A futilitarian effort over four years

Nigel Folkard’s prolegomenon to the electorate in 2008 upon superficial inspection seems reasonable. A closer analysis exposes it as nugatory.

A ‘delighted’ Nigel set out these pledges:

• Scrutinise the wards planning applications
• Work with our MPs to achieve funding for the cliff slippage
• Work with police to combat anti-social behaviour and street crime
• Work to help Southend have a thriving and sound economic future

I do not doubt that Nigel wrote these with the best of intentions, as I do not doubt his hard work. I can state that his efforts have been at best futile, at worst exacerbating the problems that beset Milton ward.

On planning applications; his party, the ruling Conservative administration in Southend-on-Sea, want more high-rises in the town centre, have demolished Warrior Square swimming pool, have ripped up a perfectly workable roundabout and replaced it with the dangerous shared space concept, have overseen concrete carnage and monstrous development. You get the picture. If anything has ‘failure’ written all over it is the Conservative Party’s approach to development in my town.

The cliffs slippage dates from 2002 – a whole nine years ago. Clearly a fail. Nothing, absolutely nothing in the way of progress – Mr Folkard should hang his head in shame.

Working with police whilst his Government oversees the slashing of their number in Essex (whilst insisting on having elected commissioners)? This will make crime and anti-social behaviour worse, not better. The abandonment of the cumulative impact strategy for the town centre is also a mistake that is likely to make more miserable the lives of those resident in this area.

It could be argued that the downturn in Southend-on-Sea’s economy is largely beyond councillor Folkard’s control. I would insist that his wearing the blue rosette means he endorses the Government’s strategy, a strategy that is beginning to unwind. I do not believe that the electorate will enjoy the rises in inflation and unemployment that his Government have some control over. The microcosm that is Southend-on-Sea will benefit from decisions taken over the airport, but I can recall a town that had many large and thriving employers and wonder what went so wrong that Lesney, Ekco, Amstrad, Access, MK, and large chunks of the Civil Service chose to desert the town.

Here is the result from 2008

Conservative – Nigel Folkard – 928 – 47.9%
Labour – Tony Borton – 502 – 25.9%
Liberal Democrat – Justine Farenden – 321 – 16.6%
BNP – Derek King – 185 – 9.6%

Gore Vidal is quoted as saying: “The four most beautiful words in our common language: I told you so.” Labour’ campaign did warn of the consequences of electing a Tory here. Let’s hope that Councillor Folkard’s political career is interrupted next May.

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