Council and democracy

The Mayor invited all those present to reflect on and remember Thurrock’s fallen of World War One.

The Mayor announced as part of her Charity the Community Chest Charity was Giving for Thurrock she announced their 3 fund raising events and encouraged members to attend.

Afternoon Tea with the Mayor to be held on the 14 September 2018 where invited guests would be asked to wear either a hat or a fascinator.

A Charity Ball to be held on the 16 November 2018 at the Orsett Hall.

A Civic Dinner to be held on the12 April 2019 at the Civic Hall which will be a grand black and white ball.

The Mayor stated she contributed each month to the Pay Day Giving Scheme and encouraged all members to sign up so members could start to Give for Thurrock in Thurrock.

The Mayor announced a “Giving for Thurrock Day” to be held on the last Friday of March each year to have a day of raising funds for small charities in Thurrock and for the good of Thurrock residents to come together as a community.

The Mayor sadly announced the passing of former Councillor Diane Revell who would be remembered for her contributions to the Council and in the Chamber and had sent condolences to her family.

Councillor Gledhill extended his condolences and stated it had been a great loss when Diane Revell had retired and it was an even greater loss now.

Councillor Gerrish reflected on regular Member stories told of their high regard of Diane Revell and extended the Labour Group’s condolences.

Councillor Little spoke of her memories and admiration for Diane Revell and how this had been a sad time.

Councillor Redsell echoed comments made by other Members and how Diane Revell had been passionate and gave good advice when the Mayor’s seat was passed to Diane Revell from Councillor Redsell.

The Mayor thanked Members for their kind words.

The Leader of the Councillor, Councillor Gledhill, stated Cabinet had allocated £250K to tackle anti-social behaviour in the borough with action being taken to let those offenders know that this behaviour would not be tolerated. Anti-social behaviour in the borough was a whole community issue requiring a multi-agency approach to help prevention and enforcement. The Leader highlighted:

•           A funded specialist anti-social behaviour officer will now work alongside the existing housing anti-social behaviour team.

•           CCTV would be improved on the Garrison Estate and Derwent Parade.

•           Youth Club developments made to help youths at risk to be diverted from bad behaviour.

•           Community Events to reassure residents and to create a united community to encourage issues to be reported.

•           Funding for the Report It Campaign to encourage residents to report anti-social behaviour and crime on-line.

•           Thurrock Council to equip Essex Police with equipment to track down those users that use quad and motor bikes inappropriately in the borough as part of the bike nuisance operation Sacrifice.

•           Funding for Thurrock Council and Essex Police to undertake high visibility operations to tackle anti-social behaviour.

•           Funding for Essex Police to undertake high visibility operations to tackle gang related issues as part of the Raptor operation.

The Leader stated improvements had been made of both schools and general practitioners across the year and highlighted:

•           94% of Thurrock schools now rated good or outstanding.

•           Work continued with the Education Skills Funding Agency to create 3500 new school places.

•           Increase of health sessions would be offered for families across the borough and the Children’s Centres and through the Brighter Future Service.

•           Significant improvement to standards as rated good in general practitioner surgeries had improved from 2 to 21.

•           Plans are progressing for the new 4 Integrated Medical Centres.

The Leader thanked and congratulated the Planning Team in achieving 4th position out of 339 Local Planning Authorities in the National Planning Performance results.

The Coalhouse Fort had recently been awarded the Green Flag for the 8th year running as a fantastic park in Thurrock which would be promoted as part of the Discover Thurrock Campaign.

The Clean It Cut It Fill It update since April 2018 - 1108 pot holes had been filled, 408 acres of grass cut, 737 tonnes of waste collected, 425 fly tips cleared, 1004 penalty notices issued for offences of littering.

Councillor Gledhill stated Agenda Item 10 Local Plan Issues and Options (Stage 2) had been withdrawn from the agenda due to the Government announcement of the National Policy Framework. That Officers would look at the potential impacts and the report would be presented back at the best possible opportunity. Councillor Gledhill encouraged Members to bring any questions to the attention of Group Leaders to be considered at a later date. Work will continue with the consultation of Thurrock residents which was vital for the project to move forward.

The Leader updated Members on the anti-social behaviour question raised at June 2018 Full Council that an Essex Police raid has taken place at Grays Park on the 30 June where drugs were ceased and arrests made. This was an ongoing operation to halt these behaviours