Stephen Metcalfe,
local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock together with representative of
the Frost Estate Resident Association, met with Thurrock Council Chief
Executive, Graham Farrant, last week to discuss the ongoing issues around the
Frost Estate.
The conditions of
the roads on the estate have long been a concern for local residents who fear
that they will continue to deteriorate further if action is not taken. Mr
Metcalfe, who organised a packed public meeting on the issue last year, has
been working with residents and supported the establishment of the Frost Estate
residents Association (FERA).
During the
meeting the local MP expressed his support for FERA’s new 380 strong petition
which calls on the Council to hold a referendum on creating a community
council. It is now expected that Thurrock Council will start the statutory
consultation process required before any vote can take place.
Community
Councils, otherwise known as parish council’s, are the first tier of local
Government and allow elected representatives to make the voices of local people
heard. It is hoped that this would be a vital step forward in securing much
needed repairs on roads in the Frost Estate.
Mr Metcalfe
commented: “This is a fantastic step forward for Frost Estate residents. The
Residents Association have worked tirelessly on this issue and I am delighted
that they are one step closer to achieving their objectives.”
“This has been a
problem for decades and I am delighted that we may finally be on a path that
will see a sustainable solution achieved. I will continue to work with both
Thurrock Council and FERA as this progresses and I look forward to seeing the
results of the referendum in the near future.”
