The second chance for local people to quiz top councillors and council officers attracted nearly 50 people to All Saints’ Church, Foyle Drive, South Ockendon, on Monday (15 November) evening.
Moderated by the Rev Brian Duckworth a series of questions which had been sent in to the council were answered by members of Thurrock Council’s cabinet.
This was followed by a question-and-answer session from the floor of the church.
Leader of the Council, Cllr John Kent, said afterwards: “The first of these Thurrock’s Future — Let’s Talk functions in Stanford-le-Hope was a success, but Monday’s event was better still.
“I want the cabinet and the directors’ board to get out into the community; to speak with local people and to learn what their concerns are — face-to-face.
“This is the only way we can persuade the people of Thurrock that we do want to listen to their concerns and that we will — where we can — act on their comments.
Subjects ranged from the future of planning and funding when the development corporation is absorbed into the council in 2012, to recycling and proposals to move the residual waste collection to fortnightly.
Other issues covered included the effect of budget cuts on the voluntary sector, regeneration and services and facilities for young people.
A third Thurrock’s Future — Let’s Talk event is planned to be held in the first couple of months of 2011 and will be advertised nearer the time.
Cllr Kent said: “I would really urge people to look out for this next event and to send in questions or just come along.
“Not only are we able to answer some questions there and then on the night, we have a 45 minute coffee session afterwards where people can air their concerns more privately with councillors and senior officers.”
