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WEEKLY RECYCLING IN THE BAG!
Council prepares to clear Dale Farm Basildon Council is set to begin clearing Dale Farm, Europe’s largest illegal traveller settlement situated at Crays Hill. Travellers occupying 51 unauthorised pitches on the site have been served with a 28 day notice by the local authority. That notice expires at midnight on the 31st August and action will begin soon after that date to start clearing the site. The site has been developed without consent on Green Belt land and has been the focus of legal wrangling for almost a decade. The council action will now see all portable and fixed structures including hardcore and fixed standings removed. At the same time the council has offered to work with the affected families to help them relocate and ensure they do not become homeless. Speaking about the operation the Leader
of Basildon Council, Cllr Tony Ball said: “I regret that we have come to a position where the only option left open to us is to take this direct action. After almost 10 years when we have exhausted every other avenue open to us we really have no choice. “Dale Farm has been illegally developed on green belt land. By doing this and failing to comply with various enforcement notices the travellers have broken the law. “We need to be very clear that by taking this direct action we are not discriminating against travellers– we are in fact treating them the same as we would any other citizen of the land. As the local authority we have a duty to see that the law is upheld.” continued on page 4
RECYCLING rates are set to rocket across the borough, as pink sack collections become weekly. Basildon Council has responded to requests from residents by increasing the pink sack recycling service to be on the same day as the green bin and black sack collection. FULL STORY: PAGE 2
2
SEPTEMBER 2011
Council regains golf course control The Council has regained control of Basildon Golf Course, after Basildon Golf Centre Ltd (BGC) conceded the case against them, putting the Council back in charge. The Council will now be pursuing BGC for outstanding debts and costs as a result of legal action. Cllr Tony Ball, Leader of the Council said: “This is a big step towards undoing the damage done and I hope local people recognise this positive outcome.” Cllr Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and arts, said: “This marks the dawn of a new age for the golf course. “I am looking forward to making sure Basildon Golf Course is once again available to members of the golf club and the local community.”
Mayor’s Message from Cllr Mo Larkin Mayor of Basildon Borough Council I hope that you have enjoyed a good and healthy summer. It has been a busy time for the Council and there have been many important engagements and events to attend. One of the most exciting things about being a borough, is the opportunity to bestow Freedom of the Borough to deserving recipients and The Royal Anglian Regiment was the first. I was delighted to present a framed scroll to General Sir John McColl KCB CBE DSO, Colonel of The Royal Anglian Regiment. It is hoped they will be able to exercise their right to march through the Borough at a later date, when commitments allow. Many of these brave men and women have local connections with the borough, so nothing brings me greater pleasure than to thank them in this way. Keeping with the military theme, I was privileged to raise a specially designed flag at the Basildon Centre to recognise Armed Forces Week. Members of the Royal British Legion, local councillors, council staff and representatives from the Scouts were all present. The photo on the right is from the official Royal opening of the Sporting Village in May, when HRH the Duke of Gloucester unveiled a plaque to mark the special occasion. I was also delighted to recently attend the Basildon Business Awards, recognising the hard work of those who contribute so much to our local economy. It is also a night that showcases what a wonderful venue the Towngate Theatre is. Other events attended include Together Against Crime, the opening of Swan Mead play area, the re-launch of the Skate park at Lake Meadows in Billericay, and the Basildon and Pitsea Carnival. I wish you all the best for the autumn months.
Garden Diary with BBC Essex presenter:
Ken Crowther It has been a great year for berries, one can see that out in the countryside as the blackberries ripen up.
Any excess you haven’t eaten can be frozen on trays and kept for later in the year when you can make great Blackberry and Apple pies. Just imagine those with custard on! It makes your mouth water doesn’t it? The great spring weather encouraged a massive set of fruits such as plums, so we can all expect bumper crops this summer. The June drop will have done much to thin out the heavy set of fruit, although you may need to support the branches if there are lots of fruit still on the tree. The branches of plum trees are particularly brittle, but can be tied to an upright stem to help bear the weight.
RECYCLING GOES WEEKLY
Extended service will help boost recycling rates
If you’re growing them see they are kept watered if, and I say if, it goes dry to help the fruit swell. Pick as they just turn to black, but always taste to see they are sweet enough.
Cllr Mo Larkin at the Sporting Village Royal opening
When I was talking to a fruit farmer the other week he said they still go round hand thinning the fruit even today so the branches don’t snap. We should but we don`t like to lose the fruit do we!?
Basildon residents can now recycle more items, more often thanks to new collections launched on 1 August. To coincide with the new weekly collections, the Council has extended the service to include longlife cartons, jar lids, metal bottle tops and aluminium foil. Pink sacks, for cardboard, paper, plastic and cans are currently collected fortnightly. As part of the plans to encourage more recycling, free black refuse sacks will no longer be distributed around the borough, with the money saved
being used to fund extra recycling collections. Residual waste will still be collected every week in suitable bags – so long as they are not pink, to avoid mixing with recycled materials. Councillor Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for environment, said: “We are committed to helping residents recycle as much as possible – which is why we are making the pink sack collections weekly. We understand that many residents don’t have room to store pink sacks for a fortnight, which is why we are making collections as
easy as possible. “We want to keep improving the services received by our residents - if Basildon is to become one of the greenest Boroughs in the country, we will need every resident to do their bit.” It is estimated that the extra material recycled will allow the Council to pass its recycling target of 50% by 2012.
For more information on weekly recycling collections, please visit: www.basildon. gov.uk/recycling
SEPTEMBER 2011
Benefit
2011 Election savings results BASILDON Council’s benefits team are saving thousands of pounds of taxpayers money by checking random samples of housing benefit and council tax assessments every day. This is to make sure benefit entitlement has been worked out correctly and to prevent costly overpayments. From April to June, the team were just over 98% accurate. Resources cabinet chief Cllr Phil Turner, said: “We owe it to those in genuine need who claim benefit to make sure they are getting the right money to avoid an overpayment debt. “On top of that I am sure taxpayers would like to know their money is spent wisely and not wasted.” Every day the system the team use randomly selects assessments for checking accuracy. Senior Officers investigate any errors and correct the claim and staff are given additional training. The money saved in reducing errors in calculations helps avoid overpayments and can save up to several hundreds of pounds, particularly if a claimant may have been entitled to a backdated claim.
FIRST PHASE OF REVAMP GETS APPROVAL
TOWN CENTRE GREEN LIGHT
Plans to improve the links between Gloucester Park and Basildon town centre have been given the go-ahead - signalling the start of the major regeneration set to transform the area. Land at the former Gloucester Park pool site will now be redeveloped to create a new boulevard link to the park, improvements made to the public space and a new park lake created. The first phase of the ‘Westside North’ scheme will also see 144 new family homes created in a crescent setting fronting the park,. The scheme will be carried out by the Council’s town centre development partner, Barratt/Wilson Bowden (BWB) and will bring the park into the heart of the town centre and will also help to fund major improvements to the southern part of Gloucester Park. The
work is also expected to encourage greater use of the park and will help to fund future projects such as a new shopping centre in the town. Better pathways, lighting and drainage will also be provided in phase one, with the reprovision of the bowling green, the creation of two new play areas and the possibility for a hotel, apartments and cafes/restaurants coming in the second phase. A piazza and a wide ‘boulevard’ from the town centre to the park will also be built, creating new open space and providing improved pedestrian access to the park across Broadmayne. Concillor Stephen Horgan, deputy leader of the Council, says: “This scheme will greatly enhance the park, enable further investment into this area and add some life to this end of the park. The green link boulevard will remove
“This is part of the long term vision for the town” Cllr Stephen Horgan
Parking permits Visitor parking permits are once again available from the Basildon Centre’s cashier desk The supply of parking permits to residents within controlled resident parking zones was transferred to the South Essex Parking Partnership on 1st April, making it difficult for local people to buy visitor permits at short notice, as they had to travel to Chelmsford. But a new agreement has been reached meaning that they can now be purchased at the Basildon Centre.
3
A visualisation of how the former Gloucester Park swimming pool site will be transformed by new homes, a new park lake, and a wide boulevard linking the park and town centre.
the barriers between the town centre and the park and encourage greater use of this fantastic asset. “The Council and BWB are also committed to ensuring that existing facilities affected by the plans are re-provided. “These plans should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of the long term vision for the town that includes creating a new town centre community that will help to support an exciting new vibrancy and evening economy now and for future generations.” Plans for the overall major redevelopment of the town centre are currently under consultation, with a full master plan due to be presented to the Council at the end of the year. Visit www.basildontowncentre.co.uk for more information.
4
SEPTEMBER 2011
RECORD RECYCLING TONNES OF BOROUGH WASTE COLLECTED BASILDON Council is thanking residents after recycling figures increased by a massive 9% in one year – making the recycling rate 47%. More than 35,000 tonnes of pink sacks, glass bottles and garden and food waste were collected in the past year, meaning the recycling rate increased from last year’s 38%. Councillor Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for environment, said:
MORE than 8,000 tonnes of food and garden waste have been collected since Basildon Council launched the weekly collection scheme in October 2010. The figure of 8,485 tonnes compares with 3380 tonnes collected during the same period last year, showing a yearon-year increase of Andrew Baggott 5103Cllr tonnes.
“I would like to thank the residents of the borough for what are a really impressive set of recycling figures. “We really appreciate the effort householders are making in recycling as much as possible.” For more information on how to get the most from your recycling collections, please visit www.basildon.gov.uk/ recycling.
Council offers its asBESTos advice The Council is offering advice to worried residents about asbestos in their homes. These materials are often in the form of asbestos cement which normally has a low asbestos content and was frequently used in the past for cold water storage tanks, soffit boards and corrugated garage roofs. Rachel Glover, Basildon Council’s Environmental Health Manager says: “If the material is in good, sound condition, it can be left where it is, but ensure that you avoid drilling, making holes or damaging the surface. It might be worthwhile painting certain items to help prevent wear and seal the surface of the asbestos. This can be done with Continued from front page; “That is also what I believe the overwhelming majority of the local people who we serve expect us to do. “I know there has been much talk about the residents of Dale Farm and others resisting the council’s efforts to
a PVA adhesive, or prime with an alkaliresistant primer and then finish with emulsion or gloss paint. But you must not scrape or sand the asbestos material before painting.” If it does become necessary to remove or work on these materials, then residents must inform the builder who is going to carry out the work that asbestos is present. If you decide to remove the material yourself, there is additional advice on how to do this at www.basildon.gov.uk or www.hse.gov.uk. Any asbestos waste must be disposed of appropriately – you can contact the County Council on 0845 603 7625 for disposal advice.
clear the site. I really do not think such action will be in the interest of anyone currently living on Dale Farm. I therefore appeal to everyone involved to comply peacefully and lawfully with the terms of the 28 Day notice.” For more information, please visit www.basildon.gov.uk/dalefarm
Councillor Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for environment, said: “These figures illustrate how much of a success the food waste scheme has been and how easy it is to recycle your food and garden waste every week.” For more information, visit www.basildon.gov. uk/recycling.
with two prize-winners following the recent consultation.
5
Tips for Safe Travelling by Taxi in Basildon Borough
1. Make sure there is a Basildon Council Licence Plate on the rear of the vehicle. Similar signs will be on the side doors. 2. Every licensed driver carries an I.D. badge. Ask to see it if you are in any doubt. 3. Don’t be overcharged. Taxis have to keep to maximum fares, private hire fares are to be agreed with driver or operator. 4. Don’t ask the driver to carry more passengers than is allowed. The number permitted is shown on the Licence Plate. 5. Taxis can be hailed down in the street or found at an official rank. Private Hire vehicles must be booked in advance. For more information, call 01268 294280 or email taxi.licensing@basildon.gov.uk
SEPTEMBER 2011
COUNCILLOR SURGERIES Billericay East - Tony Archer 01277 657814, David Dadds 01277 829808, Stuart Sullivan 01268 560477. Surgery as Burstead below. Billericay West - Anthony Hedley 01277 626198, Stephen Horgan 01268 449527, Phil Turner 01277 633918. Surgery as Burstead below. Burstead - Kevin Blake 01268 470597, Paul Arnold 07581 285525, Richard Moore 01277 627266. Surgeries on last Saturday of month(except December), 10.30am to Midday, Billericay Library, 143 High Street. Crouch - Stuart Allen 01268 284225, Terri Sargent 01268 288766. Surgeries on first Saturday of month, 9.30am to 10.30am, Noak Bridge Village Hall, Coppice Lane, Noak Bridge and third Saturday, 9am to 10am, Steeple View Memorial Hall, Willowfields. Fryerns - Alan Davies 01268 525406, Bill Archibald 01268 280593 & 07732 710088. D Kirkman - 01268 458692 Laindon Park - John Dornan 01268 282175, Jilly Hyde 01268 414126, Frank Tomlin 01277 625692. Langdon Hills - Sandra and Stephen Hillier 01268 490201. Lee Chapel North - Lynda Gordon 079673 33536, Nigel Smith - 01268 545483, Alan Bennett 01277 626236. Nethermayne - Geoff Williams 01268 415348, Linda Williams 01268 415348. Surgeries on first Saturday of month at Vange Scout Hut, second Saturday at Kingswood Play Leadership building, third Saturday at Haven Close AP Scheme, fourth Saturday Lee Chapel South Comm. Centre, all 10am to 11am. Andrew Gordon - 07986 530288 Pitsea North West - Andrew Baggott 01277 634375, Ron Livesey 01268 470028. Roving surgery within the ward on the first Saturday of the month. Details on Cllr Baggott’s website. Keith Bobbin 01268 556158. Pitsea South East - David Abrahall 01268 440082, Ann Blake 01268 470597. Surgeries on second Monday of the month (except Bank Holidays), 6.30pm to 7.30pm, outside Pitsea Leisure Centre, Northlands Pavement, Pitsea. Mo Larkin 01268 413936. St Martin’s -Phil Rackley 01268 410700, Pat Rackley 01268 410700 Surgeries on first Monday and third Tuesday of month, 2pm to 3pm at Basildon Community Resource Centre, 1 The Gore, Basildon. Vange - D Munyambu - 01268 459245. Luke Mackenzie 07919 517376. Wickford Castledon Malcolm and Sylvia Buckley 01268 472586. Wickford North - Tony Ball 01268 454564, Carole Morris 01268 457488, Michael Mowe 01268 463564. Wickford Park - Don Morris 01268 457488. First Saturday of month from 9.30am to 11.30am at Noak Bridge, Village Hall, Coppice Lane, Noak Bridge and third Saturday of month, 10-12 noon at Wickford Library. Christopher Jackman 01268 571843.
5
DISPERSAL ORDER COMES INTO FORCE
“We are committed to ensuring people can enjoy the town centre” Cllr Frank Tomlin
A new dispersal order in Basildon town centre has come into force, giving police more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour. The order covers the whole of the town centre and gives police officers additional powers to disperse groups of two or more people causing anti-social behaviour. Once dispersed, the individuals will not be able to return to the dispersal area for a 24 hour period and anyone who fails to comply can be arrested. Basildon Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which is made up of over 20 organisations including Basildon Council and Essex Police, have agreed to fund additional police patrols in the town centre over a three month period to ensure maximum impact. It has been introduced as a temporary measure, until a possible Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) comes into effect, with a consultation on the issue now underway and a decision set to be made by the licensing committee at the end of August. If brought in, it will provide the police with permanent powers to
control the consumption of alcohol in the town centre. Anyone found drinking alcohol in the DPPO area could be asked to stop, or have the alcohol confiscated. Failure to comply with the request could result in arrest and a maximum fine of £500. Councillor Frank Tomlin, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: “This is an excellent example of partnership working. We are committed to ensuring that the Basildon town centre can be enjoyed by residents and visitors without the blight of anti-social behaviour. “This new dispersal order will be a short-term intervention to address the problem prior to the introduction of a DPPO.” Chief Inspector Rachel Nolan said: “I am pleased that the new dispersal order will give police an additional tool in tackling antisocial behaviour in the town centre. “It will allow officers to break up groups of people who are causing a nuisance in the area, and anyone who returns within 24 hours will be dealt with accordingly.”
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SEPTEMBER 2011
PANTO LAUNCHED!
KEEP YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE VOTER registration forms will soon be dropping through Borough letterboxes and Basildon Council is now urging residents to fill them out and return them ahead of the May elections in 2012. Forms will be delivered between 19 August and 5 September. If you haven’t received your form by 5 September you should contact the Electoral Registration Office on 01268 294669 or print one off at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. Registering to vote is very simple. All you have to do is update the annual canvass form with the details of everyone in your household who is eligible to vote and return it to us as soon as possible. If your details haven’t changed you can also reply by text, phone or e-mail. Basildon Council Chief Executive, Bala Mahen-
dran, who has responsibility for the electoral register, said: “It is essential people fill out the electoral register forms enabling them to use their right to vote. “Elections play a key role in local democracy.” “There was a lot of interest in this year’s local election and referendum on the UK voting system and we were pleased with the increase in registration shortly before polling day. However, some people may not realise that they have to register every year.” On your electoral registration form you can opt to have your details excluded from the edited register. This will mean your details cannot be bought by individuals and commercial organisations. For more information contact your local Electoral Registration Officer on 01268 294669.
LOCAL SERVICE DIRECTORY Pest control
Beauty The countdown to panto season is well underway in Basildon, with the Towngate Theatre announcing the return of Simon Fielding as star and director of this year’s production, Dick Whittington. The month long production starts on Wednesday
Takeaway
30 November and is the fifth pantomime since the Towngate re-opened and follows last year’s critically acclaimed production of Aladdin. Tickets are available from the theatre Box Office on 01268 465465 or via: www.essex-live.co.uk
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SEPTEMBER 2011
7
GIVING COMMUNITY PAYBACK
‘Community payback’ at work as workers clear land in Laindon
The ‘payback’ scheme has helped a vital conservation project
More than 3,000 people in Essex were sentenced to community service this year, but while many think it’s an easy way out, the reality of ‘Community Payback’ is somewhat different. Providing some £2m of free labour to communities across Essex each year, Essex Probation’s Community Payback project enables offenders to pay their debt to society for the offences they committed by taking part in community projects. In Basildon, offenders have been used by the Basildon Community Safety Partnership (CSP) to help clean up neglected areas as part of Community Safety Action Zones, most recently in the Great Knightleys area. Offenders are expected to work come rain or shine, and even in snow, to pay back for their crimes. Community Payback projects are arranged for areas that would benefit the local community that wouldn’t get done otherwise, so not to take paid work away from others. The programme creates better motivated offenders and works alongside the CSP in increasing confidence in community sentences. In Laindon, a project has been running at St Nicholas church conservation, where offenders have been working to improve the 46 acre site for the community by working under constant supervision for 7 hours each Sunday to maintain and improve the grounds. Offenders are expected to take part in physical labour, including maintenance, cutting trees, grass cutting and hedgelaying. Mick Miller, who lives in Laindon, volunteers at St Nicholas conservation and works alongside offenders on the programme. He said: “The offenders certainly have their work cut out for them as there’s a lot of hard, physical labour to carry out.
I think some of them arrive thinking it’s an easy way out, but after a few hours they realise that it’s anything but easy. It’s a very hands on job, but I give them all credit as they work really hard and do a fantastic job, and many local residents really notice the difference. There is a lot of work that needs to be done that would not happen without Community Payback.” The work of the Community Payback project allows the conservation at St Nicholas to stay open throughout the year and dog walkers and nature lovers come from miles around to visit the grounds. Essex Probation receives dozens of letters of thanks from members of the community who see the benefits of the various projects taking place around the borough, including St Nicholas. This month offenders will be working with the CSP as part of the Moss Close/Ryedene Community Safety Action Zone, cleaning up areas and tackling problems identified by the group such as litter picking and cutting back hedges. Councillor Frank Tomlin, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: “Community Payback is a very worthwhile project and I am pleased that these offenders are paying the price for their offences, whilst benefiting the wider community. “There have been some vast improvements at St Nicholas which both residents and visitors to the area will benefit from. Much of this work wouldn’t have been carried out otherwise and I am pleased that offenders are learning new skills and valuable work experience which I hope will keep them on track for an honest future.” If your community would benefit from work carried out by offenders as part of the Community Payback Project, contact the Probation Service in Basildon on 01268 412241.
EVENT A MAJOR HIT Hundreds of shoppers and passers-by stopped to watch local music and dance acts perform in the Basildon town centre as part of the Together Against Crime event in July. The Basildon Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which is made up of over 20 organisations including Basildon Council and Essex Police, hosted the annual event to encourage residents to find out more about how the CSP work together to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in the borough. The event featured a ‘Community Stage’ hosted by Gateway 97.8 presenter, 13-year-old Harry Carnaby, who interviewed and introduced each of the young local dance and music acts throughout the day. Mayor, Councillor Mo Larkin, spoke at the event before introducing Eurovision star Josh Dubovie to the stage. Residents took part in Essex Police’s driving simulation, where they had the chance to sit in the drivers seat of a police Interceptor car and test their skills. Other popular attractions were the Essex Police Dog Unit and mock police cell where youngsters experienced what it would be like to be behind bars.
The event also featured a marquee with information stands from a number of partner agencies. The CSP’s new vehicle crime prevention packs were also a big hit with residents. Bala Mahendran, Chief Executive of Basildon Council and Chair of the Basildon CSP, said: “Partnership working has never been more important and this event was an excellent opportunity for us to showcase some of the projects we have supported in helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the borough.” Residents were also asked for their views on crime and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood by filling in a survey. Councillor Frank Tomlin, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: “This event was a good chance for us to hear about what they feel we are doing right, and what we could do better, so the issues most important to residents are being addressed in the future. To view photos from the event or to keep up to date on CSP news and updates, find us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/basildoncsp. To find out more on the results of the survey, please see page 11.
There was a host of attractions at this year’s event
8
SEPTEMBER 2011
COUNCIL WELCOMES ITS SPECIAL FEATURE
What this mean and leaseholders for tenants s
THE CONSULTATION g TENANTS and leaseholders voted overwhelmingly to bring housin management back home with the Council in March. Over 30% of tenants and leaseholders responded to the consultation between January and March, with 52% voting in favour of the move and only 10% against. As a result, St Georges Community Housing has been wound up and management of housing services returned to the Council on 4 July. Cllr Andrew Baggott, Cabinet Member for Landlord Services, said: s “The response to the consultation gave us a clear message that tenant se. in-hou back s service g and leaseholders could see the value in bringin “SGCH have done some excellent work to date and the changes will build on that.”
WWW.BASILDON.GOV.UK/RECYCLING
WEEKLY pink sack RECYCLING Including all your old favourites: cans, paper & plastic bottles
TENANTS and leas eholders shouldn’ t notice a huge difference in the service they receiv e because SGCH staff have been in cluded in the tran sfer. The Council have secured £67m fund ing to continue work on Decent Homes improvem ents, as well as allocating a furthe r £150,000 to tack le issues closest to tenants’ and le aseholders’ hearts . Over the next 12 months, tenants and leaseholders can expect to see major work to the council’s housing stock, including ki tchen and bathroom refurbishments and steps to impr ove energy efficie ncy. The increased oppo rtunities put in plac e by SGCH for tenants and leaseh olders to get invo lv ed making will also lo in decision ok to be strength ened.
“St George’s did excellent work and the changes will build on that” Cllr Andrew Baggott
YOU CAN NOW RECYCLE MORE THAN EVER, EVERY WEEK!
Streetcare 01268 294949
The local community at a Five Links Community Panel Fun Day
SEPTEMBER 2011
9
TENANTS BACK HOME ER THE NEXT CHAPTus ing management
for s n a e m s i h t t Wha axpayers s, the is holder ouncil d lease local t
C ants an to the for ten ices back in s t fi e rv en sing se LL as b AS WE to bring hou oney too. d m n chieve decisio e taxpayers’ n be a General a v c a r s a e o set t d the 1m a y ately £ e Account an se. im x o r p in-hou Revenu s of ap Saving the Housing gement back h na il at a throug bringing ma Counc e h t r o y vings f Fund b ajor sa ed. m s t n d prese ely nee ove re sperat e g prod The m is ntinuin vering en it o h c w ’s il e li c tim e Coun itment to de usinesses. rt of th m lb a a m p c o c is lo and and ision s s c t e ie n c d e n e Th ficie resid e of ef ices to gramm Money serv for Value
The next chapter of ho portunities services is full of exciting op and improvements. members, An executive board of elected ing estabtenants and leaseholders is be vements lished to monitor service impro expand and performance, as well as to ation. tenants and leaseholder particip
ents is A huge programme of improvem e next year set to be implemented over th tensive reand beyond, which will see ex properties furbishment work to Council that need it most.
ies to make There will also be opportunit including energy efficient improvements, new insulation.
Local residents take part in a free computer course run by the resident involvement team
GARDENS IN BLOOM!
Basildon’s sheltered housing community has been planting and pruning for months for the third ‘Gardens in Bloom’ competition. The competition gives resident’s across all the Council’s sheltered housing schemes a chance to show off their green fingers. Maydells Court (pictured) maintained by Paul Thorpe who lives there won the best communal garden scheme, and Yvonne
Campbell won the best individual garden. Paul Thorpe at Maydells Court also won the prize for the best hanging baskets and window boxes. Cllr Andrew Baggot, cabinet member for community and landlord services gave out the prizes and said: “It is wonderful to see our resident’s taking such pride in their gardens which help to maker the borough a brighter place.”
NOMINATE A YOUNG PERSON Do you know a great young person who deserves to be recognised? Basildon Council is calling on residents to nominate exceptional young people from across the borough for this years Celebration of Youth Awards, being held on 3 November at the Towngate Theatre. There are eight award categories, including young carer, volunteering, achievement in art/culture and worker recognition. Cllr Andrew Baggott, cabinet member for
community, says: “There are many young people in our community who are an inspiration to the people around them. “These awards look to highlight some of the excellent work they do which is often overlooked and I encourage people to get involved and nominate someone.” Young people, teachers, youth workers, parents and anyone who works with young people can nominate someone. Contact Steve Doyle on 01268 294849 for a nomination form.
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For tickets and information, call the Box Office on 01268 465465 or visit www.essex-live.co.uk
IT’S PURE MAGIC
Billy Ocean returns to Basildon STAR RETURNS TO TOWNGATE WITH over 30 million records sold during his lifetime, and his return tour selling out across the country, Billy Ocean is rightly considered one of the biggest artists Britain has ever produced. Now following his incredible performance at the Towngate last year he is back in Basildon for a special one off show and promises a night to remember! Born in Trinidad in 1950, Ocean - real name Leslie Charles – moved to London aged seven and soaked up the music of Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, as well as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. And it was these influences that led to a string of hits from the mid-70s to the end of the 80s including Love Really Hurts Without You, Love on Delivery, Stop Me,
Suddenly, When the Going Gets Tough (The Tough Gets Going) and the two US No. 1s Caribbean Queen and Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car. His success though came at a price and deciding to take a break to spend more time raising his young family he subsequently retired from the music business. Now some 15 years later with a sell out tour, a reputation for incredible live performances and a new album behind him he is back performing just a handful of personally selected venues. He performs at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon on Wednesday 14 September. Tickets are £27.50 and are available from the Box Office on 01268 465465 or via www.essex-live.co.uk
NEW TOUR FOR COMEDY STAR! Lee Hurst comes to the Towngate on 18 September, for his first tour in ten years. Star of the BBC’s ‘They Think It’s All Over’ and often voted as one of the best stand up acts in the business, he quit television and took up the task of running his own comedy club in London’s East End.
As well as stand up it also features his very own unique game show ‘MAN V WOMAN’ which promises plenty of audience participation. Lee Hurst performs at the Towngate Theatre on 18 September. Tickets are £15 and are available from the Box Office on 01268 465465.
PAUL Daniels is set to bring his unique style of magic and comedy to the Towngate this September. One of the most accomplished magicians in the world and certainly one of the most entertaining, Paul’s career has seen him rise from humble beginnings to one of the most popular entertainers in the country. With audiences of over 12 million, his TV show ran throughout the 80’s and 90’s and over the past few years his stage show has seen him entertain millions of people around the world making him un undoubtedly the most successful TV magician of the 20th century. His all new show ‘Hair today gone tomorrow’ sees Paul at his very best showcasing the “hil-hairious art of comedy magic….and he promises not to dance. He said: “You’ll like this…not a lot, but you’ll like it.” Expect magic, mayhem and a couple of very special guests as Paul Daniels performs at the Towngate Theatre on Friday 30 September. Tickets are £17.50 and are available from the box office on 01268 465465 or via www.essex-live.co.uk
Wartime classics for Towngate SOME of the greatest music of the 1940’s and 50’s will be remembered in an all new show coming to the Towngate on Tuesday 27 September Presented by Las Vegas entertainer Dean Weedon alongside BBC wartime sweetheart Diane Moore, ‘You Must Remember This’ is the stunning new production showcasing some of the greatest hits of the war time years and the 1950’s. The show follows the success of Diane’s ‘Land of Hope and Glory show’ and her stunning performance as part of Basildon’s 2010 St George’s Day and will see Diane and Dean in vintage costumes taking the audience on a “rollercoaster ride sown memory lane”. With acts ranging from Vera Lynn to Gracie Fields and Glenn Miller to Elvis Presley this is a show that is sure to have the audience waving, singing and rocking in the aisles! ‘You Must Remember This’ comes to the Towngate Theatre on 27 September at 2pm. Tickets are £11 and £9 concessions and are available via the Box Office.
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Children centre praise
OFSTED HIGHLIGHTS “INCLUSIVE SETTING” AND “WARM AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT”
Parents and staff at the Northlands Park Children’s Centre celebrate the Oftsed report, with Nazmin Mansuria, the Council’s Children’s Centre Coordinator and Cllr Andrew Baggott (inset).
CRIME SURVEY RESULTS IN Results of a recent Community Safety Partnership (CSP) crime survey has revealed that more residents than ever feel that the council and police are dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour issues in the borough. 65% of respondents agreed that police and local councils are dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour issues – a 48% increase on last year’s results. 64% also felt that police and the council seek residents’ views in crime issues - a 49% increase on last year. From the period June 2010 to June 2011 criminal damage decreased by 22% and anti-social behaviour fell by 18% in the borough, although most respondents (59%) felt that crime rates had stayed about the same. The CSP will now use this information to inform their priorities for the coming year and allocate resources to address these issues.
Northlands Park Children’s Centre, run by Basildon Council, has been praised in a report by Ofsted. It was judged to be an “inclusive setting that engages with families from different cultures” and is a “warm, welcoming and safe environment.” Ofsted is a government body responsible for the registration and inspection of childcare across the UK and rated the centre as “good” overall the second highest rating available. Cllr Andrew Baggott, cabinet member for community praised
staff at the centre, saying: “I would like to congratulate the staff for all their hard work. Ofsted provides a national benchmark for excellence and Northlands Park Children’s Centre is fully deserving of their praise. “These inspections are made with very little notice and are extremely vigorous in seeking out potential problems and shortcomings. It is truly a reflection of the excellent staff and facilities available at this centre that we received such praise.”
PITSEA LEISURE CENTRE TO PARTY IS THE The Pitsea Leisure Centre has been undergoing something of a renaissance recently, thanks to the Council’s ‘Challenge Angela’ campaign, the support of local businesses and capital investment by the council. Over £100,000 has been invested in improving the facilities at the vital community facility in the heart of Pitsea. More changes are being made over the coming months, and the centre has undergone a rebranding, and will be referred to as ‘the place’ in marketing materials. Interim Manager of the Pitsea Leisure Centre, Paul Brivio, says: “I believe that this community hub really is ‘the place’ for local people. “It has an array of facilities for all ages, and is also a great option for parties, celebrations and even weddings. We have already taken some business bookings, as we have lots of meeting
amd function rooms, and we have also taken a party booking for New Years Eve, which is great. I would urge local businesses to get in touch with us and book their Christmas function with us as soon as possible, as we have some good deals available.” Along with being the place to party, there is also a fun zone for kids under 8, which is a soft play area ideal for children’s parties and also ‘pay and play’ from just £1 per session! The fun zone is open 7 days a week from 9am7pm. The centre is also the place for fitness, with a variety of classes held during the week, such as legs, bums and tums, aerobics and zumba. A roller skating event was also held, with more events of this type planned for the future. For more information on the centre, and to enquire about any kind of booking, please call 01268 465420, or visit: www.basildon.gov.uk/plc.
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COUNCIL SNARES HOUSING FRAUDSTER BASILDON Council has prosecuted its first housing fraudster and put the brakes on a dodgy ‘Right to Buy’ application. Ms Jaymina Patel, 38 of Anson Close, South Woodham Ferrers, pleaded guilty to a charge under S2 of the Fraud Act 2006 in connection with a ‘Right to Buy’ application made to Basildon Council. Ms Patel was sentenced to a £700 fine, £3,070 in costs and £15 victim surcharge at Basildon Magistrates Court (3 August). Ms Patel had applied to buy a Council-owned three bedroom house on Quilters Straight, Basildon, worth £145,000, under the ‘Right to Buy’ scheme, which entitled her to a discount of £34,000. Councillor Phil Turner, cabinet member for resources, said: “We made it clear when we originally launched the housing fraud campaign with a two-week amnesty that after that, all bets were off. “Why should the Council turn a blind eye to such
disgusting abuses of the system, which is meant to support those in genuine need? “The Government supports our actions in this area and other Council’s are following suit, which goes to show how serious the consequences are for not only the public purse but also for society as a whole. “If you have a guilty conscience, that’s the least of your worries – our investigations team will doggedly follow up leads using a variety of methods, including, as in this case, surveillance, and before you know it there could be a knock at your door.” The Council’s investigations team set to work when a routine visit from one of the Council’s Housing Officers aroused suspicion because Ms Patel was unable to provide proof of her identity or any utility bills at the Basildon property. During the course of their investigation, using surveillance methods, it came to light that Ms Patel and
her family already owned and lived in a newsagents and connected flat in South Woodham Ferrers. The Council-property that Ms Patel applied to buy has now been recovered by Basildon Council and can be allocated to a family in genuine need. Councillor Turner added: “Housing fraud is wrong. Illegal subletting and false applications for ‘Right to Buy’ schemes are an abuse of the housing system, which can mean families in genuine need are forced into potentially costly temporary accommodation and denied the opportunity to put down roots.” If you suspect someone of housing fraud or of making a false claim for housing benefit, please let the Council’s Fraud Investigations team know confidentially on 01268 294566. You can also report it online at www.basildon.gov.uk, or by emailing fraudline@basildon.gov.uk. You can remain completely anonymous at all times if you wish.
WAR MEMORIAL WORK UNDERWAY
An artists impression (main image) of the new memorial and (inset) work gets underway on the project.
WORK to create the new Wickford War Memorial has started. Led by Great Baddow based firm Bradford Memorial, initial work has seen the existing memorial stones removed, before they are then painstakingly repaired to become part of the new memorial. Councillor Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and arts said: “It’s very pleasing to finally see the work getting under way. The new memorial will create a truly fitting memorial for the heroes who gave their lives during the world wars.”
Steve Newman, Author of Wickford’s Heroes and a member of the War Memorial Association added: “Wickford deserves a fitting memorial and we are delighted that with the support of our partners this is now becoming a reality.” The £69,000 project has been funded by Basildon Council, Veolia Pitsea Marshes Trust, the Communities Initiative fund, the Essex Environment Trust and also the Wickford Memorial Association who have raised money through fundraising initiatives. The work is due to be completed in time for Remembrance Day.
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LET’S PLAY! “Children have played a part in developing these new play areas” Cllr Kevin Blake Work at Swan Mead play area takes shape
Cutting edge play equipment has beeen unveiled at Swan Mead and Langdon Hills recreation grounds. Local children played a key role in designing the sites along with Allen Scott Ltd and Sutcliff Play who created the equipment.
Cllr Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure, said: “It is great to see these new play areas open and is part of our ongoing commitment to improving our parks and recreation areas.” The work cost £275,000, and was funded by BIG, part of the National Lottery.
Local children celebrate the opening of a new play area with Cllr Sandra Hillier and Cllr Stephen Hillier
YOUR FUTURE As the cost of university soars and with student debts mounting, Basildon Council is helping to encourage young people to think about apprenticeships and vocational training. The Council and its partners have taken a unique appraoch to this, by targeting the parents of 15-19 year olds, who are in Year 11 at school or not in education, employment or training (NEET). The frst ‘Your Future 10’ - Parents Evening’ event held last year was a major success with over 700
parents and children from the area attending. And the same event is being run this year on Tuesday 11th October at the Towngate Theatre from 6-8.30pm. Parents and children can attend the free event and meet with colleges, training provider and local companies to discuss their future. The event has been organised by the Council with assistance from the Basildon Business Group. For more information email michael.broderick@ basildon.gov.uk
Photos from the 2010 ‘Your Future’ event
Taxi! Disabled access list launched on web Basildon Council has published a list of private hire and taxi vehicles that can provide ‘wheelchair accessible’ services to customers. Cllr David Abrahall, chair of the licensing commitee said: “Travelling around is taken for granted by most people, but disabled people and those with mobility issues can face significant difficulties and rely heavily on the convenience of taxis and private hire vehicles. “Without the availability of taxis or private hire vehicles, the quality of life of people with disabilities or the elderly for example can be affected because
it inhibits them from carrying out everyday functions or excludes them from activities that others are able to enjoy.” The Council recently agreed that a limit would not be imposed on hackney carriage numbers, and that all newly licensed hackney carriages are wheelchair accessible. helping to improve the choice, reliability and safety of the service available. The list of companies and owner drivers that are are able to provide ‘wheelchair accessible’ services that includes contact telephone numbers can be found at www.basildon.gov.uk/ hackneycarriage
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DON’T BE OUT IN COLD
A film warning teenagers of the dangers of sleeping rough has been launched, after creative students from Woodlands teamed up with film making company Zinc Arts to write, direct and star in the film named “Out in the Cold”. Pupils from Woodlands attended the launch alongside teachers from other Basildon schools, Sustainable Communities officers from the Council, the Homelessness team and cabinet member for housing and community safety, Councillor Frank Tomlin. Speaking after the event, Cllr Tomlin said: “Woodlands School deserves high praise for creating this super DVD and the teaching pack that comes with it. I am confident that much good will come of it and I hope it gets widely used in schools not just in the borough but throughout Essex and beyond. The pupils who took part
should be very proud of themselves, and their parents and school should be very proud of them too. Woodlands School has got talent!” The film is about a teenager who becomes homeless after a family argument. After unsuccessfully trying to “sofa surf” at friends houses he ends up sleeping rough. His friend then encourages him to approach the council who find him a room in a hostel. The 30 minute film highlights how isolated he feels and his lack of money. The film will be accompanied by seven lesson plans, which have been written by youth organisation, Betta Dayz, in line with Key Stage 3 and 4 PSHE studies. The film and lesson plans will enable schools, youth clubs and alternative education facilities to discuss the issues of homelessness in further detail including budgeting, mediation, nutrition and housing advice.
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THE RISE AND RISE OF LAKE MEADOWS PARK Basildon Council and partners involved in the regeneration of Lake Meadows have cited the re-opening of the park café and a third successive big name summer concert as examples of the parks rise and rise. Over the past four years, nearly £300,000 of targeted investment by the Council and its partners has seen significant improvement made to park for the benefit of residents and now the park café has reopened following a tender process that will also see local businessman Mr Maza run the popular crazy golf, pitch and putt, tennis and petanque from the kiosk close to these facilities. And Mr Maza has already set about making his own improvements, by improving the area next to the bowling green, and creating a new café area. The park is now much improved for walks, picnics, play, sports and also big name concerts, with Peter Andre wowing the crowds this year. Cllr Phil Turner, cabinet member for resources says: “Lake Meadows is one of our prime parks, and we are
committed to continued investment to ensure it remains a park our residents can be proud of. This continued investment will continue into the future. The Council is also urging local partners to work together to continue to deliver improvements to the park. The Council has already worked with the Billericay Youth Town Council to fund a new £40,000 multi-use sports area (MUSA) that opened in May 2010 and with a local interest group to help create a petanque square for French boules that opened at the end of July 2010. These projects followed a £30,000 council revamp of the two tennis courts that enabled the relaying of surfaces, painting fresh lines and installing new fences, and the creation of a tree trail. Investment has also been put into CCTV and the popular play facilities have also been revamped following discussions between Basildon Council, Billericay Round Table and Billericay Town Council. The second stage saw improvements and refurbishments
OUR COUNCIL AMNESTIES PROVE A HIT
RUBBISH amnesties have yielded householders can get rid of items in the more than 75 tonnes of waste from right way. We also aim to recycle as much 6,000 households – with six more as we can from the amnesties, which help planned before the end of the year. towards Basildon’s 50% recycling target In addition to the six rubbish amnesties by 2012.” that have taken place so far, Council The Recycling Team receive a number officers have been in of comments of praise the areas removing from residents, with one graffiti, clearing saying: alleyways, sweeping “I would just like to and litterpicking. thank Basildon Council If you are in an for organising this area covered by the excellent initiative, amnesties, you will especially useful for receive a leaflet those who have no car through your door or cannot get out.” prior to the event. Another wrote Cllr Malcolm anonymously to the Buckley, cabinet team saying: member for “Just a note to say a environment, says: big thank you to all “The rubbish your operatives who amnesty days are cleared all my clutter. a hugely popular “They were very initiative and a great helpful and polite and a way of making sure credit to the Council.” An amnesty underway
made to existing play facilities thanks to £10,000 of investment from Billericay Round Table and £10,000 of section 106 contributions. And at the end of August, £30,000 of new skate park facilities fundedwill officially open with ramps replaced and more complex pieces added. Vital infrastructure works have also been carried out, with £60,000 spent on the reconstruction and resurfacing of a number of the park’s paths and imprpvements made to the parks drains to ensure that heavy flooding does not occur in the future. Cllr Peter Bowditch, former Chairman of Billericay Town Council said; “It is excellent to be able to work closely in partnership with Basildon Borough Council and the benefits that such arrangement can bring to our residents. Lake Meadows is a key recreation area in our town and we have to make sure it meets the highest standards for people of all ages that come to use it.”
Sporting Village set for international gymnastics! - see back page
SPORTING VILLAGE SUCCESS
The 50m pool in all its glory (main image) and (inset), the official Royal opening.
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the best public sports facility in the county located in Basildon makes me very proud.” There is much more to come from the Sporting Village too, with the international gymnastics meet in September (see below), and further visits from the Japanese swimming team, who will be using the BSV as their base prior to London 2012. Duncan Jefford, Regional Director of Everyone Active who run the facility on behalf of the Council, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for local people to see elite athletes in action. We are passionate about inspiring people to get involved in sport, which is why we won’t be closing facilities whilst the Japanese team are training, giving the people of Basildon will the chance to swim alongside and watch these Olympic athletes train.”
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The Basildon Sporting Village (BSV) has gained over 5000 members, created 52 new jobs for local people and had over 200,000 visits since it opened at the end of April. The centre has also been officially opened by HRH The Duke of Gloucester, hosted an international handball match, and is currently playing host to the Indian Gymnastics team. Cllr Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and arts, said: “We always knew that it would be popular, but have been overwhelmed by the success and the positive feedback. “There have been some minor teething problems, but we have been able to iron these out quickly with the operator and the centre is running very well and efficiently. “The facilities really are second to none, and to have
Sporting Village set for international gymnastics International gymnastics is set to grace the Basildon Sporting Village on Saturday 24th September. Great Britain’s senior mens team will take on Spain from 2pm at the new public sports facility. Tickets are only £8 per person, with doors opening at 1pm. Tickets are available on the British Gymnastics homepage (click on buy tickets) or directly from the Sporting Village by calling 01268 722450. Cllr Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and
arts, says: “Following on from the international handball and the Japanese swimming team confirming their presence prior to the 2012 Games, this event confirms what a first class facility the Sporting Village is. “These first class facilities are available to the whole community, right from elite athletes, to sporting beginners. I am looking forward to the competition, and hope that it is well attended.” For more information on the Basildon Sporting Village, visit www.basildon-sport.co.uk.
Basildon Borough Council, The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL. Website: www.basildon.gov.uk Switchboard: 01268 533333 Email: mailroom@basildon.gov.uk Chief Executive: Bala Mahendran Leader: Councillor Tony Ball