PEOPLE are the most important element in Cllr Sue MacPherson’s Neighbourhoods portfolio she told Thurrock Council on Wednesday (25 January) evening.
And, in an ever-changing world, planning for the future is the key to success she said when presenting her portfolio report.
Although the neighbourhoods title appears simple, it covers a wide range of council services including Community Development and Equalities; the Community Environment Development Fund; Sports and Leisure; Community Hubs; Libraries; Volunteering; the World War One Commemorative group; Culture, Arts and Heritage; Public Protection; and the Community Safety Partnership.
She said how, in the four months she has had the portfolio, she had “visited many organisations and individuals who have made a huge impact on our quality of life”, adding how these “unsung heroes and volunteers” reached into many aspects of the community, from sports to Scouting, to libraries and community hubs.
Cllr MacPherson also highlighted the work done to protect residents, from the food safety team to trading standards, and how the council works with partners like the community safety partnership, police, fire and probation, keeping local people safe.
Work is continuing to ensure Thurrock’s libraries provide a top-quality and modern service across the borough, and Cllr MacPherson explained how the council and community had come together to keep East Tilbury Library’s many and varied services going while the council considered options for its future.
And finally, the portfolio holder spoke of the Thameside Theatre, saying: “As everyone who knows me knows my heart is in the theatre adding that she and her colleagues were reviewing theatre provision, a review which is being done through the Grays masterplan.
She said: “Our residents deserve the best, and that is what we want to achieve, be it in the libraries, in sport, or in the theatre.
“We are planning for the provision of tomorrow.”
