From YourThurrock

Raised and residing in two parts of the ward, Claire, an events manager by day, has organised and orchestrated a highly professional campaign, addressing the issues that concern the residents and voters.

Claire has been highly praised by the campaigners against housing development on the Woodview campus.

Claire’s campaign literature is also modern and fresh with the issues clearly identifiable: issues such as scrambler bikes, buses, the sports hub and Blackshots library.

YT spoke to Claire on the Blackshots fields to discuss the issues as well as establish what Claire would define as success.

You can watch the video of Claire’s interview here.

THE THURROCK Lib-Dems are under no illusion as to how difficult it may be for people to vote for them.

But does not mean that they won’t be trying and the young energetic team in the borough are out and about “listening” to people’s concerns.

Their campaign is dictated by a fresh zeal with the people at the heart of it.

YT spoke to Grays Riverside candidate, Kevin Mulroue about his campaign, the issues on the doorstep and what he would classify as success.

You can watch the video of Kevin’s interview here.

For the first time in two decades, Liberal Democrats will stand candidates in all wards where there are local elections. Chair, Luke Tyson, said that this is a fantastic achievement in itself.

‘I’m very happy that everyone going to the polls in May will have the option of voting for a Liberal Democrat candidate’ Luke said, ‘and I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this a reality.’

You can find out more about the team by clicking here and the full list of candidates and who is standing in your area is below.

Aveley and Uplands: Paul Burton
Belhus: John Livermore
Chadwell St Mary: Tracy Rowe
Chafford and North Stifford: James Donald
Corringham and Fobbing: Kevin McNamara
East Tilbury: Luke Tyson
Grays Riverside: Kevin Mulroue
Grays Thurrock: William Jackson
Little Thurrock Blackshots: Claire Jones
Ockendon: David Shirley
Orsett: Ashley Snell
South Chafford: Matthew Orbell
Stanford East and Corringham Town: Natalie Butcher
The Homesteads: Kirsty Beard
Tilbury St. Chad’s: Ela Vine
West Thurrock and South Stifford: Matthew Parker

Little Thurrock campaigner, Claire Jones, said: ‘I am completely amazed that the Labour administration has earmarked half a million pounds for the Thames Gateway Development Corporation to be merged with Thurrock Council. If it helps to bring the cost down, I’d happily help them move boxes down the corridor and change the sign outside the door.’

Chafford Hundred campaigner, James Donald, said: ‘It is astonishing that the Conservative group think that they can hand around a single side of A4 paper at the eleventh hour with budget amendments and expect them to be adopted. All councillors should work together to agree on such important matters, rather than engaging in political theatrics.

Grays campaigner, Kevin Mulroue, said: ‘Thanks to action taken by the coalition government, the council tax has been frozen again this year. As all budgets are tightened in order to clear up Labour’s mess, this along with the Lib Dems in government delivering tax cuts for ordinary people will help thousands of Thurrock families.’

‘In October the Thurrock Liberal Democrats and I knocked on every door in Woodside to ensure each resident had a chance to have their say and, of those who did, 98% strongly opposed the development. It is clear from petition thousands of residents across Thurrock agree.

‘I have nothing but admiration for the Woodside Action Group, headed by Dave Henderson and Ray Abbott, who have worked tirelessly on this issue.

‘They have clearly demonstrated that even though all Conservative councillors, including those representing Woodside, voted in favour of this development, sheer determination and a commitment to standing up for what is right gets results.

‘I will continue to work closely with the Woodside Action Group and give them my full support. I am delighted they might finally be granted their first basic request – to have their voice heard.’

At a council meeting held on Wednesday 25th January, local residents raised a number of concerns, including, the consultation process and the significant loss of educational space at the new campus. Residents were told the proposal and the core strategy had 100% backing from councillors.

Commenting on the exchanges, local Lib Dem campaigner Claire Jones, who attended the meeting, said: “The disregard and dismissiveness shown to Mr and Mrs Abbott was incredibly disappointing”

“I simply can’t believe that this ill-considered and rushed proposal gets complete backing from the council. On behalf of the Woodside Action Group and the 2,200 local people who signed the petition, I call on those councillors who do not support this, to publically declare it, and listen to the residents who are asking for their help”

It is unclear whether the new site will have enough floor space to accommodate many of the vocational and trade courses such as engineering, bricklaying and carpentry that are available at the current campus.

Commenting on the concerns, local Lib Dem campaigner Claire Jones said: ”People I have spoken to across Thurrock have expressed their concern that these courses will be dropped.

“With youth unemployment at the rate it is in the borough, this is no time to be reducing access to vital courses that will assist young people in getting a job.

“The young people of Thurrock deserve better than the uncertainty caused by this unpopular relocation.

“I call again on South Essex College to rethink their proposals.”

In a residents survey conducted by Thurrock Liberal Democrats, the overwhelming response was to oppose the plans. A wide range of reasons were given, including the impact on already under strain services and schools in the area.

Commenting on results of the survey local campaigner, Claire Jones said: “We have knocked on every door in Woodside and it is clear that residents do not want this and are worried about the impact it will have on their community.

“Over and over again, whether it was places at Woodside Primary School, registering with the doctors on King Edward Drive, or traffic all over the area, the residents gave us reasons why they think this will be bad for the area. Many were also concerned with the loss of highly valued green belt space and that parking in the area is already unbearable at peak times.

“I want the developers to understand the strength of feeling there is towards their plans and to rethink them. I also call on the council to reject their proposals and do more to reflect the people’s wishes.”

Claire said: “The strength of feeling in the area is immense. Most people I spoke to believe this would be damaging for the area. Parking is already a huge issue in Carlton Road and Grangewood Avenue. Schools such as Woodside and the doctor’s surgery on King Edward Drive would struggle to accommodate the increase in population.

“Many resident feel incredibly let down by the level of consultation there has been with them, and with the council only fighting for green spaces when it suits them.

“I will continue to meet with residents to hear from them their views and make sure that their voice is heard by the council and developers.”

You can complete our survey by clicking here and find out more about the proposal by clicking here.