News Archive - Thurrock's moment to shine!

Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council says he is overwhelmed by the massive response to the Olympic Torch Relay through Grays on Friday (6 July) afternoon.

"It was amazing," he said. "I could only see a comparatively small area close to the town centre, but it was obvious the whole route was jammed with local people celebrating this wonderful event.

"Now I've seen it online too and I am overwhelmed at the sheer numbers of people who turned out to line the route and so was everyone I have spoken to who was there.

"More than 25,000 people packed the streets from Lodge Lane to Hogg Lane, a remarkable achievement and something everyone who was there - volunteer or spectator - will remember for years to come."

He went on: "It was fantastic to see so many people from across the borough involved in delivering the event - be they the 200 volunteers stewarding the route; the 60 community groups who produced over 6000 metres of bunting to line the route; the 350-strong procession of schools, scouts and performers who entertained us before the torch arrived; the businesses, churches and residents along the route who welcomed the crowds; or the council's staff, the police and ambulance service who kept everyone safe on the day. A massive thank you to all of them.

"It was marvellous, humbling really, to see the joy on everybody's faces and communities coming together to celebrate. I'm not sure how, but we need to find a way to bottle this occasion and the excitement so we can do it again and again."

Cllr Kent said: "I was incredibly proud to be part of the day. Thurrock really is a great place to be with great people living here."