News

Sniffing out illicit tobacco and vapes

4 July 2025
A boroughwide operation by our Trading Standards officers has seen 39,000 counterfeit cigarettes, 11kg of illicit hand rolling tobacco and over 700 illegal vapes seized.
Officers were joined by Billy the tobacco detecting dog as they carried out inspections of shops in Aveley, Grays and Tilbury. Billy can help sniff out tobacco no matter where it is and make sure that unscrupulous shop keepers cannot hide illicit or counterfeit stock.

Annual electoral canvass in Thurrock begins

4 July 2025
Residents should check to make sure they are registered to vote as Thurrock Council begins its statutory annual electoral canvass.  
Between Friday 4 July and Sunday 20 July, 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 are needed to the details listed on the form, or confirm the details are correct if the form states a response is required. 

Safety day sees 100 drivers stopped by police

3 July 2025
Thurrock Council joined partners, Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) in Grays to tackle dangerous driving and work towards Vision Zero, the ambition to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads by 2040. 
On Wednesday 2 July, Thurrock Council, the SERP engagement team and Essex Police held a Vision Zero Day in Grays, which saw the teams working together to tackle the Fatal Four: speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt offences, and driving under the influence. 

Thurrock Council celebrate inaugural SEND and Alternative Provision Awards

3 July 2025
Some of the most inspirational children and young people from across Thurrock celebrated a host of remarkable achievements during Thurrock’s first-ever SEND and Alternative Provision Awards. 
Thurrock Council hosted a special awards ceremony at Stifford Clays Primary School on Friday 27 June, which was dedicated to recognising the incredible achievements of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Alternative Provision in Thurrock. 

Thurrock Council launches free mobile "Bike Check and Repair" hub

27 June 2025
Thurrock Council has launched a new mobile bike check and repair service that will be visiting communities across the borough.
Starting from Saturday 5 July in Chafford Hundred, residents can visit a mobile hub service to get their bike checked and have minor repairs carried out for free.
The free bike check and repair hub will be travelling directly to communities across the borough with the aim to encourage cycling, promote sustainable travel, and ensure residents' bikes are safe and roadworthy.

Thurrock students celebrate Carnegie shadowing day

27 June 2025
Thirty-seven students from four Thurrock secondary schools took part in Thurrock Libraries’ annual Carnegie Shadowing Day, held at Blackshots Civic Hall on Thursday 19 June.
During the event, students discussed and presented on books shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal. After thoughtful debate, they voted The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow as their favourite. Meanwhile, the national winner, announced the same day, was Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald – a moving story about love and family.

Residents meet Thurrock Council’s top team at Tilbury for third ‘Ask the council!’ public question time

27 June 2025
Residents had the chance to put their questions directly to members of Thurrock Council’s cabinet and leadership team during the third ‘Ask the council!’ public question time on Wednesday 25 June.
The question time event, held at Tilbury Community Association, brought together residents from across the borough for an engaging discussion about the council's plans, as well as the issues and concerns most important to them. Subjects raised that were of specific interest to Tilbury residents included air pollution, grass cutting and the Tilbury Towns Fund plans.

Thurrock puts residents first in Local Government shake-up

26 June 2025
Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council said: “Since the Government published their plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) last December, Thurrock has been clear: our priority is delivering the best outcome for Thurrock’s residents.

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