News | Thurrock Council

Thurrock Council launches online social club for children and young people with SEND

24 July 2025

Thurrock Council is inviting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to join The Den @ Summer; an inclusive, online social club designed to help attendees connect, get creative, and build life skills during the summer holidays.
Starting from Wednesday 6 August, the free online sessions are open to children and young people with SEND aged 11 to 25 and will run throughout the summer. Each themed session offers a fun and supportive space to make new friends, try new activities, and develop confidence.
Workshops include:

Mural brings woodland beauty to Broome Place

24 July 2025

The residents of Broome Place helped create a charming and original mural at the sheltered housing scheme in Aveley.
The project started when one of the tenants suggested creating an artwork to enhance the communal gardens, beautifully maintained by the residents.
Staff supported the idea and, with help from Start Thurrock, obtained funding and commissioned K&B Designs which produces bespoke murals.
The two artists Brittany and Kirsty from K&B Designs met with residents who contributed their ideas, which were incorporated into the design.

Local Lioness helps send England woman to Euro 2025 final

24 July 2025

Earlier this week, one of Thurrock’s very own helped the Lionesses roar into the Euro 2025 final.
Michelle Agyemang, born in South Ockendon, and a former Holy Cross Catholic Primary School pupil, scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in the semi-finals against Italy. England then went on to clinch the victory in the final minute of extra time.
The Lionesses will now take on World Cup Winners, Spain, at 5pm on Sunday 27 July in their bid to win a second consecutive European Championship.

Freedom of the Borough awards presented to local sport, heritage and community heroes

23 July 2025

Thurrock Council has awarded four local heroes Freedom of the Borough, the highest award Thurrock Council can give, at a ceremony held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday 23 July.
Awards have been presented to Jim Gooding and Mike Ostler.
Jim Gooding has been given Freedom of the Borough for his service in the RAF during the Second World War and his work establishing and supporting the veteran community in Grays and in wider Thurrock, which supporting the RAF Wings Appeal, even at the age of 99.

Aveley Community Hub Snack Bar gets five star hygiene rating

18 July 2025

The Aveley Community Hub Coffee and Snack Bar has been given a five-star Food Hygiene Rating from the Food Standards Agency. It shows they operate at the highest standards of hygiene and fully comply with all hygiene laws.
It has been operating for just over a year providing essential support and a welcoming space for residents and visitors to Aveley and is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Government gives approval for devolution work to proceed in Greater Essex

18 July 2025

The Government has confirmed that Greater Essex has ‘passed the legal tests’ and that devolution and work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) can proceed.
The decision follows an eight-week consultation held between February and April, which saw a total of 4,070 responses from residents, business and partner organisations. A report on the consultation was published on Thursday 17 July.

A Fresh Start for Thurrock: Listening to our communities

18 July 2025

Our Corporate Plan, "A Fresh Start for Thurrock", focuses on rebuilding trust — both with our residents and our staff. We know that to create a council that works for everyone, we must work with the people who live and work here.
A big part of that is improving how we engage and communicate. People want to see positive changes happening in their communities — and they want the chance to help make them happen.

Driving up standards for second-hand car dealers

17 July 2025

A series of visits to second hand car dealers by Thurrock Council’s Trading Standards team will help protect residents from buying unreliable, or even potentially dangerous, cars.
The visits will give dealers the advice and guidance they need to prevent problems after cars have been sold, including information about the safety and quality standards cars need to meet to safety and consumer standards laws.

Thurrock Council responds to ministerial statement on intervention

17 July 2025

Thurrock Council has today (17 July) welcomed the decision by the Minister for Local Government, Jim McMahon MP, to extend the period in which dedicated commissioners remain at the authority. Following the existing commissioners’ fifth letter to Government last month, which noted sustained progress made by Thurrock Council as it navigates its recovery and improvement journey, the government has today confirmed to maintain intervention help the council sustain its progress and improve services to local residents.

Start planning your Summer family days out

17 July 2025

Keeping the children entertained over the Summer holidays can be a challenge.
That’s why the Council has launched an online guide of things to do for children and families over the break.
Our Summer Fun guide is filled with ideas, events and places to take the family – and most of the suggestions are free or at a low cost.
The activities run from the Big Lunches to open air theatre; from free inactive shows to the summer reading challenge, from paddleboarding to reptile safaris, and free exhibitions uncovering Thurrock’s past.