News | Thurrock Council

Update from the Leader of Thurrock Council on Local Government Reorganisation in Essex

30 July 2025

Following last week’s Full Council meeting and ahead of Corporate Overview and Scrutiny next week, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Lynn Worrall, has announced Thurrock Council’s emerging preferred option for four new local authorities for Greater Essex, as part of local government reorganisation.
The government has been clear that it wants to see local government simplified across the country and here in Essex, local authorities are engaging with their residents and stakeholders on what shape and number of new local authorities might be needed to replace the 15 existing councils.

Thurrock Council hosts aftercare event for care-experienced young people and care leavers

30 July 2025

Thurrock’s care-experienced young people and care leavers explored their next steps into adulthood during a special event at Grangewaters Outdoor Education Centre.
Young people aged 16 and over, were invited to the afternoon of support on Friday 25 July, which brought together a range of council services and partner organisations offering guidance on housing, education, health, fitness, and careers.
The event was designed to empower young people with knowledge about their local offer and to build stronger connections between services and those they support.

Funding for the future; £9.8 million secured to build stronger Essex communities and tackle inactivity

28 July 2025

Significant investment from Sport England will transform lives in Thurrock through the power of sport and physical activity.
This week signals a momentous occasion, for the Place Partnership investment which will deliver impact against:

Council launches new Annual Report of performance as Leader notes progress in improvement journey, despite challenges looming large

25 July 2025

Thurrock Council’s Cabinet approved a new Annual Report of council performance at its meeting on Wednesday 22 July. The first such report produced in years, it sits alongside the new Corporate Plan as a suite of documents which improve transparency and challenge into the council’s work as it works hard to improve services to residents.

Thurrock Council launches online social club for children and young people with SEND

24 July 2025

Thurrock Council is inviting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to join The Den @ Summer; an inclusive, online social club designed to help attendees connect, get creative, and build life skills during the summer holidays.
Starting from Wednesday 6 August, the free online sessions are open to children and young people with SEND aged 11 to 25 and will run throughout the summer. Each themed session offers a fun and supportive space to make new friends, try new activities, and develop confidence.
Workshops include:

Mural brings woodland beauty to Broome Place

24 July 2025

The residents of Broome Place helped create a charming and original mural at the sheltered housing scheme in Aveley.
The project started when one of the tenants suggested creating an artwork to enhance the communal gardens, beautifully maintained by the residents.
Staff supported the idea and, with help from Start Thurrock, obtained funding and commissioned K&B Designs which produces bespoke murals. Mears, our repairs contractor, provided and installed new fence panels for the mural to be painted on.

Local Lioness helps send England woman to Euro 2025 final

24 July 2025

Earlier this week, one of Thurrock’s very own helped the Lionesses roar into the Euro 2025 final.
Michelle Agyemang, born in South Ockendon, and a former Holy Cross Catholic Primary School pupil, scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in the semi-finals against Italy. England then went on to clinch the victory in the final minute of extra time.
The Lionesses will now take on World Cup Winners, Spain, at 5pm on Sunday 27 July in their bid to win a second consecutive European Championship.

Freedom of the Borough awards presented to local sport, heritage and community heroes

23 July 2025

Thurrock Council has awarded four local heroes Freedom of the Borough, the highest award Thurrock Council can give, at a ceremony held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday 23 July.
Awards have been presented to Jim Gooding and Mike Ostler.
Jim Gooding has been given Freedom of the Borough for his service in the RAF during the Second World War and his work establishing and supporting the veteran community in Grays and in wider Thurrock, which supporting the RAF Wings Appeal, even at the age of 99.

Aveley Community Hub Snack Bar gets five star hygiene rating

18 July 2025

The Aveley Community Hub Coffee and Snack Bar has been given a five-star Food Hygiene Rating from the Food Standards Agency. It shows they operate at the highest standards of hygiene and fully comply with all hygiene laws.
It has been operating for just over a year providing essential support and a welcoming space for residents and visitors to Aveley and is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Government gives approval for devolution work to proceed in Greater Essex

18 July 2025

The Government has confirmed that Greater Essex has ‘passed the legal tests’ and that devolution and work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) can proceed.
The decision follows an eight-week consultation held between February and April, which saw a total of 4,070 responses from residents, business and partner organisations. A report on the consultation was published on Thursday 17 July.