FURTHER resident involvement surrounding controversial plan’s for Canvey’s Paddocks would have reduced council backlash, a new report into Castle Point Council has stated.

The local government association was invited to Castle Point to carry out a peer challenge aiming to provide a check on the council’s performance and improvement.

Although the council was largely praised, the decision making process surrounding the Paddocks came under criticism, with the review stating a more inclusive approach would have allowed residents to feel involved with the process, as well as stating more co-operation between councillors is needed.

The Paddocks, on Long Road, has proved a hot topic on the island in recent months with residents urging the council to save the site, which has been deemed to be in a state of disrepair.

A business plan is now being drawn up with the aim of constructing a ‘new Paddocks’ on the car park of the former site.

The report said: “The council would benefit from greater co-operation and joint-working between all councillors, celebrating the unique places they represent, but also working together to allocate time and resources equally between the different communities.

“This would involve communities affected by emerging projects from the earliest opportunity to create ownership of the issues, the journey and share pride in the outcomes.

“An example that could benefit from this more inclusive approach are the issues around the Paddocks Leisure facility.”

Castle Point Council did receive a large amount of praise, in particular for providing a caring attitude in a time of limited resources, and for its positive journey to deliver ambitions within South Essex, working closely with sister councils in the area.

Leader of the council, Colin Riley said: “I was delighted to take part in the Peer Challenge and was most impressed with the Peers who were able to grasp the issues confronting the Council and for their support in their recommendations.

“I would like to congratulate the Chief Executive and his hard working staff on such a positive report.”

The Peer Challenge Team comprising six senior Local Government experts spent four days in February analysing the council.

David Marchant Chief Executive said: “As an experienced Local Government Peer myself I appreciate that the report is a factual record of what the Peer team saw and heard.

"I am delighted with this positive report which supports the South Essex vision for 2050 as clearly the right thing to do for Castle Point as a Council as a part of the wider South Essex area.

“I would encourage everyone to read the report”