THURROCK Council's Reform leader, Cllr Richard Bingley, has today (Friday, 31 July), delivered his latest civic message to residents.

Cllr Bingley says: "When I became Leader of Thurrock Council, I made a commitment to restore civic pride across our borough.

"For me, civic pride is about much more than how a place looks. It is about how people feel about where they live. It is about creating neighbourhoods that are well cared for, public spaces that are welcoming, and communities where people feel connected, valued and proud to call home.

"I know this is something that matters deeply to residents. Time and again, people tell me they want to see cleaner streets, greener spaces, better maintained facilities and stronger action to tackle the issues that affect everyday life. Just as importantly, they want to feel optimistic about the future of Thurrock and confident in the place they live.

"That is why we will be launching our Civic Pride programme in September.

"The programme will bring together a wide range of projects and initiatives designed to improve our borough, while also encouraging residents, businesses, community groups and partners to play an active role in shaping the future of their communities.

"While the formal launch is still to come, work is already underway across the borough.

"In recent weeks, we have continued improving green spaces, maintaining key public areas and tackling environmental issues that affect local communities. We have also seen fantastic community events, such as The Big Lunch, which bring residents together, strengthen neighbourhood connections and celebrate everything that makes Thurrock special.

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"We are also investing in some of the places that sit at the heart of community life. One example is the Thameside Complex, where work is underway to create a cleaner, less cluttered and more welcoming entrance for visitors to the theatre, museum and library. These may seem like small changes, but they help create a better experience for residents and visitors and show pride in the places we all share.

"Of course, the Council cannot deliver civic pride on its own.

"The most successful communities are those where people work together. Whether it is residents volunteering their time, local businesses supporting community projects, organisations improving public spaces or neighbours looking out for one another, everyone has a role to play.

"Over the coming months, residents will continue to see improvements across Thurrock. This will include investment in parks and play areas, enhancements to community facilities, improvements to public spaces and expanded measures to tackle fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

"Taken individually, these projects may appear small. Together, they form part of a much bigger ambition: creating cleaner neighbourhoods, stronger communities, safer public spaces and a borough that people are proud of.

"Thurrock has enormous strengths, and I remain optimistic about what we can achieve together.

"By working in partnership and taking pride in our communities, we can build on those strengths and create a borough where residents feel connected to the places they live and proud to call Thurrock home."