News

Grays shop closed for selling counterfeit tobacco and vapes

8 April 2025
Magistrates have ordered a Grays tobacconist to close for three months and pay over £4,500 costs after they were prosecuted for selling counterfeit and illegal tobacco and vapes for the second time in less than six months.

Contractor appointed to pave the way for new affordable homes in Aveley

4 April 2025
Thurrock Council has appointed a building contractor to commence work for an affordable housing project in Aveley that will redevelop three blocks of flats into modern, high-quality homes.
On 25 March 2025, Marfleet and Blyth were selected to help redevelop Teviot Avenue in Aveley into a thriving estate with homes fit for modern living.
The redevelopment project will see three existing blocks of flats containing 36 council homes demolished, before being transformed into 48 affordable, modern council homes made up of a mixture of flats and houses.

Thurrock unites to bring Easter joy to vulnerable children

4 April 2025
Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, has praised Impulse Leisure for its inspiring efforts to ensure Thurrock’s vulnerable children receive a special treat this Easter.
Through its ‘Do Good, Feel Good This Easter’ campaign, Impulse Leisure is offering 50% off joining fees on gym memberships for those who donate two boxed Easter eggs. Those who donate four boxed Easter eggs can start a membership without paying a joining fee.
All donated chocolate eggs will be distributed to vulnerable children across Thurrock, including those in care.

Candidates announced for Ockendon ward by-election 2025

4 April 2025
Nominations for the Ockendon ward by-election have officially closed and the names of all candidates standing on Thursday 1 May have been released. Details of candidates running can be found on the Thurrock Council website.

Eco-friendly doorstep collections are off to a flying start!

4 April 2025
The new free doorstep collection service which helps residents safely recycle clothes, small electrical items, toys, books and other bric-a-brac has got off to a flying start with over 11 tonnes of waste reused and recycled already.
Thurrock Council has partnered with Anglo Recycling to launch the new service just three weeks ago and immediately shot to the top of their league table, with Thurrock having the most doorstep collections in the country.

Denise Murray appointed as Thurrock’s new Finance Commissioner

3 April 2025
A new Finance Commissioner for Thurrock Council has been appointed by the Government. Denise Murray will replace Nicole Wood who stepped down last month.
Denise will join Gavin Jones, Lead Commissioner and Dr Dave Smith, MD Commissioner, in their work to support the council on its recovery journey, and ensure its financial position continues to improve.

Innovative physical activity game set to launch in South Ockendon and Aveley

3 April 2025
A physical activity game that has engaged over a million people is coming to South Ockendon and Aveley.
Beat the Street will take place from Wednesday 23 April to Wednesday 21 May, thanks to funding from a National Lottery grant from Sport England.
The interactive game encourages people of all ages to get active by transforming outdoor spaces into a real-life adventure. Residents will soon notice special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts across the area.

Thurrock Council sets out plans to hit 50% recycling target and improve collection service for residents

1 April 2025
Thurrock Council’s Cabinet has approved a new Waste and Recycling Collection Policy at its meeting on 19 March 2025. The new Waste and Recycling Collection Policy will improve service reliability for residents, increase recycling rates and ensure the council meets its legislative requirements for collections and recycling.
The policy will reduce the environmental impact of waste through a new weekly food waste collection service, by increasing the recycling rate to 50% by 2030, and reducing landfill to zero.

Enjoy a knit and natter at Thurrock libraries

27 March 2025
Residents across Thurrock can enjoy a relaxing space to knit and socialise at one of the Knit and natter groups hosted in libraries across Thurrock.
The knitting groups offer a welcoming space for people of all abilities to bring along knitting and crocheting projects while enjoying a chat and making new friends. Craft books are available to lend a helping hand and inspire attendee's next knitting project.

Celebrating Mother’s Day as a foster carer

27 March 2025
Mother’s Day is a time for celebration, reflection, and gratitude. But for foster carers, it can also be a delicate balance of making the day special for the children in their care while also receiving love and appreciation for the important role they play in the child's life.  
We spoke to some of our very own foster carers from here in Thurrock about what Mother’s Day means to them.
Caroline's blended family celebration 
For Caroline Bernard, Mother’s Day is a joyful occasion where her foster children and her own daughters come together. 

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