A CEREMONY took place at Thurrock Council's Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, today (Thursday 28 May), as the flag of The Arms of the Borough of Thurrock was raised at the council's Civic Offices for the first time.

The Arms of the Borough of Thurrock will be flown all year round, along with the Union Flag and the St George's flag.

Cllr Richard Bingley, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: "Local history matters. Thurrock is fortunate to have an important historic identity, shaped by its location on the Thames Estuary, which continues to give the borough a nationally significant role today.

"Thurrock is made up of a network of town and village communities that take great pride in that history and its ongoing role as a nationally important economic engine.

"Our incoming administration's job is not to 'manage decline'. It is to restore belief that Thurrock matters. We want to build a borough where people feel a genuine sense of belonging, not somewhere they simply pass through.

"By raising the Arms of the Borough of Thurrock we celebrate that past, the position the borough enjoys today and the exciting future that lies ahead for Thurrock. For me this is the first step on a journey towards our goal of becoming the proudest estuary borough in Britain.

"As well as flying The Arms of the Borough of Thurrock, the Union Flag and St George's Flag will also be flown at the Civic offices."

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Cllr Bingley declared his intent to change policy on flagflying soon after taking office

The flag raising ceremony was also attended by the new Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Bill Cook.

Thurrock's Coat of Arms was officially granted in 1957, it includes the Latin words "Secundum Tamesim Quovis Gentium", which can be literally translated as: "Along the Thames to all the peoples of the World".

More information about the history of The Arms of the Borough of Thurrock can be found on the council's website via this link.

Conservative Cllr Qaisar Abbas responded to today's event that was preceded by removal of the Ukrainian flag, by condemning the new Reform administration.

Cllr Abbas said: "Thurrock is proud of its history, heritage, and strong community spirit. Residents expect their council leadership to focus on delivering better services, fixing local problems, and improving lives - not engaging in divisive political gestures.

"The Ukrainian flag was raised to show our solidarity and support for democracy and sovereignty, not for any other political purpose. It is important to remember that in 2024, all Thurrock councillors - including Reform councillors - voted to strengthen ties with Ukraine.

"I also remember many Thurrock residents who opened their homes and supported Ukrainian families arriving in Thurrock. Removing the Ukrainian solidarity flag does nothing to help local families, businesses, or communities, but it does send the wrong signal at the wrong time."

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Cllr Abbas added Thurrock Reform should now refocus its attention on the issues that matter most to residents - delivering reliable local services and supporting struggling families.

In response to Cllr Abbas, Reform Councillor Alex Anderson said:"To label the replacement of the Ukrainian flag with Thurrock's own coat of arms as "engaging in divisive political gestures" is shameful.

"Thurrock Reform are proud of our borough, its heritage, and its identity. The Union Flag, St. George's Cross and Thurrock's coat of arms now fly outside of the Council building. These aren't selective and they aren't sectionalist; they represent us all.

"Clearly some in the Conservative Party have a problem with this. Our message to them is simple – get over it. In the meantime, Thurrock Reform will get on with job we were elected to do – making Thurrock a better place to live for everyone."