Council and democracy

Agenda item

Statements by the Leader

Minutes:

The Leader began his statement by offering his condolences to the family of former Councillor and Mayor Ian Harrison, who sadly passed away earlier in the week.  He remembered how Ian became Mayor of Thurrock in 2004 and commented that he was the first Conservative Mayor of the Borough since it became a Unitary Authority.  The Leader then asked that those present and able to stand for one minute’s silence.

 

Councillor Gledhill updated Members on the Clean it, Cut it, Fill it scheme. In doing so, Members heard how in February 2018 the Council had filled 544 potholes, meaning the year to date figure was 5,653 since April 2017.

He continued by stating an estimated 2,244 tons of waste had been collected since April 2017 and, at present, provisional figures for February included:

 

·         80,773 bags of litter had been picked;

·         46,205 bins had been emptied;

·         131 fly tips had been removed and;

·         9,325 acres of grass had been cut.

 

The Leader advised he had asked officers that from April 2018 a running total and a monthly update be provided and made available online, so that it would be clear and transparent as to what the Council was doing in relation to the Clean it, Cut it, Fill scheme.

 

Councillor Gledhill further commented with regards to Fixed Penalty Notices that he had tasked officers with looking into publishing photographs of those people supplying false names and addresses or those caught on CCTV fly tipping, in the hope that concerned residents could supply correct details to enable appropriate action to be taken.

 

Members heard the Leader was pleased to announce that the Council had won the Parking Partnership Award at the British Parking Awards on 9th March 2018.  He continued to state that for many years Thurrock had been blighted by foreign registered heavy good vehicles parking in residential areas. Damages to grass verges and blocked footpaths had cost over £100,000 per year in repairs and clean ups.

 

In addition, the Leader provided an update on the Tilbury Ferry, he explained the Thames Swift , operated the service along with  its sister ship the Jacob Marley. He further explained that during the Thames Swift annual inspection, the Jacob Marley operated the service, however during storm Emma she was damaged and also required repair.

 

The Leader advised that the Council was in discussions with Kent County Council, who part funded the service along with Thurrock Council, to resolve the situation.

 

Finally Councillor Gledhill mentioned that Highways England had installed a temporary barrier on the A126 Dumbbell Roundabout in an attempt to prevent ‘car cruising’. He further mentioned that Highways England was continuing to investigate a permanent solution at the junction.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Education and Health was invited to address Cabinet, and in doing so informed Members that Corringham Primary School had been ranked in the top 20 within the Schools, Students and Teachers network nationally, for Maths, English and Reading.  

 

Councillor Gledhill offered his congratulations to the school for their hard work.