My bond with Canvey Island goes back a very long way.

Full statement

Most of my mother’s family moved this way from Stratford after the war and for 30 years we had a caravan on Thorney Bay.

Canvey is seen as the poor relation by the Castle Point Tories, if anything has to be cut or dumped; Canvey is always the first option. Like our run down Town Centre & Seafront, & all the proposed new Housing without new infrastructure. I am very aware of this in relation to the recent flood as our bungalow was one of those flooded. The good things here are a direct result of CIIP fighting on resident’s behalf, including the Town Councils unique position as devoted to improving Canvey.

Campaigning for many things over many years is hard, but it’s never stopped me fighting for what is right. Like the Paddling Pool, I helped set up the campaign that saved it. Now it’s Thorney Bay, I am secretary of Canvey Bay Watch and Chair of Canvey’s Big Local £1m Lottery Grant, working to improve the most deprived area on Canvey. The fight for a better deal for Canvey goes on & it’s a privilege to be part of that fight on your behalf.

Best Wishes
Barry Palmer