News | Thurrock Council

Consider fostering and make a difference

11 May 2020

Local foster carers in Thurrock make a huge difference to the lives of the borough's children and young people by opening their home and family to a child who needs one.
Foster Care Fortnight, running from Monday 11 May to Sunday 24 May 2020, is a national campaign to raise the profile of fostering, its benefits and how it transforms the lives of children and young people.
Cllr James Halden, Cabinet member for children's services, said: "Thurrock Fostering are always looking for more foster carers who can care for those most in need, it's such a rewarding thing to do.

Commemorating VE Day on Friday 8 May

5 May 2020

Thurrock Council will mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on Friday 8 May with a number of private tributes and virtual events.
The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Terry Piccolo, will lay a wreath at Stanford-le-Hope War memorial and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sue Shinnick will lay a wreath at Grays War Memorial at 11am on Friday. Due to government advice on social distancing, both these occasions will be private and not open for members of the public to attend.

New initiative aims to inspire residents' creativity at home

4 May 2020

Thurrock Council and Stronger Together Thurrock are calling on residents to share their lockdown arts or cultural activities to help communities keep physically and mentally active.
The new online portal, Stronger Together Thurrock Arts and Culture, launched on Monday 4 May and aims to provide fun and stimulating activities for residents to make, watch and learn in isolation at home.
Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "We have seen some marvellous examples of what people are doing up and down the country and now it is time for Thurrock to shine.

Flag flies in Thurrock to honour our NHS

30 April 2020

A flag has been raised at Thurrock Council's Civic Offices in Grays this morning (Thursday 30 April) in support of the tireless dedication of NHS workers.
The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Terry Piccolo, initiated the raising of the 'Thank you NHS' flag to acknowledge the commitment shown by key workers to protect and support the borough's residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Council leader warns against dumping used personal protective equipment

28 April 2020

Thurrock Council's Leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill, is calling on residents who use personal protective equipment (PPE) to be considerate and dispose of it safely and correctly, after gloves and face masks have been found on Thurrock's streets.
Cllr Gledhill said: "Discarded PPE in the borough is a real health hazard to Thurrock residents. PPE is not just being used to stop people catching coronavirus, but also to stop them spreading it. By littering PPE, it completely defeats the purpose for its use and there's a risk of spreading infection to local people and other frontline staff.

Mayor and Deputy Mayor to remain in post until May 2021

27 April 2020

Following the decision to delay the council's Annual General Meeting (AGM) both current Mayor, Cllr Terry Piccolo, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sue Shinnick, will remain in their current roles until May 2021.
Normally after a year's service the mayor would leave their ceremonial role at the AGM in May, handing over the responsibility – and chains of office – to the current Deputy Mayor, who would then serve as the Mayor until the following May.
Government guidance is that all appointments usually made at the AGM should be held over until the next Annual Council in May 2021.

Joint statement on Thurrock Council Annual General Meeting

23 April 2020

This is a joint statement issued on behalf of all group leaders at Thurrock Council regarding its Annual General Meeting.
"We have agreed, in accordance with new legislation introduced by the government, that the upcoming Thurrock Council Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for 27 May will be delayed until May 2021.
"To go ahead and hold the meeting would place councillors, staff and members of the public at risk and would be completely contrary to social distancing guidance issued by the government's public health experts.

Road markings to thank the NHS

22 April 2020

A pair of special road markings to thank NHS workers for all they are doing to help and protect the people of Thurrock have been painted on the road outside Thurrock Hospital in Long Lane, Grays. Similar road markings are planned for Orsett tomorrow (Thursday 23 April).
Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "We have all seen the fantastic rainbows in resident’s windows thanking the NHS for all they are doing at this time and we wanted to celebrate the extraordinary contribution being made by our NHS workers on a daily basis.

Nearly £15m of business grants distributed - don't miss out

21 April 2020

More than 1,150 local businesses have been received financial help thanks to the Thurrock Council and the hard work being done to distribute government business grants.
Cllr Shane Hebb, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "This government scheme offers businesses a vital lifeline during an extremely uncertain time. We have pulled out all the stops to make sure that we get this money to them as quickly and efficiently as possible and I am delighted to announce that we have put nearly £15million worth of government support grants to in the bank accounts off 1,126 local businesses.

Recognising volunteers in Thurrock

21 April 2020

Yesterday, Monday 20 April, Thurrock joined in the celebration of World Volunteer Recognition Day. Over 3,000 hours have been volunteered by 460 Thurrock residents to help those most in need since Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action (TCCA) launched at the beginning of this month alone.