News | Thurrock Council

Celebrations in Purfleet-on-Thames for Gurkha war memorial

23 August 2024

Last Sunday (18 August), the Thurrock Nepalese (Gurkha) Community unveiled Thurrock's first Gurkha war monument at Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre. Funded by the Thurrock Nepalese (Gurkha) Community, the monument, known as The Gurkhas' Memorial Thurrock, is the first to include the names of all 26 soldiers, 13 Nepalese and 13 British, serving with Gurkha regiments who have received the Victoria Cross.

Meet our Summer Reading Challenge volunteer

23 August 2024

The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way of keeping kids reading and entertained over the summer holidays. Its aim is to inspire children to become storytellers and makers by encouraging them to read for pleasure and develop their creative thinking skills.
Running from Saturday 13 July to Saturday 7 September 2024, children are challenged to read 6 library books over the summer with the chance to win cool prizes and medals for completing the challenge.

Annual electoral canvass begins

23 August 2024

Residents are being encouraged to ensure they are registered to vote as Thurrock Council begins its annual electoral canvass.
Between Friday 23 August and Sunday 15 September, households across the borough will receive a form requesting that occupants verify the accuracy of the information on the electoral register.
Residents must advise the council if any changes to the details of the form are needed, or confirm the details are correct if the form is requesting a response to be given.

Students receive GCSE results

22 August 2024

Thousands of students across Thurrock received their GCSE results today, Thursday 22 August.
Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, said: “It was wonderful to visit Grays Covent High School and The Hathaway Academy this morning to talk with some of the students who were receiving their GCSE results to hear all about their hard work and what they have planned for the future.
“I know some young people may be nervous about leaving secondary school and may be unsure of what route to take for their next steps.

Thurrock Council launches new community pantry

22 August 2024

The Purfleet-on-Thames community celebrated a special launch of a new local pantry and café today, aiming to give residents better access to affordable, healthy food and everyday essentials.
The Purfleet Community Pantry and Café is the result of a joint effort by the council, the Purfleet on Thames Community Forum, The Peabody Trust and Thurrock CVS, and incredible volunteers from the Purfleet Community Hub; Joanne, Kyra, Becky, Terri, Mo, John, Scott and Nicole, to help local families struggling through the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Thameside Theatre continuing to book performances until end of 2025

20 August 2024

Residents will be able to enjoy arts, entertainment and music at the Thameside Theatre which is booking acts all the way up to the end of December 2025.
The Thameside Theatre is part of the Thameside Complex at the heart of Grays and provides a wide range of opportunities for diverse communities to come together and experience inclusive and exciting productions, events, learning and celebrations.
Deputy Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Lynn Worrall said: "We are delighted to be able to continue programming for the Thameside Theatre until the end of 2025.

High Court legal action launched to recover multi-million pound investment funds

15 August 2024

Thurrock Council has launched a High Court lawsuit against businessman Liam Kavanagh and investment company Rockfire Capital Ltd to recover misappropriated investment funds.
Court papers, published this week, confirm that Thurrock Council is suing its former investment partners for deliberately misleading the council to inflate the value of investments, exaggerating the purchase cost and value of renewable energy facilities, and misusing around £150m of investment funds to pay for Kavanagh's lavish lifestyle rather than for the permitted purpose in breach of trust.

A-Level and BTEC results day 2024

15 August 2024

Thurrock students are celebrating after receiving their A-Level and BTEC results today (Thursday 15 August).
Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet member for Children's Services and Education, said: "It was wonderful to speak to the students receiving their BTEC results this morning at South Essex College and hearing all about their future plans and aspirations.
"I know results day can sometimes be overwhelming for our students who may not necessarily know what they want to do next.

Hidden counterfeit tobacco seized in Trading Standards raid

15 August 2024

The owner of a shop in Grays has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after illegal tobacco and vapes were found in a wall and under the counter of the premises.
On Friday 9 August, Southend Magistrates Court ordered Dilsha Rashed, 41, of Lee Gardens, West Midlands, to pay £2,700 in fines, £3,000 costs and a £1,080 victim surcharge. Mr Rashed pled guilty to several offences including failing to comply with tobacco and vape regulations.

Message from Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council

9 August 2024

Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, has shared a message following the instances of civil disorder which have taken place across the country.
Cllr Kent said:
"I am sure you will all have been as shocked and saddened I have been when reading the reports of civil disorder that have taken place across the country.