Little Thurrock Rectory
Rob Gledhill (Cons)
Aaron Mohammed (Lab)
Peter Prendegast (UKIP)
Donna Strickson (BNP)
HAVING won by over 500 votes in 2006, you don’t have to be Nostradamus to predict that Cllr Rob Gledhill will retain his seat next thursday. Judging on the last four weeks alone, Rob must have worn out a few pairs of shoes as he has been walking the streets of not only his own ward but been one of the footsoldiers that, should she win, Jackie Doyle-Price will be grateful to.
Bearing in mind that a few weeks ago, we had speculated that we knew what he was against, Rob was able in our interview with him to drill the ball right back as he listed the number of “pro-active” initiatives in the ward that he has supported.
We also disclosed that four years ago, many thought that he might be a future leader of Thurrock Council. He may still be (that’s another story) but what may need to take the next step is recognise the opportunities for good PR.
Take the story regarding the looming “eviction” of the Pentecostal church in the Globe Estate. The original story in the Thurrock Gazette was very much: The church has transgressed planning permissions, there were numerous complaints from residents and they have got to move. Bingo, before you know it, the comments page are full of bile, invective and racial abuse. Government watchdogs look at the story and may well conclude that Thurrock isn’t climbing out of the relegation zone for community cohesion any time soon.
At the same time, the residents are happy and will confirm that on May 6th.
As for the others: Aaron Mohammed will do well to get over 500 votes while UKIP’s Peter Prendegast, a former member of CND has really enjoyed the experience. We saw him out canvassing for UKIP and with the big publicity push next week, he could also make a few inroads but hardly a nuclear reaction.
Prediction: Cons Hold
Labour Councillor Terry Hipsey has found an ideal home for the church.
Just a few weeks ago he was filmed by Your Thurrock pointing out some derelict buildings in Stanford-le-Hope and also bemoaning the fact there was a lack of community cohesion in Stanford-le-Hope.
I understand the buildings are for sale so the church could approach the owners for a new home for their church.
The former Rileys snooker hall used to be a theatre so it is big enough for hundreds of people and the former bank is big enough for the workshops.
Here is the link to the article
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2010/04/02/hipsey-slams-tories-over-derelict-buildings/
May I say Aaron Mohammed did do well didn’t he Mr Casey! with well over 500 votes…..
As for the UKIP guy Peter Prendegast he done nothing at the ballot did he!
But well done to Mr Gledhill for retaining his seat but a good battle between Aaron and Rob I must say!