ON THE day that new Council Leader John Kent asked for unity in the teeth of a financial gale, the new Labour team proudly unveiled £22,000 worth of specially commissioned art that will be displayed around the borough.
The art, allegedly the brainchild of Corporate Director, Jo Olsson, is aimed at encouraging local people to think about the future for young people.
The posters introduce the ideas in the Thurrock Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP).
Designed to provoke, the posters are the work of a local conceptual designer, Ricky Smart.
But the cost of the art has brought criticisms from some quarters.
One Thurrock Council employee, (who wished to remain anonymous) was somewhat underwhelmed by the art. They said: “Brilliant. When I get my P45, I can go round the corner to the bus stop near the station and look at the art. That will make me feel so much better.”
Despite clamours regarding the timing of the unveiling, Portfolio Holder for Education, Cllr Diana Hale defended the work.
She said: “Cllr John Kent and I saw the designs earlier in the year when we were on the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee and we both thought them thought-provoking and different.
“Now that I am the lead councillor for education, I think it’s great to see the Children and Young People’s Plan coming to fruition.”
I honestly cannot believe that Councillor Hale feels comfortable with this action. What message is this sending to staff and local people. Reading this in the context of Councillor Kent’s statement of cut backs and a ‘unique budget’, well all I can say is it’s definately ‘unique’ placing ‘Art’ above the safeguarding of jobs and frontline services. Councillor Kent and his colleagues need to re think their priorities !!
Hmm, £22k on bits of art for the borough when people who are working for the council are looking at cuts and possible job losses as well as other cuts to services around the borough how stupid does Mr Kent look now, mind you he is living up to the normal Labour Party mentality of waste, waste , waste.
Appears Councillor Kent has gone on a spending spree as dropping through our letter boxes is a brand new glossy council magazine, the second this year. The pictures of the artwork are in the magazine but no mention of the price tag.
At exactly the same time was a leaflet on the new waste and recycling centre in Purfleet that the council had individually wrapped in plastic! How much did all this cost? And what a waste of money – the glossy magazine and the individually plastic wrapped leaflet.