AS happens when you reach another New Year, you look back at the resolutions you made the year before, and wonder how successful you have been in keeping them.

So I thought I would look back at what I said at the start of 2007 about the predictions for progress on the Thames Gateway programme to regenerate south Essex.

I was expecting to be a little disappointed, but in fact I can safely say we have achieved all we set out to, and more:

  • The new port and business park at Shellhaven is getting under way
  • Passenger air traffic at Southend Airport continues to increase
  • Work has started on the new Heritage Interpretation Centre at Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea
  • We have seen the announcement of more than £500m of Government funding for new education, skills and other improvements to our town centres and green spaces that will transform the future for South Essex.

The organisations established to help us to deliver these changes - Thurrock Thames Gateway Develop-ment Corporation; Basildon Renaissance Partnership; Castle Point Regeneration Partnership and Renaissance Southend - are beginning to make a difference.

The challenges now are to deliver those projects that have been confirmed in the Thames Gateway Delivery Plan, and to ensure they really do benefit the communities and businesses of South Essex. One real challenge is how we can play our part in minimising the rate of increase in global warming, and taking a lead in demonstrating how tackling the future can provide economic opportunities.

This builds on a strong tradition in south Essex. From providing salt to the Roman legions to the "white van man" and commuters who continue to be the bedrock for the success of London, south Essex people have always been able to create opportunity from the process of economic change.

The members of the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership are determined to continue that enterprising tradition to lead change in the 21st century. But to achieve this will involve all of us, from what we do in our homes, to the way we travel to work, and the businesses we work in.

This transformation should be the basis for our long-term ambitions. In 2008, I hope we can work together on a programme of long-term change in the ways we live and do business that will help to protect the future, improve the quality of our lives, and reduce our impact on the planet.

The year will see the true start of the 2012 Olympiad, as the cultural festival gets under way. Our action plan for the next four years will be published later in the year. We will continue to sponsor our paralympic and world champion athlete, Danny Crates, in what we hope will be another successful Olympic Games in Beijing. Best of luck to Danny and all our local hopefuls for the 2008 Games.