Council issues statement to clarify recent ’15 minute city’ article.
In reference to a recent article regarding 15 Minute Cities published in the Yellow Advertiser and Southend Echo, Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture and tourism, says: “There appears to have been some crossed wires on two separate matters. I merely referred to the trial being undertaken by Oxford as interesting, and I stated I had not seen the details and like all councils we keep an eye on what others are doing.
“There appears to now be a perception that the City Council is considering the same as Oxford. It is categorically not.
“We all know that Southend, like London, was originally a series of villages and they still retain their own identities, that is why we are a diverse city. Our new local plan has recognised those individualities and also that one size does not fit all and the needs of each area differs. That is why they are referred to as neighbourhoods. There will be no proposal to ‘divide’ them as suggested.
“We always need to learn from what others are doing. The concept of a local area with access to facilities within 15 minutes is something I am sure a lot of people would welcome. Our local plans seeks to protect and improve services in each of those places for the benefit of residents. However, the idea of charging for travelling outside a zone is not acceptable in my view and Oxford are currently reaping the backlash on that.
“In a linear city like Southend the thought of people travelling from Leigh via Hadleigh and north and east to Shoebury via Wakering to avoid paying the charges is unacceptable and no good for climate change.
“It is not an idea I could ever support.”