SOUTHEND Council’s deputy leader has quit after being slapped down by officials over a non-existent consultation over speed bumps and 20mph speed limits.
Ron Woodley yesterday resigned from Southend Council’s ruling cabinet, led by Labour, Independents and the Lib Dems.
It came after Mr Woodley – also chairman of Burges Estate Residents’ Association in Thorpe Bay - produced and delivered a 22-page leaflet which explains proposals for 20mph limits on some roads in Leigh and Thorpe Bay, along more than 200 new speed humps.
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In it, readers are advised to follow an online link to a Southend Council consultation - but the consultation does not exist.
Council officials responded by saying a consultation would be launched, pointing out the Burges Estate Residents’ Association’s correspondence “is not from the council and nor has it been approved or reviewed by the council”.
Mr Woodley said: “As a responsible organisation, the Burges Estate Residents’ Association wanted to make sure affected streets were aware.
“Unfortunately officers have said they don’t want to listen to the community. They want to wait until after the election but they shouldn’t restrict residents from making comments to the council.
“Officers have shut their ears. They don’t want to consult or listen to people’s views and so I have no faith in officers and no faith in the leadership and because of that I’m resigning as deputy leader and resigning from cabinet.”
The planned road changes championed by Mr Woodley have been broadly welcomed by Leigh residents, but there has been strong opposition in Thorpe Bay.
Following heated council debates, a consultation on the proposals was delayed until after the elections in May.
Mr Woodley said he would continue as ward councillor.
Tony Cox, leader of the council’s Conservative group, was unsurprised by Mr Woodley’s resignation, and said it was time to scrap the roads consultation.
Council leader Ian Gilbert said: “Throughout his time as deputy leader, Ron has been passionate about our new city and demonstrated his commitment to serving local people.”
Councillor Martin Terry has been appointed as deputy leader on an interim basis.
Resignation - Ron Woodley
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