THURROCK Labour is calling on the Conservative cabinet to do the right thing by the Thameside.
Last night, Thurrock Council’s Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the report on which the cabinet will make its next decisions on the future of the much loved Thameside Complex, in Grays.
After two hours of debate, the cross party committee agreed to recommend that cabinet continue hold discussions with the local community groups looking to take on the running of the Thameside to
Although the report suggested that concerns remained over the viability of the proposal, the council’s Director of Place told the committee he believed that any issues with the bid could be addressed.
Speaking after the meeting, Thurrock Labour Group Leader – John Kent – said;
“The Thameside is held in great affection by many, many residents and is critical to delivering top quality arts, culture and heritage services for all of us in Thurrock.
“It is inconceivable to allow the building to close without a purpose built replacement being up and running first.
“Council proposals to close the theatre and spend £1 million moving the library and museum into the council offices are simply not good enough – especially when there is a credible, viable and costed proposal on the table that has been developed by Thurrock International Celebration of Culture (TICC) and Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions CIC (TLS.)
“The Tory cabinet must do the right thing, engage fully with them to overcome any issues with their proposals and save the Thameside for the people of Thurrock.”
