News

Mental Health and Well-being support in Thurrock

13 May 2025
When it comes to mental wellbeing, no one should feel like they have to face their struggles alone. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're supporting the theme of community by sharing some of the organisations and local services that offer support and a helping hand with mental health. 
Mind Wellbeing Group 
If you're looking for a safe, welcoming space to talk, connect with other people in the community, the Mind Wellbeing Group could be just what you need. 

Thurrock marks VE Day

9 May 2025
Hundreds of people were in attendance for special memorial events yesterday (Thursday 8 May) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. 
The commemorations started with a flag raising at the Town Hall in Grays. This was followed by a service at the Grays War Memorial, organised by Grays Royal British Legion, before a two-minute silence was held at 11am.  
Tilbury Royal British Legion held their service at the Tilbury Memorial.  

Financial Reporting Council sanctions Sean Clark, Thurrock Council's former Director for Finance

9 May 2025
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has officially sanctioned Sean Clark, Thurrock Council’s former Director of Finance and S151 Officer, in relation to his role in the council’s failed investment scheme.
The FRC launched its investigation in January 2024 and issued its findings on Thursday 8 May.
Mr Clark has been excluded as a Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for a recommended period of 5 years and been issued a Severe Reprimand by the FRC.

Performers needed for exciting new local show

8 May 2025
Start Thurrock and Teatro Vino are looking for community performers to get involved in a unique new show in Purfleet-on-Thames.
Theatre experts, Teatro Vito have been working with communities in Purfleet-on-Thames to create a new show celebrating local stories from the town.
'The Myths of the Marshes' will be performed on Saturday 28 June and Sunday 29 June.
To help make the show a success, Teatro Vito are looking for community performers to get involved.
Performers can help with various aspects of the show, from writing songs, acting, singing and dancing.

Feedback given on initial plans for Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex

8 May 2025
On Friday 21 March, all other 15 councils across Greater Essex, including Thurrock Council, joined the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in submitting an initial interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation. 
On Wednesday 7 May, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) provided feedback on our joint submission. This feedback has been provided in the form of a letter to the Chief Executives of all 15 councils and the Office of the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner. This was followed by a verbal briefing. 

Free event to help parents and carers prepare children for school

7 May 2025
Parents and carers across Thurrock are invited to a special, free event to help them prepare their children for the exciting step of starting school or nursery this September.
'Day of fun with your little one!' will take place on Saturday 7 June 2025, from 9.30am to 2pm, at South Essex College, High Street, Grays, RM17 6TF.
The event will offer parents practical advice and activities focused on developing children's literacy, numeracy, and language skills through play at home.

Grays vape shop forced to close after illegal cigarettes and vapes were found

2 May 2025
Magistrates have ordered a Grays vape shop to close for a month after Thurrock Trading Standards officers found illegal tobacco and vapes during an inspection.
Officers carried out the inspection at Shelby's, in Clarence Road, Grays, at the start of April after concerns were raised that the shop was selling tobacco and vaping products to underage children. During their search, which was assisted by Billy the tobacco-detecting dog, officers found over 22,000 illegal cigarettes and more than 250 illegal vapes.

Planning Team making good progress

2 May 2025
A programme to improve the council's planning function is making good progress according to a peer review team.
The peer review team revisited Thurrock Council in late January after carrying out a review of planning in Thurrock in late 2023. They were looking into what progress had been made based on recommendations they made following their review.

Ockendon Ward by-election results

1 May 2025
The Ockendon Ward by-election results have been declared and Alan Benson (Reform UK) and Russell Cherry (Reform UK) have been elected as councillors.
Votes were as follows:
Alan Benson (Reform UK) - 1,214
Russell Cherry (Reform UK) - 1,138
Sue Johnson (Conservative Party) - 533
Shalini Bhatt (Labour Party) - 478
Graham Snell (Conservative Party) - 439
Haruna Hamza (Labour Party) - 438
Ri Goodyear (Green Party) - 93
Daniel Fallows (Green Party) - 86
Brad Hayman (Liberal Democrats) - 74

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

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