A SENIOR Labour councillor has expressed her "disappointment" after none of Thurrock’s Conservative councillors attended a special event at Tilbury Fort to commemorate the beginning of World War One.
The lottery-funded event had taken months of careful planning and was attended by over 1500 residents.
A number of Labour councillors were there including the mayor of Thurrock, cllr Steve Liddiard, the leader of Thurrock Council, cllr John Kent, portfolio holder for communities, cllr Richard Speight, portfolio holder for housing, cllrr Lynn Worrall as well as local councillors, cllr Cathy Kent and cllr Martin Kerin. Prospective parliamentary candidate, Polly Billington was also there
There was also a good turnout from UKIP including member of the European Parliament, Tim Aker and UKIP councillors, Roy Jones, Robert Ray and Maggie O’Keefe-Ray.
It was cllr Worrall who had been instrumental in organising the day as she was communities boss until April.
Cllr Worrall said: "I was very moved by whole service at Tilbury Fort and would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the committee that have worked hard over the last year organizing the day and ensuring that we marked the day in a respectful, dignified yet enjoyable way. The day was very well attended and I have already had good reviews from residents and community groups that were able to attend the day.
"My one disappointment is that The Thurrock Conservative group did not have one councillor in attendance at the formal service despite having a place on the event committee and each and every one of them receiving a personal invite. I recognize that some would have had other commitments but as elected councilors and representatives for Thurrock communities, I believe that they should have made sure that at least one of them attended this historic event.
I have made contact with Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle Price and I understand that she was in Bosnia so accept that she could not be there. For the rest of the Conservative group there is no excuse for their complete non attendance".
YT understands that Ms Doyle Price was joined by South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe at the event.
The leader of Thurrock Conservatives, cllr Rob Gledhill was ill and contacted Thurrock Council to send his apologies. Orsett cllrs Sue and Brian Little were on holiday. Stanford cllr Shane Hebb has also been very busy with preparations for war commemorations in Stanford-le-Hope.
