“We have seen the benefits of regeneration in other places across the country and we believe now is the time to ensure that Thurrock makes its mark as a place that is lively, progressive and good to live and work in.”
I am sure you are all aware that there is such a thing as the straw that broke the camels back and in my opinion this application is just that, as unfortunately it is not in isolation with planning consent already granted to Next and Rural Arisings and with Howard Tenens looking for expansion I think that we are realistically looking at in excess of 1200 lorry movements a day through Ockendon's residential areas.
Speaking after the meeting, Aveley councillor, Wendy Herd said: "We are all ecstatic. To us, the proposals, on so many levels, were very poorly thought out. From bins, to roundabouts, to infrastructure, to flood provision. We are delighted that the DC thought the same.
This year, there is not just a spring in the step but a sense of organisation, structure and coherence. Much of this will be down to the work of campaign director Richard Speight, who is also standing in the Homesteads, one of their (outside bet) target wards.
Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock recently joined Fairtrade Ambassador and five time Olympic gold medallist, Sir Steve Redgrave, in Parliament in a bid to break the record for the world’s longest bunting.
Baroness Smith was in Ockendon lending her support to the Labour Day of Action in the north of the borough. Ockendon is one of the keys seats in the borough along with Stanford West and Stanford East and Corringham Town.
Many now speculate that the difference between an overall Conservative majority or an overall Labour majority in the council chamber may hinge on issues such as Grays Beach Park. Labour have seized on the controversial plans by the Conservative group to put the park in private hands.
Cllr Steve Veryard said: “It’s a good step in the right direction for Stanford-le-Hope,” while Cllr Phil Anderson said: “I’m cautiously impressed with what I’ve seen as at present this area looks dilapidated and drags down the whole town centre. I am also aware of anti-social behaviour in the area currently and were these developments to create more open spaces and amenity areas that might increase problems so I can live with the lack of amenity space if it means a reduction of anti-social behaviour in this area. ”
Chief executive Graham Farrant and council leader John Kent may counter such criticisms by using the "That was then; this is now" defence and may claim that they are steering the council out of choppy waters. Sometimes the raft is going to hit swirls and eddys (no not that eddy) but will at some stage, will hit clear and calm blue water.
The Secretary of State maintains reserve powers to intervene where councils fail to discharge all their responsibilities effectively. Although the intention is that these powers are used sparingly, I am using questions to Ministers to seek to identify those occasions when the Government would make an intervention.”
By admitting that, Mr Farrant in part condemns his own authority for incompetence in letting the issue run. Angry residents have alleged that councillors and officers have been in collusion with the site operators to let the site operate illegally, a point conceded by Ms Shawkat when she told the meeting: “It’s a balancing act. Everyone recognised that it was unauthorised, but it served a purpose. On the one hand the interests of residents not having lorries all over the borough, on the other residents near to the site who didn’t want it. It was a question of expediency, a matter of judgement and balance.”
We must repair decades of damage. It is easy for us on the Government Benches to blame the Opposition, but the problem goes back decades. The system has grown incrementally and the damage is there for all to see. In some households, generation after generation have failed to engage in the world of work. This has encouraged ongoing low aspiration and poor lifestyle choices. Some of my hon. Friends gave examples of that. My hon. Friend Paul Uppal described how, when he was at school, there were two distinct camps-those who aspired to better themselves, and those who aspired just to live on benefits. I see Mr Blunkett in his place. As someone who grew up on a council estate in his constituency, I had that experience too. We need to build aspiration
Lynn said: "Before I reflect on what I feel I have achieved, I want to thank all those who have helped me. The Housing Estates Office have been fantastic. When you receive issues to do with housing, it is complicated but time after time they have helped me.
She added: “There is one exception to that ‘ten times better’ and that’s part of the A13 and Dock Approach Road. The Highways Agency is supposed to be in charge of keeping that clean, unfortunately we can’t put up signs saying: It’s the Highways Agency, not Thurrock Council.
“There is no substitute for getting out into the community, listening to what people have to say — whether they’re angry or just concerned — and showing that we’re just as concerned as they are and want to put things right.
