News

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.

Results day advice and support available

7 August 2024
The Inspire Hub in Grays has arranged a special support session for anyone struggling to decide on their next steps following the GCSE, BTEC and A-level results days.
The session will be open from 10am until 3pm on Tuesday 27 August at the Inspire Hub in Orsett Road, Grays. It will be attended by the Inspire Hub's team of career advisors, as well as representatives from South Essex College, USP College and Central Training Group, who will be able to advise on options for apprenticeships, courses or universities.

Council injunction sends anti-social offender to prison

2 August 2024
A violent man who subjected his partner to domestic abuse and terrorised residents in sheltered housing has been jailed for 5 months.
David Watts, 60, from Thurrock was sentenced to 5 months in prison on Friday 26 July by Southend County Court, following repeated breaches of an anti-social behaviour injunction that was put into place to prevent instances of domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour towards the borough's most vulnerable residents.

Residents asked to have their say on Grays Riverside plans

2 August 2024
Thurrock Council is inviting residents to have their say on exciting plans to improve access to the Grays Riverside area.
Proposals, created by the Grays Towns Board, include opening up the Grays waterfront by building a new footpath linking Kilverts Field and Grays Beach Park and creating new seating areas.
Grays was awarded £19.9million as part of the government's Towns Fund scheme. These proposals have been put forward by Grays Towns Board, which was formed to create a vision for Grays and put forward schemes for the town.

Infant feeding service now available 7 days-a-week

31 July 2024
Parents and carers in Thurrock can access feeding support for their baby 7 days-a-week.
Expert infant feeding advice is now available from Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
Support is available for all aspects of feeding your baby, whether help is needed with breastfeeding, formula feeding, or introducing solid foods.

Free service to improve living conditions for homeowners and private tenants

26 July 2024
Thurrock residents can access free help and advice on how to improve their home, health, wellbeing and finances.
As part of the Well Homes benefit and energy advice project, homeowners and private tenants are invited to monthly drop-in sessions in Corringham, Ockendon and Tilbury.
The drop-in sessions include advice on how to homeowners and private tenants can:

Restoring Tilbury Ferry

25 July 2024
Thurrock Council has reaffirmed its commitment to continue work to find a sustainable future for the Tilbury to Gravesend ferry, following a motion put forward by Cllr Roy Jones.
The ferry had to halt its service earlier this year after an agreement to extend the current contract could not be made. Now Thurrock Council and Kent County Council are working together to find a long-term future for the service.

National adoption drive launches as more children need a forever home

25 July 2024
Adoption experts have described an 'unprecedented' decline in adoption rates. For the first time in recent years, there are now more children in need of adoption than those coming forward to adopt.
In comparison to adoption rates in 2022-23, there has been a 14% increase in children needing an adoptive family. Latest data also shows that 15% fewer children were placed with an adoptive family in the last 3 month.

Care experience recognised as protected characteristic

25 July 2024
Thurrock Council has approved a motion to recognise 'care experience' as a locally protected characteristic, aligning with the Equality Act 2010 provisions.
This landmark move aims to address the unique challenges faced by care experienced young people, ensuring equal opportunities and support to help them thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
The Equality Act 2010 currently covers characteristics like race, disability, and gender, but does not include 'care experience'.

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