News

Statement on community cohesion and the former Tilbury Police Station

22 August 2025
Following local rumours, which have been created and spread on social media and websites, we want to be clear that Tilbury Police Station is not being used as housing for people seeking asylum in this country. Local councillors have provided updates to help counter the disinformation being spread online.
Untrue rumours like this can, as we have seen in other parts of the country, lead to unrest and violence that the local community can be swept up in. In the worst cases it has led to people being hurt, and others being arrested, charged and then given lengthy prison sentences.

A statement from the Big Lunch organisers on the cancelled East Tilbury Big Lunch

22 August 2025
It is with great regret that we have come to the difficult decision that the East Tilbury Big Lunch, which was cancelled due to a regional weather warning, will not be rescheduled this year.
The Big Lunch organisers have carefully explored alternative dates, but unfortunately it has not been possible to rearrange the event due to performer and stall holders’ commitments throughout the rest of the summer holidays and existing staff commitments. As you can understand, safety must be our main priority, and we would never wish to compromise that.

Making it easier for residents to manage their adult social care accounts

20 August 2025
A new Direct Debit payment system introduced by Thurrock Council offers a stress-free way to pay for Adult Social Care that will help service users make sure their accounts are always up to date.
Previously those that paid for adult social care could only use unwieldy standing orders or had to remember to make regular payments from their bank accounts. This could mean that accounts could fall into arrears, or they might end up overpaying by accident.
The new system will see payments taken for the exact amount owed on a schedule agreed beforehand.

What are your thoughts on the future of Local Government in Thurrock?  

20 August 2025
Let us know before our survey closes on Wednesday 27 August. 
Take part in our Have Your Say on Local Government Reorganisation survey. 
We are asking Thurrock residents to share your views now on the Government’s proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which aims to simplify council structures and strengthen local decision-making.

Borough’s A-Level students are top of the class with better results across the board

19 August 2025
Thurrock’s hard-working students have scored across-the-board higher A-Level results than last year with over 99% getting at least one pass and nearly 60% getting either an A or B grade in at least one subject.
An assessment of the borough’s A-Level results has revealed that marks are up in every category and the borough’s hardworking students and teachers beat the national average for the number of pupils passing at least one exam.
Overall:

First Eastern Region Football Tournament a Big Success!

14 August 2025
The first ever Eastern Region Football Tournament for care experienced young people (aged 14 to 25) was a resounding success, bringing together a mix of boys and girls from across the eastern region. Held on 7th August 2025, our Thurrock team faced spirited competition from Suffolk, Cambridge, and Norfolk and proudly lifted the trophy after some fantastic matches.

Well done, Thurrock! Students celebrate results and look ahead

14 August 2025
It’s a day of celebration across Thurrock as hundreds of students receive their A-Level and BTEC results today (Thursday 14 August).
To mark the occasion, Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Community Safety, visited USP Palmers College in Grays to congratulate students and staff in person. The atmosphere was full of excitement, relief, and optimism as students opened their results and looked ahead to what comes next.
For those still weighing up their next steps, whether after GCSEs, BTECs, or A-levels – help is on hand.

Freedom of the Borough awards presented to Margaret and Fatima Whitbread

8 August 2025
Borough sporting heroes, Fatima and Margaret Whitbread, were presented with their Freedom of the Borough Awards by Cllr Sue Shinnick, the Mayor of Thurrock, and Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council.
They had been unable to attend a ceremony in the Council Chamber last month, so the Mayor and the Leader took their awards to them this week.

Fantastic new play area in Chadwell St Mary

8 August 2025
Cllr Steve Liddiard officially opened a new play area in Chadwell St Mary Park on the Heath on Thursday 7 August.
It boasts a new adventure castle with slides, ladders and a climbing wall, swings, roundabout and nature explorers to help little ones identify the flowers and creepy crawlies they might find in the park. It has all been built on a soft play safety surface.
The new play area incorporates ideas put forward by the Chadwell Community Forum, local ward councillors and through the council’s Communities in Action pilot currently taking place in Chadwell St Mary

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