News

New rights for private renters coming into force

1 May 2026
Private renters in Thurrock will benefit from stronger protections under the new Renters’ Rights Act.
The Act strengthens private tenant rights, improves housing standards, and cracks down on poor landlord practices. It gives renters more confidence to raise concerns about unsafe or unhealthy homes.
Key changes:
No-Fault Evictions Banned: Landlords must use valid specific grounds to evict, with 4 months' notice required if they are selling or moving in.

Closure order secured against Grays shop for selling illicit tobacco and vapes

30 April 2026
Thurrock Council has secured a three‑month closure order against a shop in Grays after repeated sales of illicit tobacco and vaping products. 
Vapes & Tobacco & Gifts, located at 28–30 High Street, Grays, was ordered to close by Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 28 April under section 80 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. 

New Member of Youth Parliament for Thurrock

28 April 2026
Efe Donkor, 17, from Grays, has been elected as Thurrock's new Member of Youth Parliament.
UK Youth Parliament is made up of more than 300 young people aged between 11 and 18 years, elected as Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) to represent the views of their peers. It provides opportunities for young people to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning. 

Thurrock raises the flag for St George’s Day

23 April 2026
Thurrock Council marked St George’s Day with a special ceremony outside the Civic Offices in Grays.
The St George's flag flies every day outside the Civic Offices, with a ceremonial flag-raising being held today (Thursday 23 April) to mark the occasion.
The event began with a short prayer led by Revd Dr Kate Carter, followed by a speech from the Mayor of Thurrock, who spoke about pride in both the country and the borough.
The national anthem, God Save The King was then played as the Mayor raised the St George’s flag.

Beat the Street set to return to Thurrock

23 April 2026
Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary will be transformed into a giant interactive game for six weeks as residents of all ages are invited to take part in Beat the Street, an innovative, free, and fun challenge that encourages communities to get active by walking, cycling, running, scooting or wheeling.

Support for victims of stalking

20 April 2026
This week is Stalking Awareness Week (Monday 20 April – Sunday 26 April). To help raise awareness of the dangers of stalking, Compass (a partnership of domestic abuse services providing a response in Essex) have shared a case study of how they came to support one of their users (names have been changed to protect identity).
Stalking after a relationship has ended is when a former partner engages in a pattern of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour that causes fear or distress.

Refusal of plans to build 750 new homes on green belt upheld by Secretary of State

16 April 2026
The Secretary of State has upheld a Thurrock Council Planning Committee decision to refuse outline planning permission for a new housing estate on green belt land in Orsett, made by Thurrock Council’s Planning Committee in July 2024.
The developers appealed the decision to refuse outline planning permission to build 750 new homes along with shops and a medical centre on green belt land at Kings Farm, Parkers Farm Road in Orsett, and held a public inquiry on the refusal.

Over 91% of Thurrock primary pupils offered their first preference school

16 April 2026
More than nine in ten children in Thurrock applying for a primary school place this year have been offered their first‑preference school for September. 
Of the 2,183 applications received from Thurrock residents, 2,000 children (91.62%) have been offered a place at their first‑choice primary school. Over 98% of applicants have been offered a place at one of their top three preferences. 
A total of 123 children (5.63%) were offered their second‑preference school, while 32 children (1.47%) were offered their third preference. 

Make your local library part of your Easter fun

1 April 2026
Our libraries have lots of activities to keep the young ones entertained over the Easter period 
Check out what your local library is doing:
Every day, during opening times, until Saturday 11 April 
Spring Treasure Hunt and colouring, Blackshots Library (during opening times)
Spring Treasure Hunt and colouring, Grays Central Library (during opening times)
Saturday 4 April

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