OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, Canvey Island’s political landscape has changed beyond all recognition. Apart from Ray Howard, Canvey Island West’s Conservative councillor, all island wards are now represented by Canvey Island Independent Party councillors – both at Borough and Town Council level.
Islanders have rejected all main political parties in favour of home-grown ‘independents,’ whom have nearly all appeared from the once aspiring Labour Party ranks.
But nothing else has changed.
Sheila Westbeech’s complaints regarding the island accurately summarise the complaints of other readers – and they contain exactly the same complaints that led islanders, in desperation, to create its own Parish Council in 2007.
‘Where to start?’ asks Sheila. ‘Roads; state of the sea front; the amount of building; lack of facilities; our rubbish town centre; the lake; our non existent police force; our disappearing fire station; verges not being cut in the summer making everywhere look rundown and scruffy; the fact that “it's only Canvey, so they can get the leftovers;” filthy and run down toilets at Knightswick…
‘I'm sure there's plenty more,’ she says; ‘but that'll do for now!’
Everything that Sheila, and others, still complain about could have been addressed by Canvey’s new Town Council. Its statutory powers include: the provision and maintenance of community transport schemes; traffic calming measures; local youth projects; tourism activities; leisure facilities; car parks; village greens; public lavatories; litter bins; street lighting; street cleaning; burial grounds; allotments; bus shelters; commons; open spaces; footpaths; bridleways; and crime reduction measures. They can also comment on planning applications (they are statutory consultees) and can be represented at public inquiries.
But, after four years – and after over one-million pounds has been spent by the new Town Council – nothing has changed.
Four years ago the CIIP cried that there was nothing they could do for the island in the face of the mainland’s Tory majority – so islanders gave them the chance to prove themselves by electing them to Town Council offices.
Residents gave them the power to bring about the change they promised – and which all islanders desired.
But, after four years, nothing has changed.
There has been no organised lobbying for a third road off the island. No support for the proposed Canvey/Kent tunnel.
This Blog revealed that such a project would relieve island pressure on Sadler’s Farm and the Dartford Crossing by around a third; but neither Town or Borough CIIP councillors investigated the proposals further.
The CIIP were the first to criticise Castle Point Borough Council for withdrawing funds from the financially inept Castle Point Car Scheme – wishing to see further tax-payers’ money wasted. But the Town Council, despite having the powers, has made no attempt to create its own subsidised community transport service that, many say, could pay for itself and likely make a profit.
Youth facilities are regularly criticised by the CIIP; but, again, despite having the power to do so, the Town Council has seen fit not to invest in the island’s youth.
Leisure facilities are similarly complained about; but the result has been the same. The only leisure activities that the Town Council has organised have either been used to promote the Canvey Island Independent Party – or defraud needy Veteran Charities.
Car parks? village greens? public lavatories? litter bins? street lighting? street cleaning? ‘Not our responsibility,’ say CIIP councillors; but the powers are there should they wish to use them.
Bus shelters? commons? open spaces? footpaths? bridleways? and crime reduction measures? Once again: complaints from readers – and the charge that CIIP councillors say they don’t have the power to effect any change.
Four years ago the Canvey Island Independent Party was full of promises. But, four years later, what have they done?
I'm sure there's plenty more; but that'll do for now!
Please keep your comments coming…
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