Our new administration faces significant and numerous challenges but we will rise to them.We inherit major issues that need urgent attention such as the property deal at Fossetts Farm that the football club is relying on to complete the Consortium’s takeover, as well as the new waste contract which will need to be signed off in the next couple of months.
We formed an administration knowing these challenges were live and present, but also with the resolve to see them through. The move over to fortnightly bin collections was not our decision but it will happen on our watch so we have to do all we can to ensure that this most basic and important service is delivered well for local people. We want to build a city we can be proud of and that will need strong leadership and decisive action. That is what I and my cabinet will deliver.
Our Financial Commitment
Local government finances remain challenging but under my leadership, we will never make decisions that put the council’s financial stability in jeopardy. We will make decisions for the benefit of the city, not our own political interests.
So what of our plans? Our joint administration agreement has been published on the council website for all to see, in the spirit of genuine openness and transparency.
We have many political and strategic objectives we would like to achieve but we are mindful that we are restricted by our finances and the capacity of our staff.
Pavements and Roads
However, we will deliver an ambitious programme of investment in improving the safety of our pavements and roads. Not just in terms of filling more potholes but also progressing safety schemes such as School Streets.
Sensible Parking Policies
In a seaside destination like Southend, parking is always going to be contentious but we will introduce sensible parking policies that balance our need to pay for the services that visitors put pressure on like street cleaning, waste collection, community safety, public toilets etc, without subsidies from residents. That is why we are going to introduce off-season parking charges and re-evaluate the zones to make parking cheaper for residents. The Southend Pass is already fantastic value for our residents looking to save money on parking but we will look at ways to make this even better.
Boosting Tourism
We know that parking income is heavily reliant on visitors and we have an objective to boost visitor numbers by developing an events programme with the aim of reaching 20 weeks of events on the pier each year and at least 6 major events across the city, beaches, and parks every year too.
Revitalising Traditions
We also have the ambition to reintroduce modern versions of permanent attractions such as the Illuminations and seasonal events such as Southend in Bloom, as well increase support for business-led events such as the Fireworks and council-led events such as the park concerts.
Reviving the Kursaal
Reopening the Kursaal and creating a sustainable future for the building is close to our hearts and we will explore every avenue to find a workable solution.
Enhancing Accessibility
Southend needs a fully accessible playground and we will explore the possibility of building one in the east of the city as well as continue the upgrade and expansion of accessible play equipment in all parks and play area.
Restoring Community Pride
Pride in where we live needs to be re-established and we believe that our objectives will help that but we also recognise that the council needs to improve on the delivery of basic services like street cleaning and grass cutting.
Flytipping and Drain Blockages
We have plans to introduce a free bulky waste collection service to help tackle flytipping and we want to start a ‘cut and collect’ method of verge management to stop grass cuttings filling up our drains.
We know how big the task ahead of us is, and we thank the residents of Southend for placing their trust in us to deliver for them.
We will work hard to make Southend an even greater place to live, work and visit. That works starts now, and I passionately believe that we can build a city we can all be proud of.
by Cllr Daniel Cowan
Leader of the Council & Councillor for St Laurence ward