News | Thurrock Council

Purfleet Pantry Xmas party

16 December 2025

Residents enjoyed a very special Christmas treat, thanks to the generous efforts of volunteers from the Purfleet Pantry & Hub.
On Friday 12 December, 28 residents from across Thurrock celebrated the festive season with a volunteer-organised party in the Community Hall of the Mulberry Drive Complex in Purfleet.
There was plenty of fun to be had, as guests tucked in to a two course Christmas dinner before being keep well entertained with a festive bingo and quiz.

Thurrock’s Give a Gift raises thousands for vulnerable children

16 December 2025

Residents and local businesses have raised almost £5,000 and donated hundreds of toys to help make sure Thurrock’s most vulnerable children can wake up to a gift on Christmas Day.
Thurrock’s Give a Gift campaign returned for another year, and people were able to get involved by donating toys and gifts or donating towards an online collection pot that would be used towards gift cards for older vulnerable children.
This year, a total of £4996.05 was raised, with hundreds more gifts donated.

Local Knit and Natter group spreads Christmas cheer to families

12 December 2025

A creative community group has brought some festive magic to families by creating some special decorations to celebrate the Christmas season.
Thanks to the talented members of the Knit and Natter group at Grays Library, a beautiful, knitted nativity scene was created to be put on display at Thameside Family Hub and Stifford Family Hub.
Plans for the knitted nativity scene started in September, with members quickly getting to work with their needles and yarn before the creations were sent off to Norfolk for the faces to be added.

Winners from Thurrock at Essex Activity Awards

11 December 2025

There were two winners from Thurrock at the annual Essex Activity Awards, which recognise remarkable achievements in physical activity, sport, and wellbeing across Essex.
The annual award ceremony took place on Thursday 4 December, bringing together over 150 shortlisted nominees and invited guests to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by individuals, communities, schools, clubs, and workplaces that inspire and promote the importance of physical activity and movement in Greater Essex.

Having a Christmas clear out? Give your pre-loved (and new) items a second life!

10 December 2025

We’re excited to announce that in January, we will be opening a brand-new Re-use Shop — a community space where good-quality, pre-loved items can find new homes instead of ending up in landfill.
The shop, situated in our Linford Household Waste and Recycling Centre, will sell donated household items at affordable prices, helping local families while reducing Thurrock’s waste. But to make this project a success, we need your help.

Council Leader writes to Secretary of State over Mossbourne concerns

9 December 2025

Thurrock Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Education have this week written to the Secretary of State for Education to state their support for the recommendations of the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership report into a school run by the Mossbourne Federation in Hackney.

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.