MP voices fears for services by ‘focused’ council (From Echo)

MP voices fears for services by ‘focused’ council

3:07pm Monday 8th October 2007 in News

BASILDON MP Angela Smith has raised fears over council bosses' ability to manage the £1billion rebuild of the new town.

The Labour MP fears Tory council leaders may have taken on more than they can handle by choosing to start the Basildon masterplan regeneration project at the same time as smaller redevelopments in Wickford, Laindon and Pitsea.

Mrs Smith said: "We are talking about huge scale regeneration in not just the town centre, but across four.

"My fear is the Conservatives are so focussed on these schemes, day-to-day services like managing housing are suffering."

Mrs Smith said there were several dedicated officers working within the council, but she doubts they have the relevant experience to deliver such massive construction projects. She said: "I am not talking about hiring consultants, because we are opposed to their large-scale use, but a permanent position could have been created for someone who has handled this sort of redevelopment before."

Stephen Horgan, Tory cabinet member for regeneration, rubbished her concerns.

He said: "Our regeneration schemes have endorsement from central Government, which should instil Mrs Smith with confidence.

"This endorsement comes with £3million from the Department of Communities and Local Government to fund the procurement stage for a development consortium.

"This money is allowing us to bring in all the necessary legal advice and expertise to ensure we get a consortium with the ability to carry out regeneration."