News | Thurrock Council

Construction underway for Thurrock’s new Youth Zone

23 March 2026

Construction has begun on Thurrock’s new OnSide Youth Zone, the state-of-the-art youth centre due to open in Tilbury in 2027. This is an exciting moment for the charity, which is part of national charity OnSide’s network of Youth Zones, and created in partnership with Tilbury Towns Fund, Thurrock Council and private sector supporters.

Major step forward for Purfleet‑on‑Thames regeneration

19 March 2026

Thurrock Council has confirmed a major step forward for the regeneration of Purfleet‑on‑Thames, with Cabinet agreeing to appoint Muse Places, supported by the English Cities Fund, as its preferred Master Developer for the scheme.
The decision signals the Council’s commitment to unlocking one of the borough’s most ambitious regeneration projects, while recognising that substantial external investment will be essential before delivery can begin.

More buses are just the ticket

19 March 2026

More changes are coming to Thurrock’s bus network, thanks to the Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
From Saturday 28 March, the Monday to Friday daytime service on the 73 route will increase to run every 20 minutes (and will run every 15 minutes towards Lakeside in the peak morning hours).
On the 22 route there will be an enhanced 30-minute frequency on Sundays and Public Holidays with a new evening service.

Thurrock Adult Community College praised by OFSTED

16 March 2026

Thurrock Adult Community College (TACC), has been commended by OFSTED for delivering high‑quality education, strong leadership and life‑changing opportunities for adult learners across the borough.
Inspectors found that the college provides consistently high standards across its adult learning programmes, including curriculum design, teaching, leadership and governance, careers guidance and personal development.

Thurrock Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme resumes after High Court ruling

13 March 2026

Thurrock Council has confirmed that its Selective Licensing Scheme will resume after a High Court Judge refused permission for a Judicial Review to challenge the scheme.
The Judicial Review was put forward to stop the council implementing the Selective Licensing Scheme, which has been designed to improve housing standards in the private rented sector and ensure safer, better-quality housing for residents.
The Court has now declined permission for the Judicial Review to proceed, as the council was not in the wrong, allowing the scheme to continue as planned.

New Grays riverfront pathway will pave the way for Grays Riverside rejuvenation

12 March 2026

Planning permission has been granted for the regeneration of the riverside path and cycle way linking Grays Town Wharf with Tilbury Docks.
Works will include a new walkway, improved flood defences and landscaping to help open up the riverfront in Grays, which is the first phase of works that will create a new destination to bring more people to Grays, make the riverfront a safer and more pleasant place to spend time, reduce anti-social behaviour and improve Grays flood defences.

Thurrock Council encourages residents to quit smoking this National No Smoking Day

10 March 2026

Thurrock Council is marking National No Smoking Day (11 March) by encouraging residents who smoke to take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future by registering with the council’s Stop Smoking Service.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Stopping can improve breathing, boost energy levels and significantly reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. It also helps protect family members and friends from the harms of second-hand smoke.

Free NHS Health Checks available for Thurrock residents aged 40–74

10 March 2026

Thousands of Thurrock residents aged 40–74 are being invited to take up a free NHS Health Check – a quick and simple midlife check designed to help people stay healthy for longer.
NHS Health Checks are available to people aged 40–74 who do not already have a diagnosed cardiovascular condition. The programme is being rolled out across Thurrock over five years to make sure every eligible resident has the opportunity to take part.

Celebrating Commonwealth Day

9 March 2026

Thurrock Council joined people and groups across the world today (Monday 9 March) to raise the flag for Commonwealth Day.
The annual celebration of Commonwealth Day proudly unites 56 countries – almost a third of the world's population – in recognising and honouring the values that the Commonwealth upholds.
The event, held outside the Civic Offices in Grays, was attended by Cllr Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock, and Leader of the Council, Cllr Lynn Worrall.

Thurrock pupils celebrate World Book Day

5 March 2026

The book mad children of Kenningtons Primary Academy in Aveley helped launch National Year of Reading in Thurrock on World Book Day (Thursday 5 March).
This year has been designated National Year of Reading and Thurrock Libraries has plans to get everyone reading with campaigns aimed at children, teens and adults.
The school was the winner of the Summer Reading Challenge School Shield last year. Kenningtons had 33% of its pupils complete the challenge. Many of the students dressed up as their favourite literary character for World Book Day.