News

Thurrock Council is consulting on new proposals to redevelop the Blackshots Estate which could mean that no part of King George Playing Field is used for new homes.

Under previous proposals the three tower blocks - Keir Hardie House, Bevan House and Morrison House - were to be demolished and replaced with 258 new, modern and energy efficient homes in a series of medium-rise flat blocks and houses. In order to do this part of King George Playing Fields would be redeveloped as part of the new housing estate.

Children and young people can come into care at any age, from birth up to the age of 18. While there can be a variety of reasons why a child may need to be looked after, there is one thing all of them need; a stable, loving home for them to continue to grow up.

Thurrock is home to amazing foster carers, and thanks to their care, they have helped to ensure some of the borough’s most vulnerable children are set up to live happy, healthy lives.

Cllr Lynn Worrall has been elected as new Leader of Thurrock Council and a new Cabinet appointed at this evening’s Annual Council.

Since May 2024 Cllr Worrall has been the council’s Deputy Leader, and succeeds Cllr John Kent in her new role as Leader.

Cllr Worrall said: “It is a real honour to be elected as Leader of Thurrock Council and a responsibility I take extremely seriously.

“Councillors are elected to represent the views of the borough’s residents and in my time as Leader I will make sure that their voices are heard and reflected in all that we do.

As the May half-term approaches, there is a fantastic range of family activities in Thurrock to keep people entertained.

While school children have the week off school, there are opportunities to get creative with arts and crafts, get active and outdoors, or enjoy some theatrical entertainment.

Celebrate Elmer Day at Thurrock's libraries

Get ready to celebrate the most colourful day of the year as libraries across Thurrock host a range of exciting activities for Elmer Day on Saturday 24 May.

Thurrock Council has written to the Trustees of Belmont village hall in Grays, requesting that they step down from managing the hall and return it to the council in the next two weeks.

This action follows months of attempts to negotiate with the trustees and arrange mediation with a local Scout group that has been prevented from using the hall by the trustees. Unfortunately the trustees have failed to engage with the council.

Thurrock Council is encouraging more people to consider becoming foster carers this Foster Care Fortnight. 

Over the next week, Thurrock Council will be out and about across Thurrock and Essex to raise awareness of the life-changing impact fostering can have.  

To kick off the start of Foster Care Fortnight on Monday 12 May, Councillor Vikki Harstean, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education, joined a fostering information pop-up stall at C2C Chafford Hundred Station.  

When it comes to fostering, no one placement is the same. It is understandable for people to look at fostering as providing long-term care for a particular child, and while that may be true for many cases there are plenty of circumstances where foster parents provide care for a number of weeks, days or even hours. 

This type of short-term care relief is often known as respite care. 

For the past five years Shirley has been one of the foster carers helping to provide respite care for children in Thurrock. 

The work of the National Investigation Service (Natis) will move from Thurrock Council to the Insolvency Service this summer, in plans to be announced by the Business and Trade Minister Gareth Thomas on Thursday 15 May.

Thurrock Council has launched a new consultation on proposals that could help ensure better quality private rented homes across the borough. 

The Selective Licensing Scheme means landlords will offer higher standard and better maintained homes. They would also have to take action to tackle nuisance neighbours and address reports of anti-social behaviour. 

When it comes to mental wellbeing, no one should feel like they have to face their struggles alone. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're supporting the theme of community by sharing some of the organisations and local services that offer support and a helping hand with mental health. 

Mind Wellbeing Group 

If you're looking for a safe, welcoming space to talk, connect with other people in the community, the Mind Wellbeing Group could be just what you need.