News

Residents thanked for their patience as waste collection services strive to catch-up

28 May 2021
Thurrock Council has thanked residents for their patience as its waste collection service has worked hard to catch-up this week, meaning that collections are still not fully operating on their normal schedule.
Although there will be no changes to the schedule as a result of the bank holiday, with collections taking place on Monday 31 May as normal, it is still not possible to collect all bins on their normal day as crews deal with extra waste that has built up over the last few weeks.

Rejuvenated play area relaunches in Grays

27 May 2021
New play equipment to boost Grays Beach Riverside Park has been unveiled at a special launch event today (Thursday 27 May).
Representatives from Thurrock Council, including Leader of the Council Cllr Rob Gledhill, members of the Grays Towns Fund Board including Vice-Chair Jackie Doyle-Price MP, and the Lightship Café community group attended the relaunch event under COVID-19 secure guidelines.

New Mayor takes chains of office

27 May 2021
Cllr Sue Shinnick has been inaugurated as the new Mayor of Thurrock.
The ceremony took place at Annual Council on Wednesday 26 May. In a break with tradition the meeting was held in the Thameside Theatre rather than the Council Chamber to allow for social distancing.
Cllr James Halden was named as Deputy Mayor for the 2021/22 municipal year.
Cllr Shinnick said: "I am looking forward to taking up my duties as Mayor in what I expect will be a very exciting year ahead.

Applications open for the Community Environmental Development Fund

26 May 2021
Residents and community organisations with innovative ideas on how to improve their local area can once again apply for capital funding under Thurrock Council's Community Environmental Development Fund (CEDF).
Applications to apply for CEDF grant funding of up to £75,000 towards community-led initiatives opened on Monday 24 May. Any projects put forward should demonstrate certain criteria including that they meet a community need in Thurrock and have long-term benefits.
Completed applications must be received by midnight on Monday 2 August.

Strike action suspended following positive talks

21 May 2021
Thurrock Council is pleased to announce that strike action in the waste service has been suspended while positive negotiations are ongoing with the trade union, Unite.
This is a significant step forward in the discussions with 3 trade unions and is particularly good news for residents, who rightly value the regular waste collection service they receive.

New grant to help local businesses hit by COVID-19 restriction costs

18 May 2021
Thurrock businesses impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions can now apply for a Business Adaptation Grant of up to £2,500. The purpose of the government-funded grant is to help local businesses and support Thurrock's economic recovery.
Thurrock Council has developed the grant programme to support small to medium businesses that have been hit by the cost of implementing social distancing and safety measures. Businesses can apply for a 50% match-funded payment of between £1,000 and £2,500.

State back on track as JD Wetherspoon submit new plans

17 May 2021
The State Cinema is back on track to return to its former glory as JD Wetherspoon submits new planning applications.
Thurrock Council welcomes this progress towards the development of a bar in the heart of Grays which will create new jobs and help support Thurrock's economic recovery.
Cllr Mark Coxshall, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: "I am delighted Wetherspoon has now submitted new applications. These have been validated this week and will be going out to public consultation imminently.

Work to improve The Manorway set to start soon

17 May 2021
Work to improve The Manorway, Stanford-le-Hope – making the road quieter for use by heavy goods vehicles – is set to get underway soon.
The joint scheme sees Thurrock Council and DP World London Gateway working together to repair and replace the substructure of the road and add a new quieter surface to help dampen down the noise of traffic.

Council advocates for resident safety in novel High Court ruling

17 May 2021
Thurrock Council has been successfully granted with an interim injunction by the High Court to prevent residents living in an unsafe House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), in what is believed to be a UK first.
On Friday 7 May, the High Court granted the interim injunction against 2 residents who had continued living in a HMO in Grays. They had continued living there despite a number of dangerous Category One and Category Two hazards being identified at the property, including risk of fire and inadequate means of escape.

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