News

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.

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.”

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.

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.

To celebrate national Volunteers' Week, we are talking to some of the great volunteers providing invaluable support for the council's work in the community

Meet Maria

Maria is originally from Moldovia and has lived in the UK for eight years with her husband and their young family.

Maria had been looking after her children full time, but when the youngest started nursery she had time to spare during the day. “I felt I should do something and develop new skills.”

The council welcomes the news that the Serious Fraud Office has confirmed it is investigating allegations of fraud committed against Thurrock Council arising from its dealings with Rockfire Investment Finance Plc and other Rockfire companies.

The SFO has today issued a series of Section 2 notices compelling financial institutions to provide information about Rockfire, linked to Thurrock Council’s investments in solar farm bonds.

To celebrate national Volunteers' Week, we talk to some of the wonderful volunteers providing invaluable support in the community

Meet Sharon

For the past three years, Sharon has been serving up breakfasts to children and families in the three tower blocks in Chadwell St Mary.

Sharon, who lived on the estate for years, noticed that “there were lots of children in the blocks going to school with no breakfast in their belly”.

Residents of Thurrock can once again get together with friends and family and enjoy an afternoon of outdoor fun and activities thanks to the return of Big Lunches.

The Big Lunch is a community-run initiative, supported by a partnership between Start Thurrock, Thurrock Council, Thurrock CVS, Impulse Leisure and Active Essex.

The Big Lunch returns to South Ockendon, East Tilbury, Chadwell-St-Mary, Purfleet-on-Thames, Aveley and Corringham.

To celebrate national Volunteers' Week, we talk to some of the great volunteers providing invaluable support for the council's work in the community

Meet Chris

This year, Chris marks his 25th year volunteering to help his community in Tilbury and across Thurrock.

Chris was born and bred in Tilbury and lived and worked locally all his life. He is committed to giving back his neighbourhood.

“I am a community man. It’s in my genes. My mum and dad instilled in me the ethic of community.”

Thurrock Council’s Trading Standards Officers have visited 179 local shops to give them advice on how to get ready for the single-use vape ban, which comes into force on Sunday 1 June.

The ban means that vapes that cannot be both recharged and refilled are banned from sale. It has been brought in to reduce waste and stop potentially dangerous batteries ending up as litter or in the waste, where they can cause fires.