 acres of land developed.

Council awarded possession of property from anti-social tenant

2 December 2022

Thurrock Council has regained possession of a council property linked to a tenant who is serving a 28-month prison sentence for supplying Class A and Class B drugs.
On Thursday 12 May 2022, Mr Jean Claude Wembo, from South Ockendon, was sentenced to 28 months after being convicted in supplying Class A and Class B controlled drugs, including cocaine and cannabis, and possession of Class B drugs (cannabis).

Community minibus unveiled in Aveley

1 December 2022

A new community minibus – which has already supported more than 200 people and benefited numerous organisations – has been unveiled during a special ceremony.
On Thursday 24 November, Thurrock Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, Cllr Qaisar Abbas, was joined by Cllr Colin Churchman, ward councillor for Aveley and Uplands, the Aveley Village Community Foundation’s chair, Alan Field, volunteers Grahame Ward and Lisa Clancy, and a Community Liaison officer from the council to officially unveil the new Aveley Village Community Foundation Community Minibus.

New leadership outlines full financial position for first time

29 November 2022

A report going to next week's Cabinet meeting will outline the council's current financial position and provide details of the full extent of the challenge it faces for the first time.
The report shows that the council faces a grave financial situation this year (2022/23) with expected investment losses totalling £275.4 million and a further £129.2 million being set aside to repay investment debt contributing to a total in year funding gap of £469.6 million, before mitigation.

Support for local community events to spread Christmas joy

24 November 2022

Thurrock Council is supporting multiple Christmas community events taking place this November and December across the borough.
The council, working in partnership with Thurrock Community and Voluntary Services (CVS), has provided funding to the Small Sparks Festive Fund. This fund aims to support projects or events during the festive season including:

Mayor switches on the lights in Grays

23 November 2022

The festive period has officially begun in Thurrock as Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr James Halden, was joined by local school children to switch on the lights in Grays High Street.
On Tuesday 22 November, the Mayor along with local school children from Quarry Hill Academy switched on the Christmas lights in Grays High Street, lighting up a 4.5m (15ft) Christmas tree and living tree lights.
Cllr Halden said: "I'm delighted to have switched on the lights with pupils from Quarry Hill Academy and brought some festivity to Thurrock ahead of the holiday period.

Thurrock Music Education Hub offers range of classes

23 November 2022

Thurrock Music Education Hub offers a range of exciting classes and ensemble groups for young people and adults who are interested in developing their musical skills.
Ensemble groups – including Thurrock's own 'School of Rock' – and Thurrock Youth Orchestra come together each week and are free to take part in:

Give a Gift returns to support Thurrock children

17 November 2022

Thurrock's Give a Gift is back for a seventh year, collecting Christmas presents for Thurrock children who are most in need to bring them a little sparkle on Christmas morning.
Cllr Barry Johnson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education: "We understand that it is a difficult time for many, now more than ever with the cost of living challenges, but we are asking for your generosity to help those children for whom Christmas can be a difficult time of year in Thurrock. A small contribution will make a big difference."