Lib Dems celebrate ward projects but question Tory projects

Communities of Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood North, Brentwood West and Shenfield have benefitted from the projects undertaken by Lib Dem councillors in this past year.

All councillors were allocated £1350 each to spend in their wards and Lib Dem councillors, working with communities, resident groups and charities allocated their budgets to the following projects:

Brentwood North (Cllrs Ross Carter, Philip Mynott and James Sapwell)

Commemorative Jubilee Tree - £200

Bench - £650

Community Speedwatch Speedwatch campaign - £895

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary New animal enclosure - £1,150

Hermit Soundproffing equipment - £400

Litter bin and deep clean of Mayfield Gardens - £430

Brentwood West (Cllr Karen Chilvers)

Restoration of Warley Country Park path - £1350

Pilgrims Hatch (Cllrs Barry Aspinell, Vicky Davies and David Kendall)

Posts and rails for amenity greens in Elizabeth Road - £3,500

Speedwatch Camera - £495

Shenfield (Cllrs Graeme Clark and Liz Cohen*)

Shenfield Christmas Fayre £1,350

Shenfield Garden Society - £41*

*Cllr Cohen was only left this residual amount when she was elected in December 2012.

Cllr Barry Aspinell, Leader of Brentwood Lib Dems, said:

"I am delighted that we have all been able to allocate these funds to projects close to our hearts and that all sectors of our community will benefit from those who walk our country paths to those who enjoyed a Christmas celebration and from those who support our local animal charity to those who enjoy amenity greens. There is also an ongoing community benefit from the purchase of two speed guns and investment in Brentwood charities."

However, at last night's Strategy and Policy Board, the Liberal Democrats challenged the use of some ward money spent by Conservative councillors:

1. Money was used for subsidising car park charges in Ingatestone - does this mean those Conservative councillors recognise the mistake their Leader has made in hiking parking charges throughout the borough?

2. Concerns were also raised about the use of wood chippings as flooring for play areas. No answer was given. The price of wood chippings was queried as being very expensive. No answer was given.

3. The Chairman was asked if any Council members had benefitted from the use of ward budgets personally. No answer was given.