Why weren’t we given more notice? (From Echo)

Why weren’t we given more notice?

1:34pm Monday 6th February 2012 in Letters

During the Canvey Town Centre Regeneration meeting, last week, Castle Point councillors criticised the poor turnout by residents, even though we were told nine committee members were also absent.

The fact it was a cold night was a supplementary reason, the main reason was the fact no notice or publicity of the meeting had been issued.

The Echo reporter said she had only learnt of the meeting the day previous.

A new phenomenon, a “secret public meeting”.

Those that had learned of this clandestine meeting were then told that it was un-necessary for residents to attend anyway as the consultation was closed.

It appeared there was need to press on to the next stage of the process, most probably to give some substance to the Canvey part of the new local plan.

However, we then heard the same facts and figures that were mentioned some two years ago, secret negotiations with supermarket still ongoing, town centre petrol station, or not, open to negotiation, 400 homes rather than the 250 preferred, open to negotiation, 19 landowners to reach purchase agreement with.

Our local traders continue to struggle against high rents and losing trade to island supermarket.

All the while Hadleigh Morrison’s store had been built and opened before a brick is laid of the Canvey town centre regeneration.

The people of Canvey may be apathetic, but councillors are entrusted to put these plans in place on our behalf.

G Bracci
Holland Avenue
Canvey