Corringham’s Tory councillors have explained why they did not attend a vital meeting of their residents from the Frost estate on Monday night.
The meeting saw the 150 residents give the Labour Deputy leader Val Morris-Cook a warm round of applause at East Thurrock football ground as she discussed what would be happening to waste collections on the Frost estate.
Cllr Morris-Cook
was flanked by council officers and fellow Labour councillors including Corringham Labour councillor Roisin Hewitt.
Many residents expressed disappointment that the Conservative councillors did not attend.
Cllr Phil Anderson defended his no show. He said: “I am very disappointed that Cllr Nicklen and I were not at the meeting this week. The simple fact is, we were not invited or even informed that it was taking place.”
YourThurrock understands that an e-mail was sent by council officers to Cllrs Anderson and Nicklen on Thursday Oct 28th giving full details of the meeting.
One resident, who did not wish to be named said: “E-mail or not. If I was a local councillor and I didn’t see 150 residents walking to a meeting or even hear on the bush telegraph then I would worry that I look a bit out of touch.”
I have now seen a copy of the letter which was apparently sent out on Thursday. I have no idea what has gone wrong with the communications here, but I do accept that strange things can sometimes happen with emails and I am happy to take officers at their word that reasonable attempts were made to inform us.
Having spent many hours over the last few weeks speaking with large numbers of residents by phone and email and in person, attending meetings, presenting petitions, and delivering information leaflets (in the rain), I am very happy to say that local Conservative councillors have been 100% committed to getting this decision reversed, and I am delighted that this outcome has now been achieved.
As I have said before, it takes courage to admit that you were wrong and all credit to the administration for doing that. This is local democracy in action, and it’s good to see that it can actually work!
Cllr Phil Anderson, Stanford East & Corringham Town.
I am glad that you take officers at their word Cllr Anderson. I have posted my comments on previous article.