PROPOSALS to ditch the controversial cabinet system on Castle Point Castle have been blocked by Tory councillors.

Members of the Canvey Island Independent Party put forward a motion calling for a return to the old committee system, which they believe gives all councillors a voice.

They believe the current cabinet system, where key decisions are taken by just eight senior councillors, is undemocratic.

During a stormy meeting of the full council, the Conservative cabinet was accused of coming up with disastrous policies, such as closing Canvey’s seafront paddling pool and making black bin bag collections fortnightly instead of weekly.

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Island Independent Party, said: “Cabinet thought these things were a good idea, but the majority of our residents don’t.

“Decisions are taken without the input of members.

“It’s not right and it’s not democratic. Basically, we have been shut up and shut out.”

The Government has said councils can return to the committee system if they wish.

A 4,441-signature petition calling for a change in the way the council is run was handed to the council last week.

Conservative councillors Alf Partridge and Norman Ladzrie backed the opposition’s proposal, but abstained from the vote.

It was blocked after the rest of the Conservative majority voted against it. Instead members voted to conduct their own review of the cabinet system.

After the meeting Jeffrey Stanley, Conservative deputy councilleader, said: “You have to remember when we had the committee system, this authority was named as one of the eight worst councils in the country, we are now one of the best.”