CONSERVATIVE spokesperson for Highways and Transport Cllr Sue little has accused her Labour counterpart of being blinkered when it comes to the new Paramount development in Swanscombe. At last week’s full council, Cllr Little asked if any talks had taken place with Paramount over a ferry crossing so Thurrock residents could take advantage of new employment and leisure opportunities in Swanscombe in Kent.
Cllr Little said "as the crow flies Grays is the nearest station to this park which is offering 27,000 job opportunities. To get there our residents would have to drive from Thurrock, adding to the problems of congestion at the Dartford River Crossing. I was shocked to hear that no talks had taken place with this huge company about a ferry service; not only would it open up the possibility of much needed employment and entertainment opportunities but would make the new park more accessible and reduce its carbon footprint. However, I was even more shocked at the Labour Cabinet member accused me of wanting to spend money on it. At no point was that mentioned or even inferred!"
The new Paramount Park is planned to occupy 872 acres of the Swanscombe Peninsula, Kent, directly opposite Grays, across the Thames. Paramount are hoping that up to 250,000 people will access it by river us to and from London, but there appears to be no plans for a ferry link from Thurrock.
Cllr Little added "Not only was it shocking that the Cabinet member hadn’t bothered to engage with Paramount over this but worse that he thought the Council should run it. I am a however a bit confused why he tried to say that the Council was trying to support the Tilbury ferry when 20 minutes earlier he along with every Labour and UKIP councillor blindly voted to slash its funding! Coupling his blinkered approach on Paramount with his short-sided approach of cutting the 374, rather than engaging with local members to find alternatives, it is clear he has no grasp of his responsibilities and is looking just to make cuts, not improve lives of Thurrock residents."
