News | Thurrock Council

Help and support to cycle in Thurrock

13 June 2025

Cycling is a fantastic way to get active, boost your wellbeing and help the environment. Whether you’re completely new to cycling or looking to get more involved, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Thurrock on two wheels.
Cycle training for all ages
Thurrock Council offer a range of cycle training options to help residents learn to ride or improve their skills on the road:

Carers enjoy a well-deserved break

13 June 2025

Carers had the chance to unwind, learn new skills and meet with other people going through similar experiences thanks to a special week of events hosted by Thurrock Carers Service.
Thurrock Carers Service provides information, advice and support for unpaid carers who support relatives, friends or neighbours who would find it difficult to manage without their help.
As part of Carers Week (Monday 9 June to Sunday 15 June), the service has hosted an array of entertaining events for carers of all ages.

Thurrock’s ‘Day of Fun’ helps parents prepare children for school

13 June 2025

Almost 100 parents, carers and children were in attendance for a special event to help prepare for starting school or nursery.
On Saturday 7 June, Thurrock Council hosted a 'Day of fun with your little one'. The free event offered parents and carers the chance to get practical advice and learn fun play activities that encouraged problem-solving, exploration and shared play to build foundations for future learning at home.

Free parent and infant support in Thurrock

12 June 2025

Parents in Thurrock can access a specialist mental health service to help better understand how to support their baby.
As part of Infant Mental Health Week (9 to 15 June), Thurrock Council is raising awareness of some of the ongoing support and services that are available within Family Hubs across the borough.

Children pick first strawberries of the year at Purfleet

12 June 2025

A group of enthusiastic young gardeners enjoyed a sweet start to the summer this week as they picked the first strawberries of the season in the Purfleet Hub Community Garden.
The children helped plant the strawberry patch earlier in the year and were excited to discover the ripened fruit hidden beneath green leaves.
“This is the best part, when we get to eat what we grew!” said one young gardener.
The project is helping teach children about where their food comes from, encourage healthy eating, and inspire an appreciation for nature and sustainability.

Coalhouse Fort awarded National Lottery funding to help secure a long-term future for this historic landmark

10 June 2025

Coalhouse Fort has been awarded £236,500 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help secure a long-term future as landmark and visitor attraction in East Tilbury.
The funding will be used for the Reanimating Coalhouse Fort project, which will involve the local community and people with an interest in the history of the fort to play a role in securing its future.
The Fort has stood empty since 2020 and needs significant work to make it ready to fully open to the public.

Tilbury Square regeneration creates huge improvements, with more to come

9 June 2025

Works to improve Tilbury Civic Square have already brought huge improvements to the area, with much more to still to come.
The works so far have seen improvements to the road, footpath and created new flowerbeds and green areas on the north side of the square. The next phase of work will bring improvements to the rest of the square including new roads, footpaths, streetlights and landscaping.
Cllr Victoria Holloway, Cabinet Member for Place and the Environment, said: “These works will transform the Civic Square, creating something new and exciting in the heart of Tilbury.

Thurrock celebrates the start of Pride

6 June 2025

Earlier this week (Monday 2 June), Thurrock Council's LGBTQ+ Staff Network celebrated the start of Pride Month by raising the Progress flag above the Civic Offices in Grays.
The celebration was joined by colleagues, friends, allies and supporters to mark the special occasion.
Councillor Steve Liddiard, Deputy Mayor of Thurrock, was also in attendance and said: “It is an honour to stand before you today as we raise the Progress flag to mark the beginning of Pride Month here in Thurrock.”

Thurrock’s volunteers thanked during special celebration

5 June 2025

Thurrock’s Deputy Mayor hosted a special ceremony to thank the small army of volunteers who support Thurrock Council’s work in the community.
Volunteers made their way down to Chadwell St Mary Library on Wednesday 4 June for the event held in recognition for the amazing work they have done to support communities in the borough.
Councillor Steve Liddiard, Deputy Mayor of Thurrock. handed out certificates of appreciation to many of the council’s tireless volunteers and paid tribute to their contribution to the community.

How foster carers helped to change Jack's life

5 June 2025

When Jack Andrews talks about his life, he doesn’t just speak as a professional in Thurrock Council’s Children’s Services, he speaks as someone who lived through the care system and came out the other side with gratitude, love, and a desire to give back.
Now a Personal Adviser supporting young people leaving care, Jack’s path began at just seven years old, when he entered foster care in Thurrock.
“I still remember the day I was taken into care, two people turned up and told me I was moving. As a seven-year-old, it was terrifying.” Jack said.