Council and democracy

Agenda item

Motion submitted by Councillor Hebb

Minutes:

The Motion, as printed in the Agenda was proposed by Councillor Hebb and seconded by Councillor Collins. The Motion read as follows:

 

Thurrock Council resolves to thank HM The Queen, for her selflessness and grace as monarch of the United Kingdom for 65 years, and it thanks her for her years of dedicated public service and advocacy of our great nation. In the spirit in which HM The Queen has herself taken with the Sapphire Jubilee, this council also seeks to recognise the memory of our former monarch George VI, for his unwavering patriotism during our nation’s darkest hours. This council therefore resolves to rename a suitable park within the borough to be identified after public consultation - to the George VI Memorial Park in honour of the former King and his years of service to our country.

 

Councillor Hebb introduced the Motion and stated that with Thurrock’s long heritage in support of the Monarchy it would be Thurrock’s appreciation to the Queen to rename a park in the name of George VI Memorial Park and that a public consultation would be undertaken to gauge the views of residents.

 

Councillor Collins, as seconder of the Motion, stated that he would whole heartedly be supporting the Motion and that it was an honour that the Queen had recognised her father rather than herself which would also remind residents what a great King he was.

 

At 9.15pm the Mayor requested that standing orders be suspended to provide time to hear and debate the remaining items from Members. Councillor J Kent suggested raising standing orders until 10.00pm.

 

The Mayor called a vote on raising standing orders until 10.00pm.

 

Members voted in Favour - 22

Members voted Against - 23

Members Abstain - 0

 

The Mayor declared that Full Council would finish at 9.30pm.

 

Councillor Cherry stated that the Motion was fantastic but questioned whether the name would be confusing with the existing King George V field at Blackshots.

 

Councillor G Rice supported the Motion and would be proud if Orsett Heath in Chadwell took the new name of George VI Memorial Park.

 

Councillor S Little supported the Motion but stated that caution would need to be given on the change of use from a Heath to a Park due to future planning implications.

 

Councillor Duffin stated that the change of name to a park should not be forced on residents and all should have a say.

 

Councillor Allen stated that he believed existing parks should not be renamed but to introduce a new park.

 

Councillor Coxshall stated that this was a great Motion and would be proud of Orsett Heath being renamed.

 

Councillors Snell and Jones supported the Motion with Councillor Hamilton stating that a public consultation would give residents the choice.

 

Councillor Watkins supported the Motion and commented that he looked forward to the consultation.

 

Councillor Halden suggested that Committee Rooms in the Civic Offices could be renamed in recognition of former prime ministers.

 

Councillor J Kent called a Point of Order at 9.24pm to close the debate.

 

The Mayor called a vote on the Point of Order.

 

Following a majority in favour, the Mayor declared the Point of Order carried.

 

Councillor Hebb summed up by thanking Members for their comments and stated that the consultation would list all the current Thurrock parks, any proposed new parks and give residents the option not to change the name of any of them.

 

The Mayor called a vote on the Motion.

 

Following a clear majority in favour, the Mayor declared the Motion carried.

Supporting documents: