Yesterday
the News Shopper reported that the Council Leader and Mayor has
unveiled a plaque to those whose death was attributed to Covid. It was in effect
a republication of a Bexley Council Press Release because no local paper can
afford to cover such events with their own reporter and photographer.
As such, readers might be forgiven for thinking that we owe the plaque and the
garden in which it stands to Councillor Leaf. “It was important for us to
establish a permanent space where our community can visit to reflect on their
experiences and remember those no longer with us. This garden is a tribute to
the resilience of our residents and the tireless acts of kindness shown during an unprecedented time.”
The former Leader Baroness O’Neill gets a credit too.
The whole truth is rather different and may be found on Bexley Council’s website
of all places! The idea came from Bexley resident Gordon Davis who sought the help of
Independent candidate and Councillor for Blackfen & Lamorbey, James
Hunt. James was assisted by his ward colleague Peter Craske.
Mr. Davis said; “I’m really pleased that my suggestion for a commemorative
garden has been acted on. I felt it was vital to have a scenic place in the
borough to visit and spend time thinking about loved ones we have lost, or
who may have suffered as a result of Covid. I am delighted to be involved in
such a positive project and look forward to spending time enjoying the new space
we will be creating as a community. This park is an ideal choice and I
thoroughly enjoyed walking the site to see the new playground and various
wildlife habitats promoting greater biodiversity of flora and fauna. I thank
the Councillors and the Mayor for embracing this idea and bringing it to fruition.”
From the August 2020 News Release.
As the Council acknowledged in 2020, the Mayor at the time was James Hunt but not a word about that from the current would-be electorate deceivers now!