News

Celebrate safely in Thurrock this fireworks season

28 October 2025
As fireworks season approaches across Thurrock, the Council is reminding residents, community groups and local businesses to celebrate safely, responsibly and considerately. Whether hosting a small garden display or attending a local event, it’s important to plan and keep safety front of mind. 
Enjoy the season safely 

Protect young children this winter: Free flu vaccinations available for 2 and 3 year olds

28 October 2025
Parents and carers of young children in Thurrock are being encouraged to make sure their child receives their free flu vaccination this winter. Flu can be a very unpleasant illness for children and may lead to serious complications, particularly for those under the age of five.
Free flu vaccinations are now available for 2 and 3 year olds through local GP practices and participating community pharmacies. This year, there is a renewed focus on making the vaccine as accessible as possible, with more vaccination sites available across the borough.

Thurrock memorial remembers the 39 Vietnamese victims six years on

26 October 2025
Today (Sunday 26 October), a memorial event was held to remember the 39 Vietnamese people whose bodies were found in Eastern Avenue, West Thurrock, in 2019, having tragically died at the hands of a criminal people-smuggling gang. 
Families of the victims were joined by local faith, civic and community leaders at West Thurrock Memorial Park, Hilltop Road, West Thurrock, where a permanent memorial and 39 trees honour those who lost their lives. The service included readings, a moment of silence, and the laying of wreaths.  

Hundreds attend careers fair in Thurrock

24 October 2025
Over 200 residents in Thurrock attended a careers fair to learn about the growing opportunities in Construction, Green Skills, Transport & Logistics. 
The free event took place on Friday 24 October at The Old Court House in Grays, and was hosted by Thurrock Council in partnership with Jobcentre Plus (DWP). 
Residents in attendance had the chance to meet with a range of exciting employers and training providers, including: 

Mayor celebrates Get Online Week

23 October 2025
Cllr Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock, visited Grays Library this week to help celebrate Get Online Week, a national digital inclusion campaign, led by the Good Things Foundation.
The library’s digital team hosted special sessions helping residents explore both the benefits and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Mayor attended a session, spoke to the attendees and even picked up a few digital tips.

How adoption changed the lives of two Thurrock families

23 October 2025
Every year, families across Thurrock open their hearts and homes to children through adoption, offering love, stability and a fresh start to those who need it most. 
The decision to adopt can come with many questions, but for two Thurrock families, it’s been one of the most rewarding journeys of their lives. 
We spoke to two couples about how adoption helped them build the families they had always dreamed of. 

Thurrock’s Member of Youth Parliament joins national committee

23 October 2025
George Hare, Thurrock's Member of Youth Parliament, has been selected for a national committee that enquires into the most important topics for young people. 
George was invited to join the Youth Select Committee (YSC), which brings together select Members of Youth Parliament from across the UK, to scrutinise and hold inquiries into topics that matter most to young people. 
The YSC is a National Youth Agency initiative, supported by UK Parliament and Department for Culture, Media and Sport.  

Hundreds of unsafe electrical products stopped at Thurrock ports

22 October 2025
Thurrock Council’s Trading Standards Import Surveillance Team has intercepted hundreds of unsafe and non-compliant electrical items at the borough’s ports, preventing them from entering the UK marketplace. 
As part of ongoing work to check the safety of goods coming into the country, officers stopped three 40ft containers carrying household appliances including food processors, grills, toasters, fridges, and blenders, which were destined for sale via an online marketplace. 

Sign-up for Thurrock News – our monthly email newsletter.

Media enquiries

Journalists and media professionals can make enquiries from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, 01375 652 017 or at communicationsteam@thurrock.gov.uk.

For emergency media enquiries outside of these times, phone 07912 782 470.

The communications team email inbox is not monitored outside of office hours, so email media enquiries received out-of-hours may not be answered until the next working weekday.

We advise our staff, when approached directly by a member of the media, not to answer questions themselves but to refer you to the communications team who will provide our response.

We do not normally comment on individual cases or enquiries relating to council staff.