News

Purfleet Pantry celebrates one year anniversary with community party

29 August 2025
A volunteer-run pantry in Purfleet-on-Thames has celebrated its amazing first year of service to the community with a special birthday party.
The Purfleet Pantry & Café, which launched in August last year, is a community space that aims to help residents gain better access to food and essential items with a scheme that significantly lowers the cost of their grocery shop. 

Planning application received in relation to the former Tilbury Police Station site

28 August 2025
Following rumours and speculation about the future use of the former Tilbury Police Station site Thurrock Council can confirm that it has received a planning application which seeks to convert it into new homes.
The planning application, which can be viewed on the council’s planning webpage under reference 25/01020/FUL, seeks permission to convert the building to nine new flats, 2 two-bedroom flats and 7 three-bedroom flats, with associated car parking spaces, bike storage and wase and recycling facilities.

Thank you for Having Your Say on Local Government Reorganisation 

28 August 2025
We would like to thank all Thurrock residents who took part in our recent ‘resident engagement survey on the subject of Local Government Reorganisation', which closed on Wednesday, 27 August. 
The survey invited residents to share their views on the government’s proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which aims to simplify council boundaries and structures, strengthen decision-making at the local level, and make sure services are delivered in a way that best meets community needs and is to a good standard, providing value for money. 

Time to get motivated

27 August 2025
Are you 18+ and looking to develop independent living skills?
A unique, part time, six-week course has been launched that will help you do just that, and its free!
The Morning Motivators course, developed by Thurrock Adult Community College and Grangewaters, includes practical advice on managing money, paying bills, online safety and healthy living.
The course will also boost motivation, develop communications and leadership skills and help you achieve better physical and mental health.
It starts Monday 22 September.

National Emergency Alert test: Sunday 7 September

27 August 2025
The UK Government will be carrying out a national test of the Emergency Alerts system at 3pm on Sunday 7 September.
All compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and tablets will receive the test alert. Devices will:

Thameside Theatre booking shows until March 2027

22 August 2025
The Thameside Theatre will remain a haven for arts, culture entertainment and music in the borough until at least the end March 2027.
Bookings for performances have been extended for another 19 months, which will help attract top talent and mean that pantomimes will take place this Christmas, and the next.
Cllr John Kent, Cabinet Member for Sustainability, Art, Culture and Heritage, said: “I am delighted to be able to say that the Thameside Theatre is now able to plan ahead and book shows until the end of March 2027.

Thurrock students celebrate GCSE success

22 August 2025
Students across Thurrock are celebrating after receiving their GCSE results, marking a major milestone in their education journey. 
To celebrate the occasion, Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Community Safety, visited Harris Academy in Chafford Hundred and Mossbourne Fobbing Academy in Standford-le-Hope to congratulate students and staff in person. 

Statement on community cohesion and the former Tilbury Police Station

22 August 2025
Following local rumours, which have been created and spread on social media and websites, we want to be clear that Tilbury Police Station is not being used as housing for people seeking asylum in this country. Local councillors have provided updates to help counter the disinformation being spread online.
Untrue rumours like this can, as we have seen in other parts of the country, lead to unrest and violence that the local community can be swept up in. In the worst cases it has led to people being hurt, and others being arrested, charged and then given lengthy prison sentences.

A statement from the Big Lunch organisers on the cancelled East Tilbury Big Lunch

22 August 2025
It is with great regret that we have come to the difficult decision that the East Tilbury Big Lunch, which was cancelled due to a regional weather warning, will not be rescheduled this year.
The Big Lunch organisers have carefully explored alternative dates, but unfortunately it has not been possible to rearrange the event due to performer and stall holders’ commitments throughout the rest of the summer holidays and existing staff commitments. As you can understand, safety must be our main priority, and we would never wish to compromise that.

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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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