News

A boroughwide operation by our Trading Standards officers has seen 39,000 counterfeit cigarettes, 11kg of illicit hand rolling tobacco and over 700 illegal vapes seized.

Officers were joined by Billy the tobacco detecting dog as they carried out inspections of shops in Aveley, Grays and Tilbury. Billy can help sniff out tobacco no matter where it is and make sure that unscrupulous shop keepers cannot hide illicit or counterfeit stock.

Thurrock Council joined partners, Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) in Grays to tackle dangerous driving and work towards Vision Zero, the ambition to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads by 2040. 

On Wednesday 2 July, Thurrock Council, the SERP engagement team and Essex Police held a Vision Zero Day in Grays, which saw the teams working together to tackle the Fatal Four: speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt offences, and driving under the influence. 

Some of the most inspirational children and young people from across Thurrock celebrated a host of remarkable achievements during Thurrock’s first-ever SEND and Alternative Provision Awards. 

Thurrock Council hosted a special awards ceremony at Stifford Clays Primary School on Friday 27 June, which was dedicated to recognising the incredible achievements of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Alternative Provision in Thurrock. 

Thirty-seven students from four Thurrock secondary schools took part in Thurrock Libraries’ annual Carnegie Shadowing Day, held at Blackshots Civic Hall on Thursday 19 June.

During the event, students discussed and presented on books shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal. After thoughtful debate, they voted The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow as their favourite. Meanwhile, the national winner, announced the same day, was Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald – a moving story about love and family.

Residents had the chance to put their questions directly to members of Thurrock Council’s cabinet and leadership team during the third ‘Ask the council!’ public question time on Wednesday 25 June.

The question time event, held at Tilbury Community Association, brought together residents from across the borough for an engaging discussion about the council's plans, as well as the issues and concerns most important to them. Subjects raised that were of specific interest to Tilbury residents included air pollution, grass cutting and the Tilbury Towns Fund plans.

Thurrock Council has launched a new mobile bike check and repair service that will be visiting communities across the borough.

Starting from Saturday 5 July in Chafford Hundred, residents can visit a mobile hub service to get their bike checked and have minor repairs carried out for free.

The free bike check and repair hub will be travelling directly to communities across the borough with the aim to encourage cycling, promote sustainable travel, and ensure residents' bikes are safe and roadworthy.

Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council said: “Since the Government published their plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) last December, Thurrock has been clear: our priority is delivering the best outcome for Thurrock’s residents.

Tilbury Library is celebrating the upcoming anniversary of the Empire Windrush's arrival to the UK with an exciting range of events, activities and displays.

Today the Government published the latest report from Commissioners into the recent progress made by Thurrock Council as it navigates its recovery and improvement journey. In their fifth report to the Government, the team of independent commissioners appointed by Government note further substantive progress has been made and recognises the challenging landscape in which the council operates.

Some of Thurrock's most remarkable looked after children and young people have celebrated their inspiring achievements during a special awards ceremony.

The Children Looked After Celebration Event was hosted at Orsett Hall on Friday 13 June, for a red carpet and movie-themed evening.

The event was attended by some of the borough's most inspiring looked-after young people, as well as carers, councillors and council staff.