GRAYS residents will be able to help bring their ideas for improving the town to life thanks to Thurrock Council's Communities in Action programme.

Communities in Action is now expanding to Grays following a successful pilot in Chadwell St Mary, which saw improvements to the community garden at Chadwell Library, a new seating area in Orsett Heath alongside new play facilities for children and young people, and partners working together to better support and promote local activities.

The Chadwell initiative also saw the creation of the 'The Chadwell in Action: Small Sparks Fund' which allows residents to apply for up to £250 to support small projects or activities.

Last year's Chadwell in Action initiative proved successful

In the wake of the success in Chadwell, the council has launched a new consultation so that Grays residents can tell the authority what they value most in Grays, what they would like to see improved and their ideas to enhance life in Grays.

As well as creating a springboard for Communities in Action work, the consultation will also provide vital feedback about how to best invest £250,000 of Pride in Place funding, which Cabinet agreed for Grays in July, with £100,000 to be invested in Grays Town Park and £150,000 for High Street improvements.

Cllr Milena Bingley, cabinet member for Education, Skills and Children's Services, said: "Grays is ripe for improvement and who better to help shape and deliver that improvement than the people who live there? Every time they go out, they can see the little things that can make a big difference and the areas that require more significant investment.

"Communities in Action has been a success in Chadwell St Mary, putting the community at the heart of local improvement, and now we are expanding it to Grays.

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"I am looking forward to hearing the fantastic ideas we get from our community and to working with local residents and community organisations as we make a real difference to Grays and create improvements that will make it a nicer place to live and visit."

To take part in the consultation, visit: https://consult.thurrock.gov.uk/help-shape-grays