News | Thurrock Council

Have Your Say on the future of Corringham Town Park and Dilkes Park

31 July 2025

Thurrock Council are seeking the views of residents ahead of exciting plans to improve two play areas in South Ockendon and Corringham.
Originally opened in time for the 2012 Olympics, Corringham Town Park has been a much-loved space, featuring a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), climbing wall, and outdoor gym equipment. The park has been closed since June 2024 due to safety concerns, but the council plans to install new equiptment and re-open the park for all to enjoy.

Free gym memberships to help Thurrock stop smoking

31 July 2025

Thurrock Council have partnered with Impulse Leisure to offer a FREE two-month membership for residents who successfully stop smoking.
Residents can join a 12-week stop smoking programme to help them take the first step toward a healthier, smoke-free life.
The friendly, local service can help by providing 1:1 support, with an expert who will provide a personalised quit plan and give access to free stop smoking aids.

Update from the Leader of Thurrock Council on Local Government Reorganisation in Essex

30 July 2025

Following last week’s Full Council meeting and ahead of Corporate Overview and Scrutiny next week, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Lynn Worrall, has announced Thurrock Council’s emerging preferred option for four new local authorities for Greater Essex, as part of local government reorganisation.
The government has been clear that it wants to see local government simplified across the country and here in Essex, local authorities are engaging with their residents and stakeholders on what shape and number of new local authorities might be needed to replace the 15 existing councils.

Thurrock Council hosts aftercare event for care-experienced young people and care leavers

30 July 2025

Thurrock’s care-experienced young people and care leavers explored their next steps into adulthood during a special event at Grangewaters Outdoor Education Centre.
Young people aged 16 and over, were invited to the afternoon of support on Friday 25 July, which brought together a range of council services and partner organisations offering guidance on housing, education, health, fitness, and careers.
The event was designed to empower young people with knowledge about their local offer and to build stronger connections between services and those they support.

Funding for the future; £9.8 million secured to build stronger Essex communities and tackle inactivity

28 July 2025

Significant investment from Sport England will transform lives in Thurrock through the power of sport and physical activity.
This week signals a momentous occasion, for the Place Partnership investment which will deliver impact against:

Council launches new Annual Report of performance as Leader notes progress in improvement journey, despite challenges looming large

25 July 2025

Thurrock Council’s Cabinet approved a new Annual Report of council performance at its meeting on Wednesday 22 July. The first such report produced in years, it sits alongside the new Corporate Plan as a suite of documents which improve transparency and challenge into the council’s work as it works hard to improve services to residents.

Thurrock Council launches online social club for children and young people with SEND

24 July 2025

Thurrock Council is inviting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to join The Den @ Summer; an inclusive, online social club designed to help attendees connect, get creative, and build life skills during the summer holidays.
Starting from Wednesday 6 August, the free online sessions are open to children and young people with SEND aged 11 to 25 and will run throughout the summer. Each themed session offers a fun and supportive space to make new friends, try new activities, and develop confidence.
Workshops include:

Mural brings woodland beauty to Broome Place

24 July 2025

The residents of Broome Place helped create a charming and original mural at the sheltered housing scheme in Aveley.
The project started when one of the tenants suggested creating an artwork to enhance the communal gardens, beautifully maintained by the residents.
Staff supported the idea and, with help from Start Thurrock, obtained funding and commissioned K&B Designs which produces bespoke murals. Mears, our repairs contractor, provided and installed new fence panels for the mural to be painted on.

Local Lioness helps send England woman to Euro 2025 final

24 July 2025

Earlier this week, one of Thurrock’s very own helped the Lionesses roar into the Euro 2025 final.
Michelle Agyemang, born in South Ockendon, and a former Holy Cross Catholic Primary School pupil, scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in the semi-finals against Italy. England then went on to clinch the victory in the final minute of extra time.
The Lionesses will now take on World Cup Winners, Spain, at 5pm on Sunday 27 July in their bid to win a second consecutive European Championship.

Freedom of the Borough awards presented to local sport, heritage and community heroes

23 July 2025

Thurrock Council has awarded four local heroes Freedom of the Borough, the highest award Thurrock Council can give, at a ceremony held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday 23 July.
Awards have been presented to Jim Gooding and Mike Ostler.
Jim Gooding has been given Freedom of the Borough for his service in the RAF during the Second World War and his work establishing and supporting the veteran community in Grays and in wider Thurrock, which supporting the RAF Wings Appeal, even at the age of 99.