News | Thurrock Council

£1,000 of rent recovered from landlord in milestone case

29 August 2018

More than £1,000 of rent paid to a rogue landlord who forced a tenant to live in appalling conditions has been successfully recovered in a landmark case for Thurrock Council.
Landlord Tobe Ayandare was originally fined for failing to comply with an improvement notice under the Housing Act 2004 back in March, and now he has also been forced to repay rent that had been paid to him.
The case followed a complaint by the occupier about the condition of a home in South Ockendon and officers finding 10 different health and safety hazards, including:

Exhibition looks back at WW1 school days

28 August 2018

A special exhibition opening at Thurrock Museum next week will take a look back at how life was for the children who attended school during the First World War (WW1).
'Lessons During War' tells the story of schools and the different forms of education during the Great War, and includes pictures of Thurrock schools from the time.
It shows how children helped the war effort and gives an insight into their views on the war.

Thurrock Council takes action to tackle breach of planning control

26 August 2018

Following reports of a breach of a Temporary Stop Notice (TSN) on land to the rear to Malvern Road, Grays, Thurrock Council is to begin legal proceedings against the landowner.
A TSN was served on the site to cease unauthorised activity on the land. Using a TSN process means it is not necessary to wait for an enforcement notice to be issued, the effect of the temporary stop notice is immediate and a person guilty of an offence is liable on conviction to an unlimited fine.

Rise in Thurrock students gaining GCSE results for English and Maths

24 August 2018

Students from schools across Thurrock were celebrating after receiving their GCSE results on Thursday 23 August.
The provisional results show 62% of Thurrock students have gained a pass grade of 4 and above in English and Maths combined – the equivalent to a C or higher in the old grading system.
The percentage of students in Thurrock achieving this provisional benchmark has increased on last year's result, which saw 61% of GCSE students in the borough gaining a pass grade of 4 or above in English and Maths combined.

Thurrock celebrates Merchant Navy Day

23 August 2018

Thurrock Council will once again be recognising the contribution of the Merchant Navy with a special event this September.
Merchant Navy Day, marked on 3 September each year, recognises and celebrates the men and women who have served and lost their lives throughout the First and Second World Wars.
The occasion focuses on raising money for Seafarers UK, a charity helping people in the maritime community by providing vital funding and support to seafarers in need and their families.

Statement in response to media coverage regarding the Thurrock Independent

22 August 2018

Thurrock Council would like to clarify the position with regards to its communication with the Thurrock Independent due to the recent media coverage and social media discussion on this issue. The council continues to engage with the Thurrock Independent and this position has not changed.

One month left to have your say on licensing of shared houses and flats

21 August 2018

People are being reminded to give their views as Thurrock Council considers introducing an additional licensing scheme for private landlords renting rooms to tenants.
The council is considering introducing additional licensing in specific parts of the borough where there are the highest numbers of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) to help protect tenants and support landlords.
Although most landlords operate responsibly, there is a small minority that does not provide adequate living conditions and has unsatisfactory management and maintenance arrangements in place.

Name the Freighter winners

20 August 2018

Thurrock’s waste is now being collected by The Binions, Shred Sheeran, Binney Jones and Lord of the Bins among others following a hugely successful competition which saw the borough’s primary school pupils suggest names for the new fleet.
Youngsters from local primary schools took part in a competition to come up with new and original names for the 28 new freighters which have been recently added to Thurrock Council's fleet.

Record numbers pass A-levels in Thurrock

17 August 2018

Thurrock students are celebrating another strong year of A-level results after it was announced that 100% of students in Thurrock schools have gained at least one A* to E pass this year.
The provisional results – announced on Thursday 16 August – showed an increase on last year's results, which saw 96.4% of A-level students gaining at least one A* to E pass.
The pass rates from each sixth form in the borough are as follows:

30 hours funded early education and childcare available this autumn

14 August 2018

Parents and carers – including foster carers, from September – across Thurrock might be eligible to receive 30 hours free childcare this autumn as the deadline for applications approaches.
Some 3 and 4 year-old children may be entitled to an additional 15 hours of childcare, making a total of 30 hours per week term time.