THURROCK Council's chief executive Lyn Carpenter has delivered a festive message and spoken of the challenge of the coming year and new decade in the borough.

She says: "As we head towards the end of 2019, it has been quite a year for the public sector in many ways.

"I am very proud of what team Thurrock has achieved as well as all my colleagues in every local authority in the country.

"Public service is in very good hands as we work hard to improve lives for our residents and outcomes for our businesses. Not only a new year ahead, but the start of a new decade - 2020.

"How exciting, how much responsibility and how much more can we all do collectively?

"Thank you to everyone who has supported Thurrock and me personally, it is hugely appreciated."

And in a message to her staff she adds: "If we continue to commit as we do now, imagine how our world will look when we reflect back on ten years at the start of 2030? A huge prize at stake, better lives and outcomes for many, particularly those most in need.

"The time is now to work together to make that difference.

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"I wish you all success in changing lives, after all, that is what we do."

Ms Carpenter has also reflected on the recent inspection of the council's troubled children's services department.

Though it goes into the new year without a permanent director of services after a long, tortuous and sometimes controversial process to recruit one Ms Carpenter says the recent improvement in service measured by Ofsted, who rated it 'good' after a period of 'requires improvement' is welcome.

She says: " This is the result of a council-wide commitment by officers and elected members to ensure the most vulnerable young people in our borough get the support and care they need and deserve."