Julian Ware-Lane paid a visit to Leighton Road in New Thundersley to see for himself the sad story of neglect.  

Local residents have described the paved area as an "eyesore", and the Labour Candidate agrees. 

"Here is an area where very little effort could make a great deal of difference to residents' lives" said Julian. He added: "some of the residents have informed me that the area has been allowed to deteriorate over a period of time. Cheap and nasty fixes executed by Castle Point Council are not good enough". 

The large paved area has drainage problems and some of the trees planted have been waterlogged. "A good arboriculturist could determine which trees would thrive under these conditions." The area also has a lack of sufficient parking and would benefit from additional spaces.  

There are cobbles which owing to poor lighting constitute trip hazards. This is further compounded by damaged paving slabs which have been left un-repaired for more than a year.

 "I call on Castle Point Council to re-landscape the area using the Best Value principles (not necessarily the cheapest solution) and to convert some of the paved area into additional parking spaces."  

"Local people, speaking to me, have made some legitimate constructive suggestions for improvements for the area so I am particularly astounded that they have not been contacted by the Borough Council which clearly in this instance, has demonstrated that it is out of touch." 

Leighton Road has a large paved area with trees and cobble stones. Where some of the trees have been removed tarmac has replaced them.

The area has not been weeded for some time and thus looks overgrown, as well as uncared for.