Labour councillors’ repeated failure to listen to residents costs us all
Recently, the Labour council funded a review to find out whether it should work more with the voluntary sector and partner with the community.
That review told them what anyone could have told them – that there are ‘key strategic benefits’ to working with the voluntary sector and community, and that the council’s approach is ‘fragmented’ and without a coordinating point or sufficient resource.
For years now Greens have called on the council to do what it should be doing anyway, and work with the community in Reading, not against it.
Ignoring residents over the future of Central Club
When Central Club came up for sale in Katesgrove – did the Labour council work with the African Caribbean community to ensure the future of an important local asset? Did the council find creative ways to partner with them, develop a workable plan and sell it to them at a reasonable price?
No. They ignored the community, sold it to a private developer and the building is still empty, slowly decaying.
Ignoring residents over the future of Arthur Hill Swimming Pool
When the local community raised thousands of pounds, putting together a rescue plan to save the Arthur Hill Swimming Baths from demolition did Labour councillors work with them to ensure it stayed open until a new pool was built?
No. They ignored the community, then sold the pool to the highest bidder for the inevitable block of flats. The deal fell through, so the council gave itself permission to build a set of tiny flats. The building has been demolished but we wait to see any actual homes.
Ignoring residents over protecting the Thames Side
When the community in Reading said no to a huge concrete and tarmac road beside the Thames, did the Labour council reconsider?
No, Reading Borough Council pushed the plans through anyway, against the clearly expressed wishes of local people. It was only thanks to councillors in Wokingham that this environmental blight was averted.
That failed plan still cost Reading Council and residents over £800,000.
What would Greens do differently?
We will listen, work with local people and not oppose and block them at every turn, because that’s the way it should be. We will empower community groups. We will build community through more street parties and other initiatives.
We don’t need to pay for a review to tell us that, we’ve been saying it for ages.
Vote Green in May for councillors who will stand up for you
Thousands vote Green every year in Reading because we stand up for their local communities. Make your voice heard on 5th May, and vote Green.
We already have a strong presence on Reading Council with councillors in Park Ward and Redlands Ward. We came within a whisker of winning in the last local council elections in new wards like Katesgrove. In May we hope that our hard work, year-round will get three Green councillors elected there.
We care about standing-up for residents, working for the common good and showing how decisions can be made for the benefit of everyone in Reading.
Cllr Josh Williams is a Green Party councillor on Park Ward at Reading Borough Council
https://reading.greenparty.org.uk
