News | Thurrock Council

Proposed site agreed for tower blocks demolition and redevelopment

15 March 2023

The proposed site area for developing proposals for the future of the Blackshots Tower Blocks were agreed at Cabinet this evening, Wednesday 15 March.
These plans include the demolition and re-development of the three 11-storey tower blocks – Keir Hardie House, Bevan House and Morrison House – on the Blackshots estate in Grays.
Cllr Luke Spillman, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "This is another great step forward for the redevelopment of the Blackshots Tower Blocks, which is long overdue.

Thurrock celebrates Commonwealth Day 2023

13 March 2023

Thurrock Council joined institutions and groups across the world today, Monday 13 March, to raise the flag for Commonwealth Day.
The annual celebration of Commonwealth Day proudly unites 54 countries – almost a third of the world's population – in recognising and honouring the values that the Commonwealth upholds.
The event was attended by The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr James Halden, and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Deborah Arnold.

Rejuvenated community space offers residents a home from home

8 March 2023

Residents and their families at 3 council-owned tower blocks in Chadwell St Mary are benefiting from a newly improved community room and brand-new community pantry initiative, thanks to a collaborative partnership between Thurrock Council and Kensa Contracting.

International Women's Day at Thurrock Council

8 March 2023

Thurrock Council is celebrating International Women's Day with a week of staff learning that recognise the main theme of Embrace Equality.
Cllr Deborah Arnold, Deputy Leader of Thurrock Council, said: "Thurrock Council wants to lead by example and that is why we are celebrating International Women's Day by hosting a week of staff learning around embracing equality.
"In all that we do we want to make sure that women and girls have the resources and opportunities they need to achieve equality of outcome.

Remember to separate food and garden waste

7 March 2023

Thurrock Council is reminding residents to dispose of food and kitchen waste in their grey or green refuse bin and only use the brown bin for garden waste.
Brown bin collections will continue as frequently as possible but may not take place on the normal scheduled day. The advice the council is giving residents is to put their bin out on their scheduled collection day and leave it out until it is collected.

Return your overdue library books and pay no late fees

7 March 2023

Thurrock Libraries launched a book amnesty this week, giving residents with overdue library books the opportunity to return them to any library before Friday 24 March and pay no late fees.
Upon returning the items, all late fees will be removed and the individual's account reopened so they can borrow further items in the future.

Communities boosted by tree planting in South Ockendon

7 March 2023

Residents and school children have planted memorial trees in South Ockendon under the Queen's Green Canopy initiative to remember the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Council tax decision will help create a sustainable future

2 March 2023

At a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 1 March, Thurrock councillors approved a council tax increase of 7.99%, plus a 2% adult social care precept. The changes will take affect from 1 April 2023.
Cllr Mark Coxshall, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: "The decision taken tonight reflects the seriousness of our position. This increase is sadly necessary if we are to secure the future of this council. It is a step we need to take to recover financially and to ensure we can continue providing much needed services for our most vulnerable residents.

Secondary school places announced for September 2023

1 March 2023

Nearly three-quarters of pupils who are expected to begin secondary school in Thurrock this September have been offered their top school choice.
Results announced today (Wednesday 1 March) revealed that 73.5% of students will be able to attend their most preferred school, with 88.7% of children being allocated one of their top 3 preferences.

Caring for Thurrock celebrates Good rating

1 March 2023

Thurrock Council's home care service Caring for Thurrock has received a 'Good' rating across all areas following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in February 2023.
The service, which provides personal care to people living in their own flats and houses, was rated Good overall and in 5 areas relating to safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness and being well-led.