Last week, Medway Labour and Co-Operative Councillors sitting on the Planning Committee unsurprisingly broke all promises previously made to businesses and workers based in Basin 3 of Chatham Docks.
Despite fighting the local elections last year on a promise of saving Chatham Docks - as well as senior members of the Cabinet such as the Leader of the Council Councillor Maple, and Deputy Leader of the Council Councillor Murray attending a “Save Chatham Docks” protest alongside Rt Hon Kelly Tolhurst. Medway Labour have decided to perform a U turn which puts jobs, livelihoods and businesses at serious risk.
Conservative and Independent councillors voted against the planning application for their own unique, and individual reasons centred around the harm caused by loss of existing jobs and businesses, as well as damage to local and regional supply chains for the promise of new industrial units that may never be occupied.
Cllr Andrew Lawrence, Shadow Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Community and Housing, praised his colleagues on the Planning Committee for taking a principled stand to protect local businesses and workers. He commented:
“I am very sorry for those workers that are going to lose their jobs and I call on the Council to provide all necessary support to ensure that as many of the skills are retained in our local economy.
I am not surprised by Medway Labour and Co-Operative Group’s treachery as they continue to row back on previous promises made to residents on this matter.
It is clear that residents should not believe any promise made by Medway Labour.”
