Thurrock could get transport academy (From Thurrock Gazette)

Thurrock could get transport academy

12:41pm Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News

THURROCK Council has agreed to use a grant of £320,000 to investigate the viability of a new transport and logistics academy for the borough.

Speaking at the latest cabinet meeting, Andy Smith, portfolio holder for transport and regeneration, said the council was grateful for the grant from the South Essex Local Enterprise Agency, and was keen to get moving on the project, earmarked for the London Gateway site in Stanford-le-Hope .

The academy would be an educational facility where people can get training and learn the skills necessary to take advantage of the thousands of transport and logistics jobs which will be on offer at the super port development.

Cllr Smith said: “We want it, but we have to make sure there is a need and desire for it among all the companies that live and work in Thurrock.

“We have a site ready on London Gateway, it’s not a question of the site, just make sure what is needed and what we need to teach and train people there.

“We’ve got funding from the SELEP Growing Fund and we’re grateful for that.

“We’re going to use this money to investigate and see if it is a runner and if it is a runner - which I hope it will be - I think it will make a big difference to our regeneration plans.”

Cllr Smith added that the council’s priority was “making jobs and helping to make jobs”

He said: “We want our kids to get those jobs. This is a very good strategy and I very much support it.

“We need to push on ahead and get this building built so our children can get the proper training for the jobs that are coming. This is a time for action not talking.”