In their 2010 manifesto, Havering’s Conservatives vowed to address a range of issues in the borough. This week, the Recorder looks at some of these policies and whether the administration has kept the pledges made four years ago.
n Fighting crime: We pledge to help roll out neighbourhood policing across every ward in Havering and install CCTV with automatic number plate recognitions in the town centres.
YES – Neighbourhood policing was brought last year across every ward in the borough.
n Leisure: We pledge to continue with the investment in parks and open spaces, providing more Teen Zones and play areas with a high emphasis on security. A new pool is planned with ice rink in Oldchurch Park.
NO – The new leisure centre has yet to be built and the council dipped into its reserves late last year, pumping another £2million into the project.
n Sport: We will promote and expand a competitive range of sporting activities to energise all ages within the borough. Competitive sports in schools will promote active healthy lifestyles.
YES – Millions of pounds have been spent on improving sports facilities, including £300,000 on the new pitches at Bosworth Field, Harold Hill.
n Civic pride: We are committed to making Havering a place where respect for others and civic pride are the pillars of our society and are central to a Conservative administration.
YES – Up to 50,000 people attended the 2013 Havering Show, the highest attendance yet.
n Council tax: We pledge to continue to provide quality frontline services with value for money, while keeping council tax low. We know it is your money and we will spend it wisely.
YES – In the current financial year, council tax has been frozen for the fifth consecutive time.
n Education: We pledge to maintain Havering’s excellent education service by supporting our teaching staff. We will invest heavily in our schools and facilities.
NO – The borough’s huge lack of school places has been identified by the council, which has received a £30m central government grant to tackle the problem over the next two years.
n Libraries: The investment in our libraries will continue. A new library in Elm Park will be followed by the refurbishment of all remaining libraries
YES – Cllr Andrew Curtin has championed the importance of libraries in the borough, and next month the state-of-the-art Rainham Library, a £4.5m new build, will open its doors to the public.
n Young people: We will engage with young people throughout the borough and develop a range of services which meet their needs and aspirations, however challenging.
YES – More youngsters than ever voted in the recent Youth Parliament elections, choosing two new members to represent their views locally and nationally.
Read more:
Romford poised on brink of major new leisure centre
Extra £2m plunged into new Romford swimming pool and ice rink project
Building of new Rainham library reaches halfway point
A new chapter for Havering libraries - which are now technology driven community hubs
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