News | Thurrock Council

Councils across the country launch national fostering campaign

9 October 2025

Thurrock Council have partnered with over 90 other local authorities to launch a brand-new campaign to inspire more people to start fostering.

Managed by CAN Digital, ‘The Run’ has been produced by award-winning producers, ReelTwentyFive and is set to be the most ambitious jointly funded fostering film project yet.

The film focuses on Tom, an 11-year-old boy, contrasting his need to run - away from danger, a chaotic home life, to get to school in time for breakfast club because he’s hungry - with running as a sport.

Depot to work with council and neighbours on constructive way forward

8 October 2025

A planning enforcement notice served on a depot in Vange Road, Vange, will pave the way constructive dialogue between the site’s owners, local residents, and the council to help make sure that the site operates in a way that is more considerate of neighbours.
Following discussions with the council, the depot will remain on site and its owners have agreed take proactive steps to address concerns raised by the community. That includes meeting directly with neighbours to listen to their experiences and work with them to reduce disruption caused by the depot’s activities.

Pantry nominated in Pride of Essex awards

7 October 2025

Congratulations to the Purfleet Community Pantry and Cafe which has been nominated for the Community Champion Award at the annual Pride of Essex Awards.
The volunteer-run pantry recently celebrated its first year of service to the community at a special birthday party, with help from Cllr Steve Liddiard, Deputy Mayor of Thurrock (pictued, below).
The membership-based shopping scheme allows residents to purchase a weekly top-up shop at significantly reduced prices. Members can access a selection of 10 essential items per week, usually worth around £25, for just £5.

Thurrock International Film Festival 2025: A celebration of storytelling in Grays Town Park

6 October 2025

Thurrock residents are invited to experience a world-class celebration of cinema as the Thurrock International Film Festival 2025 takes place from 17 to 19 October 2025 at Grays Town Park Café (RM17 6PZ).
The festival will bring together inspiring films, community spirit and opportunities for creative exploration — right in the heart of Thurrock.
A festival championing bold and diverse voices

Celebrating Thurrock’s rich and diverse communities

3 October 2025

Thurrock is hosting a vibrant programme of events and activities this October as part of Black History Month.
Across the next month, we’re inviting residents to come along to some amazing local events and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Black communities to our borough, and across the country.
Explore black British history through film and archives
Thurrock’s Libraries are offering free access to the BFI Replay ‘Black Voices’ Collection, a curated archive of video content showcasing decades of Black British history.

Statement following yesterday’s Manchester Synagogue attack

3 October 2025

Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council, has issued a statement following yesterday’s attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.
Cllr Worrall said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened by the attack that took place at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Greater Manchester yesterday. My thoughts are with the families of the victims of this appalling attack, those who were injured, and the wider Jewish community.

School Flu Vaccination Programme now underway: Complete an online consent form

2 October 2025

Thurrock schools are taking part in this year’s school-based flu vaccination programme, helping to protect children and the wider community against flu this winter.
The programme is delivered by *Vaccination UK, working on behalf of NHS England. All eligible school-aged children will be offered the free nasal spray flu vaccine, which is a quick and painless way to help prevent the spread of flu.

Grays Library Fun Palace: Celebrate community, creativity and connection!

2 October 2025

Grays Library is proud to be part of the national and international Fun Palaces movement, joining hundreds of venues across the globe in a weekend of free, fun, and inclusive activities for all ages.
Date: Saturday 4 October
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Fun Palaces are all about sharing skills and connecting communities, and this year, Grays Library is bringing together local talent, creativity, and wellbeing in a celebration of what makes Thurrock special.

Time to book your next great day out at Grangewaters

2 October 2025

Booking your favourite outdoor activity at Grangewaters just got easier.
Thurrock’s unique year-round outdoor activity and education centre has launched a new standalone website, transforming its booking process.
Now is the perfect time to go online and book your family day out over the October half term.
The easy-to-use site guides you through the fantastic range of activities and courses at the centre, including abseiling, archery, climbing, sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking and bushcraft.

Join Stoptober in Thurrock and start your smoke-free journey today

1 October 2025

Stoptober, the annual national campaign to help smokers quit has launched in Thurrock today (1 October). Residents are being encouraged to take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future, with a wide range of free local support and incentives available.
Thurrock Health Trainer Service is on hand throughout October to help residents successfully quit smoking, with a tried and tested approach that includes: