News

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'.

New Corporate Plan is a fresh start for Thurrock

25 July 2024
Thurrock Council has taken a significant step in its journey of improvement, with a new Corporate Plan being approved at a meeting of Full Council yesterday (24 July 2024).
The Corporate Plan 2024-2029 – called 'A fresh start for Thurrock' – sets out how the council will operate over the next five years as it recovers and rebuilds trust with residents and communities.
Setting a future direction for the council as it works with its partners and local communities to best serve the people of Thurrock, the plan establishes 3 priorities:

New bus service coming to Thurrock

24 July 2024
A new council-supported bus service launching in September will link communities in Horndon on the Hill, Stanford-le-Hope, Tilbury, Chadwell St Mary and Grays.
The 375 bus will run from Monday to Saturday, on the hour, 5 times in each direction between 7am and 6:45pm. It will start from South Hill Crescent in Horndon on the Hill and ending at Grays Bus Station, taking in East Tilbury Station and Coalhouse Fort along the way.

Volunteers helping to keep Belhus woods accessible

19 July 2024
Dedicated Thames Chase Conservation Volunteers have started work at the Oakwood and Ask Plantation in Belhus, helping to clear and tidy footpaths through the woods.
The volunteer team will cut back thick blackthorn hedges, slash long grass and clear brambles from obstructing the path.

New powers will help keep Thurrock moving

19 July 2024
Thurrock Council will use new powers to help stop drivers blocking the M25 Junction 31 roundabout.
The new powers mean that the council can fine drivers who block yellow box junctions at the Purfleet Interchange. Blocked junctions can cause significant traffic congestion throughout the Thurrock, as local traffic cannot get through when the M25 is blocked.
By law, for the first 6 months drivers will first receive a warning notice instead of a fine. They will only be fined during this period if they are found to have blocked the yellow box junction again.

Community Big Lunches in Thurrock

19 July 2024
Over the summer, 10 Community Big Lunches are being held in parks and open spaces across Thurrock.
Community Big Lunches are like free mini festivals, with lots of entertainment and opportunities to enjoy Thurrock without having to spend lots of money. These events have been created in partnership the borough's voluntary groups.
Events will take place on the following dates.

Thurrock Adult Community College honours outstanding achievements

18 July 2024
On Wednesday 10 July 2024, Thurrock Adult Community College (TACC) held its annual Learner of the Year Awards. The event recognised the outstanding achievements of adult learners and brought together students, staff, community partners and other interested groups to celebrate these achievements.

Leader welcomes devolution letter from Deputy Prime Minister

16 July 2024
Responding to a letter from the new Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, inviting proposals from councils regarding devolution, Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, said:
"I was delighted to receive such an early indication of the new Deputy Prime Minister's clear commitment to pushing power out of Whitehall to the regions, acknowledging that councils are best-placed to drive the kind of inclusive economic growth that our communities want and need.

Young musicians take to the stage for Junior Music Festival

12 July 2024
Students from Thurrock Primary Schools were joined by singers from the Royal Opera and Ballet House as part of a special collection of performances for the 25th anniversary of Thurrock Junior Music Festival.
Over 1,120 children, aged 7 to 11, sang various songs including rock, pop and opera over 3 days of evening performances at The Civic Hall in Grays.
This year, Thurrock Music Service collaborated with The Royal Ballet and Opera to celebrate 10 years of working together on Trailblazers projects in Thurrock, which has aimed to support cultural learning through the arts.

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