Lib Dem leader quits Town Centre Renaissance Group
Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr David Kendall has resigned from Brentwood Town Centre's Renaissance Group citing his differences with the group's current aspirations & direction and his desire to be able to speak out on key town centre issues as his reasons for doing so.
Cllr Kendall wanted to see the current part funding of "new shop fronts" by the Renaissance Group put on hold and local retailers consulted again on how they wanted the budget spent as their priorities for the town centre may have changed. However at a recent Renaissance meeting his view was not shared by other members. Cllr Kendall also expressed serious reservations about making any changes to the area around the St Thomas a Becket Chapel and questioned the practicalities of imposing a new policy on "A Boards" on retailers.
Speaking about his resignation from the group, Cllr Kendall said:
"I have made this decision after a great deal of thought and consideration and I believe it is best for everyone involved. I clearly have different views on the direction the Renaissance Group is taking on a number of town centre issues and I am not prepared to sit back in silence to avoid rocking the boat. After all I am accountable to the residents who elected me not to the members of the Renaissance Group. I also wanted to be in a position in future where I can talk freely to the press regarding any town centre issues without feeling stifled by what I can and cannot say through my membership of the Renaissance Group".
Whilst Cllr Kendall is sad to be leaving the Renaissance Group his commitment and interest in Town Centre issues remains as strong as ever. Speaking further he said:
"As a member of the Borough Council's Business & Economic Development Panel and the Policy Board I will continue to express my opinion and vote on town centre issues and raise the concerns of the residents and retailers in my area.
"I also intend to maintain my active involvement in the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses".