I welcome that council elections have taken place this year and while I regret the council has lost some fine public servants, that is always the risk we face when putting ourselves forward. I congratulate those elected last week, many for the first time.
Some years elections produce good results, sometimes they don’t. We will reflect on what has caused that and redouble our efforts. However the overall results, particularly in places like Three Bridges and Langley Green show a recognition from residents that despite national unpopularity they recognise the strengths of our local Labour council.
But one thing is abundantly clear. The mandate delivered this week means that Labour leadership of Crawley Borough Council will likely continue for the remainder of this council being in existence. There are now 21 Labour councillors, 11 Reform and 4 Conservatives.
I thank those who voted for us, but we will also continue to represent and help all residents regardless of the party they voted for. Now the people have spoken, we will focus on delivering the very best for Crawley. That work begins again, right now.
But there’s no point pretending this won’t be a difficult year, or that it is not going to be unpleasant at times. As elections approached, we had some of the nastiest, insulting behaviour and language directed at existing councillors from Reform and their supporters. Up until now, it has been outside the council chamber. Soon we may see an element of it, within it.
While Reform waste their time on things that either don’t matter or local councils can’t do anything about, as they have in other areas, the Labour Group will be getting on with the important work that will actually make a positive difference to our residents’ lives. There’s a lot to do.
Over 540 new council homes to be built for Crawley people’s needs, the majority on brownfield land. Major Town Centre regeneration combined with a programme of engaging events to encourage shoppers and visitors. Stepping up the fight against fly-tipping and littering across the Borough with the council’s new Environmental Protection Team.
Continued investment in sport and recreation in Crawley, including football, cricket, padel tennis – and athletics at K2 Crawley. Maintaining the Borough’s high standards of grass cutting and hedge trimming across Crawley. Further major investment in Goffs Park, as well as at Tilgate Park, the walled garden and Tilgate Zoo.
We will continue the fight against Homes England’s plans for inappropriate housing developments at West of Ifield. We will help deliver in the near future a new mainline station area to be proud of at Three Bridges, vastly improving the commuter and passenger experience alike.
And we will protect the New Town’s precious community assets paid for by local people over decades and ensuring Crawley retains a single, distinctive council voice.
Cllr Michael Jones
Leader, Crawley Borough Council