Medway Commercial Group is “not perfect” but is heading in the “right direction”, according to the leader of Medway Council.

The authority’s own trading company has come under fire in recent months – most notably about the current provision of CCTV in the Towns – from councillors on both sides.

But Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con) said Medway Council had to take some responsibility for the concerns, adding lessons have been learnt about how such partnerships could work in the future.

He told cabinet members last Tuesday (November 20): “MCG took on the maintenance responsibilities, while Medway Council retained ownership of the hardware.

“That was not – with hindsight – a marriage made in heaven. When we go for contracts in the future, we will learn lessons from that.

“As I often say, hindsight doesn’t come early enough. But he who doesn’t learn from things that have happened is a fool and we are not foolish people.

“MCG is not perfect, but it is moving absolutely in the right direction.”

Cabinet members were presented MCG’s six-month report, which outlined the company’s work and highlighted that profits are returned to the council.

Cllr Andrew Mackness (Con), a cabinet member and MCG director, said the company was offering “value for money, quality and profitability” before accusing critics of “grandstanding”.

He added: “This report makes clear the excellent progress made by MCG in the last six months.

“This is despite recent suggestions to the contrary and mischief-making by the Labour group in attempts to undermine the authority and individuals in it.”