Councillor Mat Court
@ourbrightlingsea.org.uk
Town Councillor for Brightlingsea 🏛️ | Passionate about community projects 🤝, sustainability & accessibility 🚴♂️🧑🦽, enhancing infrastructure 🏗️. Chair of Community Speed Watch 👮♂️, Volunteers Festival 🎉 and Sunshine Coast Greenway ☀️🌊
I thought the water was meant to go DOWN the drain, not OVER the drain?
Actually, thinking about it, I am not sure it's meant to have plants growing out of it either.
It's almost as if it hasn't been cleared out for years. Like many in Brghtlingsea.
Actually, thinking about it, I am not sure it's meant to have plants growing out of it either.
It's almost as if it hasn't been cleared out for years. Like many in Brghtlingsea.
September 11, 2025 at 8:37 AM
I thought the water was meant to go DOWN the drain, not OVER the drain?
Actually, thinking about it, I am not sure it's meant to have plants growing out of it either.
It's almost as if it hasn't been cleared out for years. Like many in Brghtlingsea.
Actually, thinking about it, I am not sure it's meant to have plants growing out of it either.
It's almost as if it hasn't been cleared out for years. Like many in Brghtlingsea.
I do wish the news would stop calling this week the commemoration of the end of the Second World War.
It is not. It is the commemoration of the end of the war in *Europe*. The war continued in the Far East until August '45.
It is not. It is the commemoration of the end of the war in *Europe*. The war continued in the Far East until August '45.
May 7, 2025 at 9:30 PM
I do wish the news would stop calling this week the commemoration of the end of the Second World War.
It is not. It is the commemoration of the end of the war in *Europe*. The war continued in the Far East until August '45.
It is not. It is the commemoration of the end of the war in *Europe*. The war continued in the Far East until August '45.
🗳️ I was looking forward to walking down to the polling station at the church today to vote for who I thought would best represent Brightlingsea at Essex County Council.
May 1, 2025 at 9:38 AM
🗳️ I was looking forward to walking down to the polling station at the church today to vote for who I thought would best represent Brightlingsea at Essex County Council.
@mrjamesob.bsky.social just listening to yesterday's show about processed foods (in the gym trying to lose weight) and here's the problem: straight after the call from the greek American chap Spotify gives me an advert for an Aero bar. Does that happen outside the UK? Could be part of the prob.
April 29, 2025 at 6:26 AM
@mrjamesob.bsky.social just listening to yesterday's show about processed foods (in the gym trying to lose weight) and here's the problem: straight after the call from the greek American chap Spotify gives me an advert for an Aero bar. Does that happen outside the UK? Could be part of the prob.
I think now is the time to forget the USA. It's time for Europe to step up and fix the Russia/Ukraine problem. And we need to get back in with Europe.
February 28, 2025 at 7:28 PM
I think now is the time to forget the USA. It's time for Europe to step up and fix the Russia/Ukraine problem. And we need to get back in with Europe.
Some billionaires and business owners and MPs are ‘taking mickey’.
But no, let’s go after the little ones and sow division.
Classic.
I’ve been on benefits. The vast majority of people aren’t scamming the system, they’re just trying to get by.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But no, let’s go after the little ones and sow division.
Classic.
I’ve been on benefits. The vast majority of people aren’t scamming the system, they’re just trying to get by.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Some on benefits are 'taking mickey', Liz Kendall says
The work and pensions minister says the welfare system needs reforming to encourage young people to work if they can.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 7, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Some billionaires and business owners and MPs are ‘taking mickey’.
But no, let’s go after the little ones and sow division.
Classic.
I’ve been on benefits. The vast majority of people aren’t scamming the system, they’re just trying to get by.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But no, let’s go after the little ones and sow division.
Classic.
I’ve been on benefits. The vast majority of people aren’t scamming the system, they’re just trying to get by.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Having read about Chris Philp's past, including allegations involving his wife’s corporate espionage and his own fines and suspensions, I have serious concerns about his credibility in advising on work ethic for UK workers. #UKPolitics #WorkEthic
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Britons need better work ethic, says senior Tory MP Chris Philp
The shadow home secretary says the UK is in a global race and everyone needs to make a contribution.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 31, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Having read about Chris Philp's past, including allegations involving his wife’s corporate espionage and his own fines and suspensions, I have serious concerns about his credibility in advising on work ethic for UK workers. #UKPolitics #WorkEthic
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I hope they do a better job of the mental health episode below than they did portraying the local councillor in last night's episode - he committed about 15 breaches of the code of conduct and maybe even a crime in the meeting between him and the market stall holders. www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/...
EastEnders to air mental health storyline for Phil Mitchell
The storyline will follow Phil, and the characters closest to him
www.bbc.co.uk
January 22, 2025 at 10:21 AM
I hope they do a better job of the mental health episode below than they did portraying the local councillor in last night's episode - he committed about 15 breaches of the code of conduct and maybe even a crime in the meeting between him and the market stall holders. www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/...
45 minutes well spent.
The old sign at Thorrington Cross needs doing but I didn't want to use the fairy liquid mix I had on me in case I damaged it.
I need to stretch my arms by about five foot to do some of the higher ones.
Had a couple of nice chats with people walking past which was lovely.
The old sign at Thorrington Cross needs doing but I didn't want to use the fairy liquid mix I had on me in case I damaged it.
I need to stretch my arms by about five foot to do some of the higher ones.
Had a couple of nice chats with people walking past which was lovely.
January 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
45 minutes well spent.
The old sign at Thorrington Cross needs doing but I didn't want to use the fairy liquid mix I had on me in case I damaged it.
I need to stretch my arms by about five foot to do some of the higher ones.
Had a couple of nice chats with people walking past which was lovely.
The old sign at Thorrington Cross needs doing but I didn't want to use the fairy liquid mix I had on me in case I damaged it.
I need to stretch my arms by about five foot to do some of the higher ones.
Had a couple of nice chats with people walking past which was lovely.
Government: were going to make the UK into an A.I. powerhouse.
Me: 👇
Me: 👇
January 14, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Government: were going to make the UK into an A.I. powerhouse.
Me: 👇
Me: 👇
Government promises to use AI to spot potholes, but in Brightlingsea, and potentially across the county, Essex County Council ignores free tools like Stan AI. They know of 1k+ faults in Brightlingsea alone yet fail to act. Reporting isn't the issue—it is the lack of fixing that is the problem.
January 13, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Government promises to use AI to spot potholes, but in Brightlingsea, and potentially across the county, Essex County Council ignores free tools like Stan AI. They know of 1k+ faults in Brightlingsea alone yet fail to act. Reporting isn't the issue—it is the lack of fixing that is the problem.
Me: "Siri, define 'irony.'"
Siri: "For me, it's the ECC Democracy channel on YouTube that streams all council meetings live and on-demand—yet somehow the extraordinary meeting on cancelling elections vanished into a private black hole."
Siri: "For me, it's the ECC Democracy channel on YouTube that streams all council meetings live and on-demand—yet somehow the extraordinary meeting on cancelling elections vanished into a private black hole."
January 12, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Me: "Siri, define 'irony.'"
Siri: "For me, it's the ECC Democracy channel on YouTube that streams all council meetings live and on-demand—yet somehow the extraordinary meeting on cancelling elections vanished into a private black hole."
Siri: "For me, it's the ECC Democracy channel on YouTube that streams all council meetings live and on-demand—yet somehow the extraordinary meeting on cancelling elections vanished into a private black hole."
Disgraceful decision to cancel elections at a time when we need to give more reasons to trust institutions, not the opposite. Now watch as ne'er-do-well's turn it in to something else. ECC could've just said to the gov "yeah we like the idea but can we have a couple of months to plan/consult a bit".
Essex county councillors are discussing the possibility of postponing May's local elections and local government reform. You can follow it live here 👇
Full Council Meeting - 10 January 2025
YouTube video by ECC Democracy
www.youtube.com
January 10, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Disgraceful decision to cancel elections at a time when we need to give more reasons to trust institutions, not the opposite. Now watch as ne'er-do-well's turn it in to something else. ECC could've just said to the gov "yeah we like the idea but can we have a couple of months to plan/consult a bit".
They missed one: Dr. Emmet Brown's dog Einstein, without whose bravery we'd never have known the DeLorean was safe for humans.
No Einstein = we'd be in a world where an egotistimaniacal billionaire calls the shots for the President & runs the world.
Oh...
www.smithsonianmag.com/science-natu...
No Einstein = we'd be in a world where an egotistimaniacal billionaire calls the shots for the President & runs the world.
Oh...
www.smithsonianmag.com/science-natu...
The Most Famous Dogs of Science
These iconic canines have helped scientists make key discoveries, from archeological finds to cures for disease
www.smithsonianmag.com
January 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM
They missed one: Dr. Emmet Brown's dog Einstein, without whose bravery we'd never have known the DeLorean was safe for humans.
No Einstein = we'd be in a world where an egotistimaniacal billionaire calls the shots for the President & runs the world.
Oh...
www.smithsonianmag.com/science-natu...
No Einstein = we'd be in a world where an egotistimaniacal billionaire calls the shots for the President & runs the world.
Oh...
www.smithsonianmag.com/science-natu...
They missed one: Dr. Emmet Brown's dog Einstein, without whose bravery we'd never have known the DeLorean was safe for humans.
No Einstein = we'd be in a world where an egotistimaniacal billionaire calls the shots for the President & runs the world.
Oh...
www.smithsonianmag.com/science-natu...
No Einstein = we'd be in a world where an egotistimaniacal billionaire calls the shots for the President & runs the world.
Oh...
www.smithsonianmag.com/science-natu...
January 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM
They missed one: Dr. Emmet Brown's dog Einstein, without whose bravery we'd never have known the DeLorean was safe for humans.
No Einstein = we'd be in a world where an egotistimaniacal billionaire calls the shots for the President & runs the world.
Oh...
www.smithsonianmag.com/science-natu...
No Einstein = we'd be in a world where an egotistimaniacal billionaire calls the shots for the President & runs the world.
Oh...
www.smithsonianmag.com/science-natu...
Great piece this. Everything in here is correct but the people who need to read this won't.
Have written about Starmer's speech- his best moment yet as PM. He implicitly identified what sits at the heart of this story: the emergence of a common UK/US online right, headed by the radicalised Musk.
It is making extremist, until recently fringe politics mainstream in British conservatism.
It is making extremist, until recently fringe politics mainstream in British conservatism.
Starmer's best moment as PM
And the Powellisation of conservative thought
open.substack.com
January 7, 2025 at 6:44 AM
Great piece this. Everything in here is correct but the people who need to read this won't.
Angela Rayner is discussing restructuring district & county councils today. Good—it's needed. But let’s be real: the system isn't the only issue. A bigger problem? The lack of fresh talent stepping up as councillors.
A thread 🧵...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
A thread 🧵...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Councils to be merged in major overhaul of local powers
Ministers plan to combine smaller councils across England, prompting warnings of "turmoil" over mergers.
www.bbc.com
December 16, 2024 at 8:03 AM
Angela Rayner is discussing restructuring district & county councils today. Good—it's needed. But let’s be real: the system isn't the only issue. A bigger problem? The lack of fresh talent stepping up as councillors.
A thread 🧵...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
A thread 🧵...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Princess Anne obviously knows her way round the Essex Highways website as the bollards missing from outside the Museum, where she's visiting, have finally been replaced.
Five years and multiple vehicles damaged, now fixed.
Well done, Ma'am 👑
Five years and multiple vehicles damaged, now fixed.
Well done, Ma'am 👑
December 12, 2024 at 8:15 AM
Princess Anne obviously knows her way round the Essex Highways website as the bollards missing from outside the Museum, where she's visiting, have finally been replaced.
Five years and multiple vehicles damaged, now fixed.
Well done, Ma'am 👑
Five years and multiple vehicles damaged, now fixed.
Well done, Ma'am 👑
It's going to be interesting to see what's actually in the white paper, but this is surely a big pointer...
BBC News - Basildon backs five-council model in Essex - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
BBC News - Basildon backs five-council model in Essex - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Basildon backs five-council model in Essex
The Labour leader at Basildon Council says the system in Essex is
www.bbc.co.uk
December 2, 2024 at 7:18 AM
It's going to be interesting to see what's actually in the white paper, but this is surely a big pointer...
BBC News - Basildon backs five-council model in Essex - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
BBC News - Basildon backs five-council model in Essex - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I'd add "come up with some actual deliverable ideas around on-street charging". I'd love to buy an EV but can't; there's no guarantee I can park outside our house and charge it (with a cable going across the pavement which also isn't ideal).
Agreed. Two things to add:
1. Subsidies should focus on getting EVs into hands of those who drive the most due to lack of alternatives & are on low incomes. Big emission reductions to be had here
2. Disincentives to buy new ICE vehicles are also important (eg fuel duty, VED rates, emission zones)
1. Subsidies should focus on getting EVs into hands of those who drive the most due to lack of alternatives & are on low incomes. Big emission reductions to be had here
2. Disincentives to buy new ICE vehicles are also important (eg fuel duty, VED rates, emission zones)
Excellent article on what needs to happen to shift support towards EVs
Five ways to persuade more people to buy electric cars www.bbc.com/news/article...
Five ways to persuade more people to buy electric cars www.bbc.com/news/article...
December 1, 2024 at 10:01 AM
I'd add "come up with some actual deliverable ideas around on-street charging". I'd love to buy an EV but can't; there's no guarantee I can park outside our house and charge it (with a cable going across the pavement which also isn't ideal).
Now I don't agree with the tip booking system but threatening/abusing people who work there is not the answer 😔
These decisions are never made by the front line, they are only doing their jobs.
BBC News - Essex recycling staff report facing 'significant' abuse at work
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
These decisions are never made by the front line, they are only doing their jobs.
BBC News - Essex recycling staff report facing 'significant' abuse at work
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex recycling staff report facing 'significant' abuse at work
One worker says they were told to
www.bbc.co.uk
November 22, 2024 at 5:23 PM
Now I don't agree with the tip booking system but threatening/abusing people who work there is not the answer 😔
These decisions are never made by the front line, they are only doing their jobs.
BBC News - Essex recycling staff report facing 'significant' abuse at work
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
These decisions are never made by the front line, they are only doing their jobs.
BBC News - Essex recycling staff report facing 'significant' abuse at work
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not Essex but just down the road in Kent...
BBC News - Pothole compensation claims rise in South East
www.bbc.com/news/article...
BBC News - Pothole compensation claims rise in South East
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Pothole damage compensation claims rise in South East
The Local Government Association estimates there is a £16.3bn backlog of repairs on local roads.
www.bbc.com
November 21, 2024 at 6:23 AM
Not Essex but just down the road in Kent...
BBC News - Pothole compensation claims rise in South East
www.bbc.com/news/article...
BBC News - Pothole compensation claims rise in South East
www.bbc.com/news/article...
If you're a roads and footpaths nerd like me, you might find this ECC meeting interesting (21 mins on). It offers insight into how the contractor interacts with ECC, discussing targets/delivery expectations.
I'm not going to deny it—I’d love to be around that table. www.youtube.com/live/WysM8Kl...
I'm not going to deny it—I’d love to be around that table. www.youtube.com/live/WysM8Kl...
YouTube
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
www.youtube.com
November 20, 2024 at 5:58 PM
If you're a roads and footpaths nerd like me, you might find this ECC meeting interesting (21 mins on). It offers insight into how the contractor interacts with ECC, discussing targets/delivery expectations.
I'm not going to deny it—I’d love to be around that table. www.youtube.com/live/WysM8Kl...
I'm not going to deny it—I’d love to be around that table. www.youtube.com/live/WysM8Kl...
Just received one of the best emails a Councillor can get! 🎉
A resident I've been helping with a financial claim for damages due to road faults has... Drum roll please 🥁🥁🥁... WON! ✔️
This is why I became a Councillor—to help people navigate challenges and achieve fair outcomes.
Very happy and proud.
A resident I've been helping with a financial claim for damages due to road faults has... Drum roll please 🥁🥁🥁... WON! ✔️
This is why I became a Councillor—to help people navigate challenges and achieve fair outcomes.
Very happy and proud.
November 20, 2024 at 3:41 PM
Just received one of the best emails a Councillor can get! 🎉
A resident I've been helping with a financial claim for damages due to road faults has... Drum roll please 🥁🥁🥁... WON! ✔️
This is why I became a Councillor—to help people navigate challenges and achieve fair outcomes.
Very happy and proud.
A resident I've been helping with a financial claim for damages due to road faults has... Drum roll please 🥁🥁🥁... WON! ✔️
This is why I became a Councillor—to help people navigate challenges and achieve fair outcomes.
Very happy and proud.
Reposted by Councillor Mat Court
Silly I know but I’ve penned an ode- or poem if you will- to my new favourite app, bluesky. Be kind in your judgement I beseech you my liege!. lol 🪶
November 20, 2024 at 3:16 PM
Silly I know but I’ve penned an ode- or poem if you will- to my new favourite app, bluesky. Be kind in your judgement I beseech you my liege!. lol 🪶