Weekly bin collections and protecting NHS top of list for Southend’s Independents

TACKLING potholes, protecting NHS services and ensuring that weekly bin collections continue are top of the list for Southend's Independent group ahead of the local elections.

Independent councillors have played an important role in the council over the last year, largely supporting a minority Tory administration.

Unless there is an outright majority after tomorrow’s local elections, the independents are likely once again to play a pivotal role in any new administration.

Martin Terry, leader of the Independent Group, said they do not have a manifesto but rather a “list of priorities” in the role they may play in the next administration and will always “put residents first”.

Mr Terry has stated that ensuring weekly bin collections stay in place as part of the proposed new waste contract, which has proved hugely controversial within the council, is a top priority for the independent group.

Mr Terry said: “Of particular concern is the Conservative broken promise on fortnightly bin collections. The Conservatives have decided to proceed with fortnightly bin collections despite a clear promise to voters last year ‘that only a vote for them would protect weekly collections’.

“We are similarly concerned about the state of our dangerous potholed roads and pavements, parks, local NHS services and in particular the constant dumping of sewage in the Thames estuary.”

While Independents supported the Tories, they weren’t averse to making their feelings known about certain aspects of the budget earlier this year.

As the Conservative budget was hijacked by opposition councillors in February this year, independent councillors backed a range of budget amendments. However Mr Terry has insisted he will oppose new parking fees in residential parts of Eastern Esplanade.

Mr Terry said: “Independents supported the budget amendments to reduce all parking fees by an average 11 per cent across all areas, excluding tourist zones, improving the Southend Pass giving up to 15 hours parking for 34p per day.

“We strongly oppose the introduction of brand new parking fees on residential parts of Eastern Esplanade. Independents are concerned about plans to build electrical sub-stations in city parks riding roughshod over protective covenants and potentially opening the way to building on parks.”