‘Forgotten estate’ claims come under scrutiny during meeting
“FORGOTTEN estate” claims came under scrutiny during a council meeting.
During Full Council, Cllr Andrew Cooper asked: “Given the leader of the opposition’s many references to the term “forgotten estates”, can I ask she clarifies where these places are and given the Labour group also stated the council is in a terrible financial position, if that is the case what services would Labour be cutting to ensure these estates weren’t forgotten, if they were ever to take control?”
Cllr Carol Dean said: “Genuinely thank you for the chance to highlight the problem. I am just surprised you need to ask where they are.
“Just in my ward, Cllr Sarah Daniels and myself regularly hold residents surgeries and at our monthly surgeries we have a group who come to highlight the appalling state around Dormer Avenue.
“I would be happy to let you have a list of the areas. I have got about 50 photographs here of ones we have taken and that’s just what I have put together this afternoon. My colleagues have been working on this as well.
“We have been told at every meeting regarding the budget setting that there will be problems in the next few years. We will take the time to speak with the chief executive, directors and their teams to see if there are any efficiencies that can be made.
“The Conservative group are as aware as us that local authorities are all facing challenging times with their budgets but as I have continually stated our focus will always be with the residents and their wellbeing.”
Cllr Cooper asked for clarification on the latter part of his question and was told: “If we had the honour of taking control in May, like every responsible administration, we would have a proper look at the books and probably make some different choices based on different priorities and values, always for the benefit of the people of the town.
“Like all councils up and down the country, it will be in the context of chronic underfunding year on year from the Tory government. It would be really irresponsible of me to give you a list of things without knowing the full facts and nobody in their right mind would ever do that.”