News | Thurrock Council

High Court legal action launched to recover multi-million pound investment funds

15 August 2024

Thurrock Council has launched a High Court lawsuit against businessman Liam Kavanagh and investment company Rockfire Capital Ltd to recover misappropriated investment funds.
Court papers, published this week, confirm that Thurrock Council is suing its former investment partners for deliberately misleading the council to inflate the value of investments, exaggerating the purchase cost and value of renewable energy facilities, and misusing around £150m of investment funds to pay for Kavanagh's lavish lifestyle rather than for the permitted purpose in breach of trust.

A-Level and BTEC results day 2024

15 August 2024

Thurrock students are celebrating after receiving their A-Level and BTEC results today (Thursday 15 August).
Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet member for Children's Services and Education, said: "It was wonderful to speak to the students receiving their BTEC results this morning at South Essex College and hearing all about their future plans and aspirations.
"I know results day can sometimes be overwhelming for our students who may not necessarily know what they want to do next.

Hidden counterfeit tobacco seized in Trading Standards raid

15 August 2024

The owner of a shop in Grays has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after illegal tobacco and vapes were found in a wall and under the counter of the premises.
On Friday 9 August, Southend Magistrates Court ordered Dilsha Rashed, 41, of Lee Gardens, West Midlands, to pay £2,700 in fines, £3,000 costs and a £1,080 victim surcharge. Mr Rashed pled guilty to several offences including failing to comply with tobacco and vape regulations.

Message from Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council

9 August 2024

Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, has shared a message following the instances of civil disorder which have taken place across the country.
Cllr Kent said:
"I am sure you will all have been as shocked and saddened I have been when reading the reports of civil disorder that have taken place across the country.

Results day advice and support available

7 August 2024

The Inspire Hub in Grays has arranged a special support session for anyone struggling to decide on their next steps following the GCSE, BTEC and A-level results days.
The session will be open from 10am until 3pm on Tuesday 27 August at the Inspire Hub in Orsett Road, Grays. It will be attended by the Inspire Hub's team of career advisors, as well as representatives from South Essex College, USP College and Central Training Group, who will be able to advise on options for apprenticeships, courses or universities.

Council injunction sends anti-social offender to prison

2 August 2024

A violent man who subjected his partner to domestic abuse and terrorised residents in sheltered housing has been jailed for 5 months.
David Watts, 60, from Thurrock was sentenced to 5 months in prison on Friday 26 July by Southend County Court, following repeated breaches of an anti-social behaviour injunction that was put into place to prevent instances of domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour towards the borough's most vulnerable residents.

Residents asked to have their say on Grays Riverside plans

2 August 2024

Thurrock Council is inviting residents to have their say on exciting plans to improve access to the Grays Riverside area.
Proposals, created by the Grays Towns Board, include opening up the Grays waterfront by building a new footpath linking Kilverts Field and Grays Beach Park and creating new seating areas.
Grays was awarded £19.9million as part of the government's Towns Fund scheme. These proposals have been put forward by Grays Towns Board, which was formed to create a vision for Grays and put forward schemes for the town.

Infant feeding service now available 7 days-a-week

31 July 2024

Parents and carers in Thurrock can access feeding support for their baby 7 days-a-week.
Expert infant feeding advice is now available from Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
Support is available for all aspects of feeding your baby, whether help is needed with breastfeeding, formula feeding, or introducing solid foods.

Free service to improve living conditions for homeowners and private tenants

26 July 2024

Thurrock residents can access free help and advice on how to improve their home, health, wellbeing and finances.
As part of the Well Homes benefit and energy advice project, homeowners and private tenants are invited to monthly drop-in sessions in Corringham, Ockendon and Tilbury.
The drop-in sessions include advice on how to homeowners and private tenants can:

Restoring Tilbury Ferry

25 July 2024

Thurrock Council has reaffirmed its commitment to continue work to find a sustainable future for the Tilbury to Gravesend ferry, following a motion put forward by Cllr Roy Jones.
The ferry had to halt its service earlier this year after an agreement to extend the current contract could not be made. Now Thurrock Council and Kent County Council are working together to find a long-term future for the service.