News | Thurrock Council

Make the most of the summer in Thurrock's parks

30 July 2019

Enjoy the sunshine and see what Thurrock's parks can offer in the school holidays with an action-packed programme of fun Active Parks activities.
Thurrock Council has organised a number of free sports and crafts activity sessions this summer to boost residents' links to nature, the outdoors and the borough’s parks.

Drivers warned of upcoming A13 weekend closures

30 July 2019

The A13 will be closed for two separate weekends in August as road widening works continue.
Thurrock Council is widening a 2.3 mile section of the A13 from 2 to 3 lanes in both directions between the A128 (Orsett Cock roundabout) and the A1014 (The Manorway, Stanford-le-Hope) in what is one of the largest local authority-managed road schemes in the country.

Council eyes further financial success after four year balanced budget

26 July 2019

Thurrock Council has outlined ambitious plans to build on its financial successes after achieving a balanced budget until 2023.
Through strong financial planning, an innovative approach to commercial opportunities and an impressive investment portfolio, the council has balanced the books for another four years, as well as generating a multi-million pound surplus.
Cllr Shane Hebb, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for finance and transformation, recognised the achievements in his annual report to Full Council today (Wednesday 24 July).

Council housing scheme named awards finalist

26 July 2019

A project to build 29 much-needed new council homes in Grays has been shortlisted for an award.
Thurrock Council is building a 5-storey residential block on the former Tops Social Club site in Argent Street as it continues to invest in affordable housing for residents on the borough's housing register.
The development will include parking spaces, a children's playground and other facilities, as well as the 15 two-bedroom flats, 8 one-bedroom flats and 6 three-bedroom maisonettes.

School Meals service is served up prestigious award

25 July 2019

For the fifth year running Thurrock Council's school meal service has been recognised officially for the high quality, healthy meals it serves to pupils across the borough.
The Gold Food for Life award, presented by the SOIL Association, recognises that the meals produced by the service use fresh ingredients that are seasonal and ethically and sustainably sourced by using Fair Trade and free range produce. The award also recognises that school menus are free from trans-fats, artificial sweeteners, food colours and additives whilst using zero genetically modified ingredients.

Find out how to become a childminder

24 July 2019

Childminding is a career that provides rewarding opportunities to work with children and their families.
Thurrock Council is encouraging prospective childminders to come along to a free information session taking place on Monday 5 August 2019 from 7pm to 9pm, at the Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, RM17 6SL.
Cllr James Halden, Cabinet member for education and health said: "As a childminder you will be supporting children, providing an exciting start to their life adventures and early years development.

World War 2 memories come to life

22 July 2019

Find out what World War 2 (WWII) was really like for people living in the borough at a free exhibition in Grays.
Residents can discover how the war affected Thurrock in the 'WWII Memories of Thurrock' exhibition, compiled by Thurrock Museum volunteers, in the ground floor exhibition space of the Thameside Complex in New Road, Grays.
Visitors can explore images like the one below from Thurrock Museum's archives, local newspapers and other sources. Photos from family collections will also be showcased, displaying local people and places.

Have your say on proposed Purfleet name change

19 July 2019

Proposals to formally rename Purfleet as Purfleet-on-Thames are being put to the public.
The online consultation, which will run for 12 weeks from Monday 22 July to Sunday 13 October, offers everyone an opportunity to give their views about the proposed name change.
Businesses, community groups and residents will all be engaged throughout the process, and posters promoting the plans will be displayed in Purfleet Community Hub, local bus stops and by local organisations.

'Outrage' over CCG merger plans to Secretary of State

19 July 2019

Letters have been written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and to Thurrock MPs, raising serious concerns about plans by NHS England to merge Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) with 4 other CCGs in South Essex.
The action comes after it emerged NHS England has instructed the 5 CCG accountable officers to set out a clear and agreed timeline for a formal CCG merger by the end of September 2019.
Thurrock Council last week criticised the plans, which it fears would lead to the loss of local accountability and strong existing partnerships.

Appeal for dash cam footage after truck spills concrete on A13

15 July 2019

Thurrock Council is appealing for help identifying a truck that spilt concrete onto the A13.
The driver failed to stop after concrete fell from a yellow and grey tipper truck onto the inside lane of the Southend-bound carriageway on the approach to the exit for the Orsett Cock roundabout at about 3:10pm on Thursday 11 July.
The council's highways contractor attended and briefly closed the slip road to remove debris from the road.