News | Thurrock Council

Response to proposed further directions

8 February 2023

Thurrock Council has responded to the government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities after receiving and considering proposed further directions for the council, based on the commissioners' first report and a Best Value Inspection update report submitted before Christmas.
The proposed updated directions recommend that a commissioner is appointed to act as Managing Director of the authority and sets out proposals for increased powers for the commissioners in making decisions about:

Order to help dog owners keep cemeteries clean and peaceful

6 February 2023

Rules to encourage dog owners to make sure they pick up after their pets if they are walking them through the borough's cemeteries have come into force.
A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) means that owners of dogs who do not pick up after their pet or allow them off the leash in one of the borough's cemeteries can be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice.

Hazel tree planted in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

3 February 2023

A hazel tree gifted to Thurrock from the Tree of Trees that formed the Queen's Platinum Jubilee sculpture has been planted in South Ockendon during a special ceremony.
On Friday 3 February, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, HM Lord Lieutenant of Essex, joined Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Environment, to help plant the special tree under the Queen's Green Canopy initiative on the grounds of Brandon Groves Community Club.

Film collaboration highlights the dangers of gangs

26 January 2023

Thurrock Council's School Wellbeing Service has collaborated with N-Act Theatre Company to produce a film about young people and the affect that gang involvement can have on members, family and friends.
Nearly 30 school staff and services watched the film 'The Line' at a VIP screening on Tuesday 24 January at Thames Park Secondary School. N-Act Theatre Company worked with young people from local schools before the COVID-19 pandemic to find out their views on the main topics that schools should discuss with young people.

New government directions on intervention

24 January 2023

Proposed new directions on the government intervention at Thurrock Council have been received by the authority as it moves into the next phase of its recovery from serious financial difficulties.
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has today (24 January) said he is "minded" to give Commissioners additional responsibilities for the management and governance of the council.
There will now be a 10-day "period of representation" when the council and local people can make comments and help shape the council's plans.

Remember and reflect on Holocaust Memorial Day

19 January 2023

Communities across Thurrock are invited to a special memorial service in Grays to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day featuring tributes read by schoolchildren and councillors.
On Friday 27 January, the annual memorial event, hosted by Thurrock Council, will be held at the Herbert E. Brooks Memorial Rest Garden, Grays, RM17 6RU, at 11am.

Community fridge and pantry open at Purfleet hub

17 January 2023

Deputy Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Little, joined local councillors and members of the community to officially open the Purfleet Community Hub community fridge and pantry.
From Tuesday 17 January 2023, residents across Thurrock can benefit from donated food items and surplus stock that may have otherwise gone to landfill at the borough's first community fridge in a community hub.
All items are free to take home. The fridge and pantry at Purfleet-on-Thames, run by hub volunteers, are open to all residents on:

Local businesses donate thousands to Mayor's charity

16 January 2023

Thurrock businesses have so far donated £17,900 to the chosen charities of the Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr James Halden, helping to save lives, support vulnerable people and those in need.
The Mayor named the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Basildon University Hospital as his main charity when he was elected in May last year, alongside focusing on charities that provide help for refugee children, families and those who support them.

Thurrock’s Next Top Boss launches with c2c

10 January 2023

The Thurrock's Next Top Boss programme for 2023 launched today (Tuesday 10 January).
This year c2c has partnered with Thurrock Council's Inspire Youth Hub to set a business challenge for 11 schools and 1 college in Thurrock.
Cllr Barry Johnson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: "Now in its 13th year, Thurrock's Next Top Boss provides young people in Thurrock with a great opportunity to work with local employers on real business challenges.

Wi-Fi print-and-collect service launched at libraries

5 January 2023

A new Wi-Fi printing service has launched that lets residents print documents from their personal device and collect them at their local library.
Anyone with a library card can upload files they wish to print from their phone or computer to a Thurrock Council website. They can then visit any Thurrock library within 24 hours and use a self-service system to print the files, paying a small fee for each printed item.