News | Thurrock Council

Thurrock Fostering to host virtual sessions

23 June 2020

Thurrock Fostering is holding virtual information sessions on Saturday 27 June and Wednesday 29 July. These sessions will allow participants to see a short presentation, speak to the fostering recruitment team and have questions answered by foster carers from the comfort of your own home.
Cllr James Halden, Cabinet member for children and adult social care, said: "Thurrock Fostering is always looking for more foster carers in and around Thurrock who can care for those children and young people most in need. It is such a rewarding thing to do.

Active Travel funding for safer footways and cycling

23 June 2020

Thurrock Council will create new walking and cycling transport infrastructure linking to schools, employment hubs and shopping and leisure sites across the borough thanks to £288,000 government funding.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "This funding will allow us to create wider footways and cycling infrastructure to help people get to schools, shops and employment while avoiding public transport and still following social distancing guidance.

New debt management system shortlisted for award

22 June 2020

A pioneering piece of work across council services has been shortlisted for the Solutions Partner Award at the Public Finance Awards 2020.
Thurrock's debt management approach highlights the many types of debt a resident may have across council services and enables vulnerable users to be more clearly identified. Stronger support can then be provided for residents to help them manage all outstanding balances without having to speak to different council services numerous times to discuss each type of debt. This should also make repayment plans more manageable for residents.

Thurrock flies the flag for Armed Forces Day

22 June 2020

Thurrock Council flew the flag to commemorate Armed Forces Day today (Monday 22 June).
A private ceremony was held in line with current social distancing guidance, which saw the Armed Forces Flag raised outside the Civic Offices, Grays, by Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Terry Piccolo, for those who served our country in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Merchant Navy.

Thurrock acknowledges Empire Windrush anniversary

22 June 2020

Today, Monday 22 June, is the 72nd anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush to Tilbury Docks and is the third National Windrush Day – a day dedicated to encouraging communities across the country to celebrate the contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.
Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet member for communities, said: "For Thurrock, the heritage of the Windrush story is one of many examples of our motto in action – 'By Thames to all the Peoples of the World' – our commitment as a council to celebrate and recognise all within our diverse communities."

Thurrock Trading Standards saves UK economy over £30million

22 June 2020

An estimated £30.7million has been saved by Thurrock Council's Trading Standards Port Team between April 2019 and April 2020 by detecting unsafe and non-compliant products coming through ports in the borough.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "Our Trading Standards Port Team has saved the UK economy an enormous amount of money – the equivalent of approximately 1,483 new 2020 Ford Focus Zetec cars.

Cabinet greenlights £4.4m Full Fibre broadband infrastructure boost

19 June 2020

Thurrock Council's Leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill, has announced the rollout of Full Fibre broadband infrastructure across south Essex, as approved by Cabinet this week (Wednesday 17 June).
The vital infrastructure work is the first large scale project by the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA), delivering improved connectivity to 129 sites across Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock – 78 of the sites are in Thurrock.

Thurrock flies the rainbow flag for Essex Pride

19 June 2020

Thurrock Council proudly flew the rainbow flag today, Friday 19 June, to celebrate Essex Pride and recognise the amazing diversity of its community.
The ceremony saw the Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Terry Piccolo, join Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet member for communities, to lead a private flag raising ceremony outside the Civic Offices in New Road, Grays. Members of the Thurrock Council Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Plus (LGBT+) Network were also in attendance, whilst adhering to social distancing.

Landlords reminded of imminent new electrical safety regulations

17 June 2020

Under new government regulations, private landlords in Thurrock must ensure rented properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated E or above, unless they have a valid exemption in place.
The new rules, brought in by the government to strengthen safety standards, will apply to all privately rented properties, including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). From 1 July 2020, they will affect all new and existing tenancies that are required to have an EPC.

Action continues against unlawful site

12 June 2020

Thurrock Council's Cabinet member for regeneration and strategic planning, Cllr Mark Coxshall, confirms unlawful works taking place in Biggin Lane, Grays, have been stopped indefinitely as the council continues to take decisive action against site operators.
A Stop Notice has been issued to the occupiers, which will come into effect on 13 June and requires the permanent cessation of all unapproved activity and will prevent operators removing sand without permission. This is further supported with an Enforcement Notice what will also come into effect in early July.