A DAY after Thurrock Council unanimously supported a refreshed community strategy, officers and members talked with some of the 550 people who had helped in its creation.
Around 350 of those who had taken part in a public consultation said they would be interested in feedback – and all were invited to a meeting in the community hall, Maidstone Road, Grays, on Thursday (27 September).
At Wednesday’s full council meeting, Cllr John Kent, Leader of the council, introduced the refreshed strategy proposals saying it had been “first developed and unanimously agreed under a Conservative administration, then refreshed and unanimously agreed under Labour”.
Members unanimously supported this second refresh.
Cllr Kent said: “The important thing is following through and turning the written proposals and ideals into actions that produce results and that is what must happen here.
“This refresh was necessary because of the changing times we live in and the changing responsibilities of councils such as ours. From next April, Thurrock Council will be responsible for public health in our borough. Previously we have simply had an overview with our comments being taken into consideration by the health professionals in the PCT and the NHS.
“We want our borough to be a great place for learning and opportunity; a place where job creation and prosperity are encouraged; a safe community bursting with pride, responsibility and respect; a healthy place and a green and environmentally friendly place. Who could ask for more?
“Now we have to continue the work, investing in the right places and the right people. We as a council and councillors, have to lead the community and show respect for others. We, as a community, have to take these words and translate them into action.”
Cllr Kent concluded: “Only by doing all that can we all ensure Thurrock remains a place of opportunity, enterprise and excellence, where individuals, communities and businesses flourish.”
At Thursday’s meeting the Leader said: “This isn’t the council’s strategy, it belongs to the community. Not everything is within the council’s gift and we will have to work closely with the community and all our partners. Everything we do will have to link back to this strategy.”
