News | Thurrock Council

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

Residents shape major improvements to parks and play areas across Thurrock

1 April 2026

Residents across Thurrock are set to benefit from a wide range of park and play area improvements, following extensive community feedback gathered through three public surveys led by Thurrock Council.
Hundreds of responses were received, helping to shape plans that will enhance play, fitness, and accessibility across local green spaces.
Community feedback driving change
Based on residents’ views:

Impulse Leisure donate over 400 Easter eggs to Thurrock’s vulnerable children

31 March 2026

Thurrock’s vulnerable children will be able to enjoy their Easter celebrations with a chocolate egg, thanks to the efforts of Impulse Leisure.
Impulse Leisure has supported local children by collecting and donating over 400 chocolate Easter eggs as part of its Do Good, Feel Good This Easter campaign.
Residents were encouraged to donate medium or larger boxed Easter eggs at Impulse Leisure’s Blackshots, Corringham and Belhus Park sites. In recognition of these donations, the organisation offered discounted joining fees on a range of its fitness, swim and golf memberships.

Notice of Election published

27 March 2026

Thurrock Council has officially published notice of the upcoming local election which will take place on Thursday 7 May.
Elections will be held for all 49 seats and in 20 wards across Thurrock for the first time since 2004, with each ward being represented by either two or three councillors.
This will mean some changes for voters.