A local community group at Rainham Recreation Ground has ceased their voluntary work because of a lack of constructive engagement from their local Tory councillors. Those involved in the Friends of Rainham Recreation Ground Group stated that their local councillors made it very hard for their volunteer group to function.

Cllr Hazel Browne, member for Twydall said:

“Tremendous work was being undertaken by this local volunteer group at Rainham Recreation Ground, which included cleaning up the park and taking environmentally sustainable actions like planting trees. The fact that the local Tory Councillors couldn’t form a constructive relationship with them for the good of their own area is yet another missed opportunity for Medway.

“What we have here in Medway is an out-of-control arrogant local Conservative Group that can’t even manage relations amongst themselves let alone work in liaison with volunteer groups. Every day they retain power in Medway the damage they’re creating gets worse. The opportunity for change in the 2023 local elections can’t come soon enough.” 

Cllr Pat Cooper, member for Gillingham North added:

“We are extremely concerned about these developments that have been reported in the local media last week. In a democracy, Councillors are supposed to engage with their communities in positive and constructive ways. Volunteer groups play a vital role in Medway, and I am a part of a similar community group that looks after Hilly Fields in Gillingham.

“The fact that a Tory Councillor has presided over a complete breakdown in relations with residents who merely wanted to come together to help improve their community is just another example of how this current Conservative administration is failing our towns.”

Notes

Background information on this story – https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/it-was-harder-dealing-with-councillors-than-yobs-262232/