News

Congratulations to Thurrock Voices, the adult community choir, which has been shortlisted for a national award.

The choir, organised by Arts Outburst, is in the running for the Best Age-Friendly Outreach award at the Fantastic for Families Awards 2025, organised by the Family Arts Campaign.

Starting this month (October), thousands of Thurrock residents will begin receiving invitations for their free NHS Health Check – a quick and simple midlife health check designed to help people stay healthy for longer. 

NHS Health Checks are available to everyone aged 40-74 who does not already have a pre-existing cardiovascular condition. Over the next five years, the programme will be rolled out across Thurrock to make sure every eligible resident is invited. 

Pregnant women in Thurrock are being urged to protect themselves and their babies this winter by getting the free flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women, no matter what stage of pregnancy they are at. It helps protect both you and your baby from serious illness and is completely free on the NHS.

An injunction which prevents protestors from blocking roads and vehicles at key fuel terminals and filling stations in Thurrock has been extended until 2029. It names 26 protestors, who have previously been involved in disruptive protests in the borough.

Thurrock Council have partnered with over 90 other local authorities to launch a brand-new campaign to inspire more people to start fostering. 

Managed by CAN Digital, ‘The Run’ has been produced by award-winning producers, ReelTwentyFive and is set to be the most ambitious jointly funded fostering film project yet. 

The film focuses on Tom, an 11-year-old boy, contrasting his need to run - away from danger, a chaotic home life, to get to school in time for breakfast club because he’s hungry - with running as a sport. 

A planning enforcement notice served on a depot in Vange Road, Vange, will pave the way constructive dialogue between the site’s owners, local residents, and the council to help make sure that the site operates in a way that is more considerate of neighbours.

Following discussions with the council, the depot will remain on site and its owners have agreed take proactive steps to address concerns raised by the community. That includes meeting directly with neighbours to listen to their experiences and work with them to reduce disruption caused by the depot’s activities.

Congratulations to the Purfleet Community Pantry and Cafe which has been nominated for the Community Champion Award at the annual Pride of Essex Awards.

The volunteer-run pantry recently celebrated its first year of service to the community at a special birthday party, with help from Cllr Steve Liddiard, Deputy Mayor of Thurrock (pictued, below).

The membership-based shopping scheme allows residents to purchase a weekly top-up shop at significantly reduced prices. Members can access a selection of 10 essential items per week, usually worth around £25, for just £5.

Thurrock residents are invited to experience a world-class celebration of cinema as the Thurrock International Film Festival 2025 takes place from 17 to 19 October 2025 at Grays Town Park Café (RM17 6PZ).

The festival will bring together inspiring films, community spirit and opportunities for creative exploration — right in the heart of Thurrock.

A festival championing bold and diverse voices

Thurrock is hosting a vibrant programme of events and activities this October as part of Black History Month. 

Across the next month, we’re inviting residents to come along to some amazing local events and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Black communities to our borough, and across the country. 

Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council, has issued a statement following yesterday’s attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.

Cllr Worrall said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened by the attack that took place at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Greater Manchester yesterday. My thoughts are with the families of the victims of this appalling attack, those who were injured, and the wider Jewish community.