News

Three months to go: Thurrock prepares for landmark Smokefree Generation law

1 October 2026

Two-thirds of people in the East of England support the landmark new law, while almost eight in 10 people who have ever smoked regret starting.

With just three months to go until landmark new tobacco legislation comes into effect, Thurrock Council is backing the move to create the first Smokefree

Noisy neighbour sentenced after failing to stop persistent dog barking

30 September 2026

A former Thurrock resident has been sentenced after failing to comply with a legal notice requiring her to address persistent dog barking that was causing a nuisance to neighbours.

Marcella Ferreira was prosecuted by Thurrock Council after breaching a noise abatement notice served under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The notice required action to be taken to prevent ongoing noise nuisance affecting nearby residents.

Get AI savvy with free courses

30 September 2026

Business owners and leaders are being offered the chance to learn how artificial intelligence (AI) can help solve everyday challenges and improve productivity through a series of free courses from Thames Freeport.

The first course starts in Grays on Thursday 1 October, with a second beginning on Wednesday 18 November.

Drone technology trial helps inspect Thurrock highways more safely

29 September 2026

Thurrock Council has trialled the use of drone technology to inspect highway structures, helping engineers gather detailed information more safely and efficiently.

Specialist drone surveys were carried out at culverts on Dunstable Road and St Margarets Road, where traditional inspections can be challenging because of dense vegetation, steep embankments and confined spaces.

New free app supports children's learning and development through everyday activities

29 September 2026

Families with children aged 0 to 5 across Thurrock can now access a free premium subscription to EasyPeasy, a new app designed to help children learn, communicate and develop through everyday family activities.

EasyPeasy offers thousands of simple ideas, activities and tips that can be incorporated into daily routines, helping families make the most of everyday opportunities to chat, play and learn together.

Have Your Say on Thurrock's Licensing Policy

29 September 2026

The council is reviewing its Licensing Policy and we want to hear your views.

The Licensing Policy helps guide decisions about licensed premises and activities across the borough, including pubs, bars, restaurants, shops selling alcohol, or tobacco and vapes, entertainment venues and community events. 

Highway repairs continue across Thurrock

29 September 2026

Thurrock Council’s Reactive Highways Maintenance Team has completed a series of repairs across the borough, helping to keep roads, footways, and public spaces safe and well maintained.

The team carries out a wide range of reactive repairs, including highway and footway works, drainage repairs, street furniture maintenance and emergency responses to hazards.

Recent works have been completed in South Ockendon, Tilbury and Brandon Groves.

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Media Enquiries

Journalists and media professionals can make enquiries from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, 01375 652 017 or at communicationsteam@thurrock.gov.uk.

For emergency media enquiries outside of these times, phone 07912 782 470.

The Communications team email inbox is not monitored outside of office hours, so email media enquiries received out-of-hours may not be answered until the next working weekday.

We advise our staff, when approached directly by a member of the media, not to answer questions themselves but to refer you to the Communications team who will provide our response.

We do not normally comment on individual cases or enquiries relating to council staff.