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

Thurrock Council should look into contacting all sports teams/clubs competing across the borough and ask them what support they need moving forward. Many need support with facilities and raising awareness that the Council can assist with without giving financial support.

Councillor Duffin stated that the Motion had been brought to Full Council to highlight that not enough positive news on sporting and club activities was being shared with residents by the Council. There was insufficient information on the Council web-site about clubs, sporting facilities and events taking place in Thurrock. Big events were taking place with no promotion being undertaken and that the Council should be offering assistance and advice to these clubs on how best to support and promote them. Councillor Duffin stated that Members should be seen at such events and highlighting the good cause that these clubs do for residents of Thurrock.

Councillor Spillman endorsed the Motion and stated it was important that Members attended events being held in Thurrock. Using the recent Kanitha World Cup held at the Aveley Football Club as an example he stated the Council had looked discourteous by not welcoming visitors to this sporting event. Councillor Spillman stated that sport and culture are both important in bringing communities together.

Councillor Huelin thanked Councillor Duffin for submitting the Motion and reassured Members that steps were being taken and the Activity Strategy Plan that covered all the sporting activities in the borough and that supported the local plan would soon be presented. Councillor Huelin gave Members a guarantee that an interested engagement with the community was on-going and that the Administration listened to residents of the borough to ensure that the facilities were available and the offer of help available. The social clubs information on the Council web site would be reviewed and updated.

Councillor Redsell stated her support for the Motion and that work continued with the Sports Council and Active Essex to provide these facilities and that clubs should come together to ensure that the appropriate funding can be obtained.

Councillor Halden stated that there was only so much a Council could do in promoting more sports in schools and that this should be rolled out in a more considered way such as in the Activity Strategy Plan.

Councillor Hebb thanked Councillor Duffin for his well spirited Motion and referenced Members to the 2012 Olympic Legacy that the Council agreed in 2011.

Councillor J Kent stated his support for the Motion and stated that clubs in the borough did not feel loved. The Council should be more creative and use the education facilities available to achieve those goals. Councillor J Kent stated that the Council had to start getting better relationships with clubs and undertaking consultations in the borough correctly. That other clubs such as Cubs and Scouts were also concerned about increases to rents and that the Council should be helping and supporting these clubs.

Councillor Duffin summed up by thanking Members for their support and that good news stories should be shared more by the Council. Councillor Duffin attended a fair share of sporting events in the borough and encouraged other Members to do more. That more fans would generate more funds for these clubs and this could only be done when events are promoted.

The Mayor called a vote on the Motion.

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