MUSIC & FUN AT WAT TYLER THIS SUMMER August 2010
SEE PAGE 4
basildon.gov.uk
PHOTO REVIEW - See page 11
What’s happened to the BASILDON sign? - See page 8
NEW FOOD WASTE RECYCLING BEGINS MAKE SURE YOUR FOOD WASTE IS RECYCLED BY FOLLOWING THESE STEPS: Place all food in your small kitchen caddy (delivered to you in September 2010) Fill it with food waste (All food – from meat and bread to tea bags and vegetable peelings) Empty into your green garden bin to be mixed with your garden waste. Collected weekly on your collection day, this goes to be composted Basildon Resident Brenda Howell is all set for the introduction of the food waste collection RECYCLING levels are set to soar across the district as Basildon Council gets set to introduce its food waste collection service. From October this year, the Council will be urging householders to feed their bins with food to be collected weekly for composting. Each household will be provided with a free kitchen caddy for use. Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Basildon Council’s
Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Food waste recycling is an easy way to reduce your environmental impact and make sure you are recycling as much as possible – and it’s going to be collected weekly. “As well as boosting the amount of collections, we will also be expanding the scheme to more households than ever, which many people have asked for.
“We are hoping to boost Basildon’s recycling rate to 50% by 2012, and this will be a big step towards that.” Basildon’s food waste recycling service will be for all food, whether cooked or uncooked, including peelings, meat, bones and fish. Basildon residents produce around 12,000 tonnes of food waste each year. Currently sent to landfill, this produces
methane, a poisonous gas 25 times more polluting than Carbon Dioxide, because the material does not have the required oxygen to break down. If you have a garden and do not have a green wheeled bin, you can order one or, if you don’t have room, you will receive an external caddy before the collections begin. Visit www.basildon.gov.uk/recycling for more information.
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August 2010
THIS EDITION’S HIGHLIGHTS
p4 Celebrating Young People
p6 Pink text’s a winner
p10 A royal performance at Pitsea
p16 SwinFin Fun Write to the Editor: If you would like to comment on any story in this edition of the District Diary or comment on a Council service, please write to: Michelle Edwards-Norcisse, Editor, District Diary, Basildon District Council, The Basildon Centre, St. Martin's Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL, or email michelle.edwards-norcisse@ basildon.gov.uk. About the District Diary: This newspaper is produced by the Marketing and Communications team at Basildon District Council. It is published six times a year and delivered free to almost 80,000 homes in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford. Advertise in the District Diary: If you would like to advertise or enquire about rates and deadlines, call 01268 294201. Basildon District Council accepts no responsibility for the content of any advertisement published in District Diary and the inclusion of any advertisement does not imply approval or recommendation by the Council of either the terms of any offer or service contained in it or of the advertiser. Other formats: To receive the District Diary in large print, Braille or spoken word format, please call 01268 294590.
Another fantastic Basfest! Chairman’s message from Cllr Mo Larkin I had an absolutely wonderful time at this year’s Basildon festival, and walking around the site I could see thousands of people having a great time too. The weather – yet again – was on our side, and with so many great acts and superb marquees to keep everyone entertained, there was a lot of smiling faces. As Chairman of Basildon Council, I played host to guests from community groups, representatives from my Cllr Mo Larkin at Gateway FM studios charities for this year, together with Chairmen and Mayors from amazing support it now enjoys neighbouring Councils. As we from local residents (who can’t toured the festival, the wait for the date to pencil into comments received were full of their calendars each year). You praise. can see a whole page of pictures “The event is so much bigger from this year’s event on page this year”, “It’s terrific that this 11 of this edition of the District is a free event” “You’ve got Diary. some amazing acts performing”, Gateway FM – now called and so on. It made me very Gateway 97.8 – did a great job proud of what Basfest has running the Community Stage become over the years, and the at this year’s Basfest too. The
BILLERICAY’S NEW DESIGN
Garden Diary with BBC Essex presenter Ken Crowther
Summer at last, so lawns and patios need to look at their best so we can enjoy al fresco lunches and long evening BBQs. The biggest job of the month is to see that all your plants are watered regularly and the soil retains as much moisture as possible, so at least we can prevent the worst damages of drought. Creating a sensible watering regime now, will help to prevent plant damage if the weather stays hot as predicted, and the rains refuse to fall in any great amount. The secret of success is to get the water deep underground where plant roots can easily take up the moisture. It’s no good wetting the soil surface on a daily basis. That just encourages plants to create surface roots that are more susceptible to hot sun and drying winds. It also encourages annual
station starts broadcasting fulltime from the end of September and this will be to more than 100,000 people across the District. I recently had the opportunity to visit the studios and you can find out more about Gateway 97.8 in the next edition of the District Diary or by visiting their website at www.gateway978 .com
weeds to pop up to compete for available moisture. Instead you need to get water down to below 15cm (6 inches) from the surface. You can do this most easily if you sink a plant pot, cut off lemonade bottle or similar, up to its rim beside shrubs and between bedding plants, so that water from your can or hose is placed instantly at root level and you have a reservoir that fills and drains easily and quickly. In this way daily watering of beds and borders is totally unnecessary. It is much better to water thoroughly and deeply once a week instead of wetting the surface every night. Your plants will grow more strongly, and you can enjoy the extra spare time relaxing in your garden. Lightly feeding of plants regularly will give them the strength to send down stronger, deeper roots to this reservoir of moisture. A weekly feed of a good liquid feed like Miracle-Gro or Maxi Crop will do the trick. Always use liquid feeds at this time of the season as they react more quickly. Watering and feeding container plants growing on the patio is a regular job.
A NEW design statement for Billericay has been formally handed over to the Leader of Basildon Council, following consultations with local residents and businesses on how to enhance the town. A design statement is a planning document which sets out the specific nature of the buildings and landscape which makes the town distinctive. It also includes recommendations on how to encourage new development which will enhance and complement that which already exists. The recommendations will now be considered by the Council with a view to adopting them as material planning considerations when determining planning applications. Council Leader Tony Ball said: “We would like to thank the Billericay Design Statement Association for producing the design statement for Billericay. “The Council recognises the work that the members of the association have put into producing the report and the considerable involvement of local residents and businesses in responding to the various consultation exercises.””
Supporting Essex Pride festival
BASILDON Council is supporting and participating at Essex Pride 2010, to be held at Central Park, Chelmsford on Sunday 5 September. Essex Pride is an annual event in celebration of diversity. It encourages acceptance and promotes equality, respect and community engagement. Entry is only £5 for people 18 years and over. The main stage areas includes live acts, DJs, Karaoke and a licensed bar, and other activities on the day includes a community market, food stalls, sideshows and funfair rides, and a young people and family area. Visit www.essexpride.org.uk for more details, or contact the Council’s Inclusion and Diversity officer, Shamrika Sydes on 01268 294329.
August 2010
CRUNCH TIMES The Crunch Service is a mobile waste disposal facility that tours the district which residents can use to dispose of bulkier items of rubbish. Locations marked with (G) can also be used for the disposal of green waste. The Crunch Service is not suitable for paints, oils or other waste liquids. The Crunch is from 9am to noon at each site, unless otherwise stated. 7 August Crays Hill Recreation Ground Billericay - Little Burstead Car Park (G) Five Links - Newberry Side Large Layby Outside 41-55 Craylands - Shops 14 August Wickford - Keats Way (G) Opp. No.3 Council Garage Area Lee Chapel North - Markhams Chase Leisure Centre Northlands Park 21 August Wickford - The Wick Country Park Laindon - Basildon Drive junction with Dickens Drive Fryerns - Ghyllgrove opposite the Upway Barstable - Barstable Club Long Riding 28 August Laindon - King Edwards Road by Roayl Court Billericay - Carvers Wood Langdon Hills - Triangle Shops Pitsea - Kenneth Road - Layby 11 September Wickford - Bruce Grove (G) opp. Shotgate Community Hall Billericay Meadow Rise/Kelvedon Rise behind shops Craylands - Lichfields Lee Chapel South - The Knares Service Area rear of 58-92 18 September Pitsea Mount - Brackendale Ave Billericay - Radford Crescent car Park (G) Vange - Redgrave Road s/o no.4 9am-10.30am Southview Road opposite dentist 10.30am-noon Kingswood - Playgroup Centre opposite shops 25 September Ramsden Bellhouse (G) Village Hall - Car Park Fryerns - Ghyllgrove opposite the upway Laindon - Little Oxcroft Service Road Chalvedon - Mill Green Layby near car park 2 October Wickford - Alderney gardens rear of shops Billericay - Little Burstead Car Park, Fryerns - Frypa Hall Vange - Barge PH 9am to 11am Ryedene 11am to noon 9 October Wickford - Rettendon View 9am to 11am Pippin Court 11am to noon Lagdon Hills - Valence Way junction with Debden Green Laindon West - Thorton Way/Sparkbridge Parking Area Pitsea - Wilsener next to Trenham centre Keep updated with Crunch Times by visiting basildon. gov.uk/recycling
FRAUDSTER TOLD “PAY UP OR JAIL” A MAN guilty of a series of benefit scams could face 12 months in jail if he fails to pay up. The 42 year old man from Pitsea failed to declare properties he owned, that he was working and that his partner was living with him. This is the first case of its kind since Basildon Council announced plans to use the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover assets gained from benefit fraud. The man, having previously pleaded guilty to 27 charges was handed a Confiscation Order of £46,732.94 at Chelmsford Crown Court in March, of which Basildon Council is to be compensated for £16,132.13 . He has
until 25 September to pay up. Cllr Phil Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “It adds insult to injury to think that fraudsters are using our cash to furnish a lifestyle that is beyond the means of the average person. “This is the first time we have successfully used these powers but based on these results, I must warn wouldbe fraudsters and assure honest residents that it won’t be the last.” The Pitsea resident received a total overpayment of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit of nearly £7,900.
Young people in Basketball ESSEX Pirates’ Alan Metcalfe has teamed up with the Positive Futures programme to help engage young people in basketball. The scheme is run in partnership with Basildon Council. Cabinet Member for Leisure and the Arts, Cllr Kevin Blake said: “This programme has been well received. “Parents tell the coaches that their children have become more positive and confident at home and school since taking part in the free sessions.” For more details, on the basketball scheme contact Adrian Fryer on 01268 465447.
Photo Courtesy: Echo Newspapers
Positive Futures Basketball programme
Consultation on changes to licensing BASILDON Council is looking for residents views on proposed changes to how it grants licenses in the district. Under the Licensing Act 2003, the Council is responsible for granting premises licenses, club premises certificates, temporary events notices, and personal licences. These regulate the sale or supply of alcohol or the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment. The Council’s Licensing Policy Statement outlines what the Council takes into consideration when making
licensing decisions. Its main aim is to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm. The Council welcome residents’ views on the proposed changes. The draft statement can be downloaded from www.basildon. gov.uk/evhconsult. Alternatively, to request a hard copy, or an alternative format, e.g.
large print, please contact 01268 294280 or e-mail ehs@basildon.gov .uk. Any comments on this policy must be received by 30th September 2010. Residents can respond by writing to: Environmental Health Services, Basildon Centre, St Martins Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL. The results of the consultation will be reported back to members of the Licensing Committee during October, before being presented to Full Council for adoption.
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COUNCILLORS 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 12.30pm, Billericay Library, 143 High Street, Billericay. 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 - Paul Kirkman 01268 474528. Surgeries on third Wednesday of the month(execept December), 7.30pm to 8pm at The Ashleigh Centre, Whitmore Way, Basildon. Alan Davis 01268 525406, Bill Archibald 01268 280593 & 07732 710088. 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, Richard Rackham 01277 624932, 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. 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 - Swatantra Nandanwar 01268 453749. Surgeries on second Sunday of month, 11am to 12noon at the Luncies Meeting Hall, Luncies Road (off Timberlog Lane), Vange. 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, 10am to 12noon at Wickford Library. Christopher Jackman 01268 571843.
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August 2010
CELEBRATING YOUNG PEOPLE Cllr Malcolm Buckley
Textile theft BASILDON Council says it will prosecute thieves stealing clothes from recycling collections, after two men received community punishments for stealing from a recycling collection last year. Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Cabinet Member responsible for the Environment, said: “Sometimes textiles are taken by unscrupulous rag traders who send the material all over Europe, selling the best material and dumping the rest. “We can guarantee that textiles collected by Basildon Council are either re-used in countries which need the textiles, or recycled to make industrial cleaning products.” To recycle old clothes, attach to your pink recycling sack a textiles label (available from www. basildon.gov.uk/ recycling or council offices), or a label stating ‘textiles’. The pink sacks are collected on your usual recycling day.
You Food Contest FOLLOWING the success of the pink sack journey video on video website YouTube, Basildon Council’s Recycling Team are looking for the stars of the next recycling film. The team is looking for a family to help show Basildon residents how to make the most of their new weekly food waste collections. If your family is the district’s greenest, send a quick email to recycling@basildon.gov. uk to tell us why, and you may be in with a chance of winning!
YOUNG people from across the district will be recognised for their achievements as part of the Celebration of Youth Awards. Run by Basildon District Council and Essex Integrated Youth Service, the award ceremony is being held in November to highlight the great things that young people are doing across the district. This year there are eight awards for volunteering, improved behaviour, inspirational role model, act of courage/ overcoming adversity, achievement in art and culture, achievement in sport and activity, worker recognition, and young carer. Cabinet Member for Community, Cllr Andrew Baggott, said: “There are many Some of last year’s Celebration of Youth winners young people in our community who are an inspiration to the people around them. “The Celebration of Youth Awards looks Young people, teachers, youth Nomination forms can be found at to highlight some of excellent work that workers, parents, and anyone who schools, libraries, youth centres and they do which is often overlooked by the works with young people, can nominate Connexions or by contacting Louise a young person for a category. Edwards on 01268 294785. vast majority.”
Scrutiny Committees - Shaping local services
Cllr Sylvia Buckley
A REVIEW of all Council fees and charges, parking at Laindon and Wickford Stations and barriers facing young people are just a few of the issues Basildon Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Commission will be looking at over the next few months. Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission, Cllr Sylvia Buckley, works with Councillors Stuart Allen, Ann Blake, Allan Davies, John Dornan and Geoff Williams on the Commission. She said: “The Overview and Scrutiny Commission has a number of responsibilities, which include identifying any in-depth scrutiny
reviews to be undertaken during the year and monitoring the progress of previous reviews. “I work together with fellow Councillors to ensure we have an effective scrutiny process that adds value to the decision-making process.” Reviewing progress reports such the barriers facing 16 to 18 year olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) and how these can be overcome, gives the Councillors a real opportunity to influence and shape the services provided to local residents. More information about the various Council committees is available at www.basildon.gov.uk.
Wat Tyler’s family fun and entertainment FROM family days out to live music concerts, there is always September, will highlight the beautiful old heritage barn for something for residents to do at Wat Tyler Country Park this marriage ceremonies and the stylish Nobel Room within the Wat summer and autumn. Tyler Centre the receptions. Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds will be headlining As a fun day out, Wat Tyler also offers three Adventure Play the popular Wat Tyler Folk Festival on Sunday 12 September. Areas for all ages, a 1,000 metre long miniature railway, junior With a Barn Dance on the Saturday, fair ground rides and ‘Go Bonkers’ bouncy this will kick off the weekend of castle activity days and great picnic facilities. folk music. Cabinet Member for Leisure and the Arts, Cllr A new “Wat Tyler Arts” event Kevin Blake said: “It’s been quite a year for Wat starts with a jazz evening on Tyler Country Park. The new Wat Tyler visitor Saturday 25 September and centre has just enjoyed its first anniversary and followed by an Afro/Blues combo visitor numbers at the park look set to exceed on the Saturday 30 October. An their pre-development high of 290,000 this international Folk artist will also be year.” performing on Saturday 27 The park also boasts some of the best wildlife November at the Basildon Council habitat in the county, an RSPB visitor centre, run park. and Discovery Zone which also has a variety of A Wedding Fayre, on Sunday 19 Adrian Edmonson (centre) and the Bad Shepherds activities for visitors.
August 2010
CULTIVATING QUALITY
LEADER of Basildon Council, Cllr Tony Ball, who voted for us." officially opened Papworth Trust Centre's new Visitors were also invited to have a go at pyrography "Cultivating Quality" garden in July. or encaustic art, learn about ecology and identify The garden in Basildon was created with funding from minibeasts. Anyone interested in programmes at the the Big Lottery Fund People's Millions Project, enabling Centre were offered the chance to sign up for free taster disabled people to develop a range of work and life skills sessions. by maintaining the garden. For more information about the Centre, contact Julia The ribbon was cut by Stephen Briggs, who attends Woods on 01268 663221 or email: julia.woods@ sessions at the Centre and who has worked tirelessly over papworth.org.uk. the last few months to help transform the garden. Cllr Ball said, "The transformation is clear to see! I would like to congratulate the clients, staff and everybody involved for their hard work in making this an area that will be enjoyed for many years to come. "The opening of the garden gave some of the people who had supported our bid on ITV London Tonight, a chance to see what we have now managed to achieve since November", said Centre Manager, Julia Woods. "We would like to thank everyone Cllr Tony Ball at the “Cultivating Quality” garden’s official opening
Basildon local service directory Beauty
NOW OPEN RADIANCE BEAUTY ROOMS
Specialising in Massages, Facials, Waxing, Body and Holistic Treatments
Tuesdays 10% off for over 60s
Full Body Spray Tan now available for only £16! Eversley Leisure Centre, Crest Avenue, Pitsea Tel: 07799 251799
Closed Wednesdays
Leaflet Service
Counselling
MINDFUL COUNSELLING
is an established Private Service set up by Basildon Mind and adheres to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Code of Ethics and Practice. All Counsellors are fully qualified to a minimum of Diploma Level. Counselling appointments can be offered outside of normal office hours. For further confidential information please telephone: Patricia Holdsworth B.Sc. Hons., Counselling Manager, on 01268 289344.
SOLICITORS
Lickin’ fried Chicken
Specialist Legal Advice for:-
* DIVORCE/CHILDREN * ACCIDENT CLAIMS * CONVEYANCING/HOUSING * WILLS & PROBATE
Legal Aid, Fixed Fee or Free First Interview
(01268 240400)
Southgate House, Town Square BASILDON SS14 1BN
www.anthonyking.co.uk
WORK has started on Wickford High Street and The Broadway’s £280,000 repaved project. Basildon Council is contributing £100,000 towards the major revamp, with the rest being funded by Essex County Council. They will also spend a further £40,000 on street furniture and other street works. Cllr Tony Ball, Leader of the Council said: “The Council is committed to improving Wickford for businesses, residents and shoppers alike. This work will improve the appearance of the High Street and encourage more people to choose Wickford as a place to shop.” The majority of the High Street was repaved in 2006. The remaining section of the Broadway from Swan Lane up to the railway bridge in the High Street is now being Wickford High Street before the revamp completed.
Superior European Solid Oak Flooring From £29.00/m2 incl vat. Direct from producer By specialists Empire Oak ‘We’ll floor you!’ Tel 01268 795 312 www.empireoak.co.uk Located Sadlers Hall farm, Benfleet Takeaway
ANTHONY KING
Wickford’s major revamp gets underway
Flooring
Legal Advice
5 Church Road, Vange 01268 524072
Bargain menu: £2.29 each 2 pcs chicken and chips 3 hot wings and chips 1 chicken tortilla wrap 1 pc chicken, 2 wings, chips 1 chicken burger, 2 wings
Plus: pizza, kebabs and burgers
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Health Products
Walkers
the walking frame specialist
Don’t take Health and Independence for granted, call now on 01268 419 288
Keep active and reclaim your independence with our range of Uniscan Walkers... Do you: • • • • • •
Struggle to get around the home? Only go out when you have someone with you? Worry about losing your independence? Become tired and need to rest often? Get short of breath when walking? Think you may fall when you are out and about?
If this sounds like you or someone you care about, maybe it’s time to consider a walking frame. Uniscan Limited, 38 Hornsby Square, Southfields Industrial Estate, Laindon, Basildon SS15 6SD. www.uniscan-walkers.co.uk
To advertise here call Angela Christall on 01268 294201 or email angela.christall@basildon.gov.uk. As with all District Diary adverts, publication does not imply any guarantee of service or recommendation by the Council.
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August 2010
PINK TEXT’S A WINNER BASILDON Council’s innovative recycling text message reminder service has passed a significant milestone – and rewarded the 1,000th subscriber to the service. Launched last year, the scheme has rewarded Carol Holden, 61, of Great Gregorie, Laindon, with a £25 iTunes voucher for texting the word pink followed by their postcode to 82727. Recycling rates reached a record 38% last year, with a target of 50% by 2012. As part of a range of measures designed to target low performing recycling areas, text message reminders helped to deliver a 12% yearon-year increase in recycling levels. Carol Holden, the 1,000th subscriber and voucher winner, said: “My daughter signed up to the text message reminders, but now she’s
moved out we thought we’d sign up too, as receiving a text message the day before collections are due makes recycling even easier for us. “Text messages are a great way of making sure you get the most of your recycling collections and remembering your collection day.” Text messages consist of a reminder the day before collection, and helpful hints and advice on the weeks which are not your collection. Subscribers will be the first to find out about new and exciting recycling news, including future competitions and promotions. Text 'Pink' and your postcode to 82727 to receive recycling reminders free of charge. The initial text messages are charged at your standard network rate. Text “Pink” winner Carol Holden
District Museum: A future for our past BASILDON District Museum and Heritage Centre is looking for volunteers and funding for Basildon’s first district museum. More volunteers are needed to help the voluntary group keep its current photographic display at Barleylands Craft Village open, as well as to help work on the district’s archives at Wat Tyler Country Park. Cabinet Member for Community Services, Cllr Andrew Baggott said: “Basildon is one of the few not to have its own district museum. Therefore I encourage residents to get involved and
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support the centre so we don’t have to travel outside of the district to view our history.” The centre is also looking to raise at least £7,000 for a permanent building in Vange for the museum. For more information about becoming a museum volunteer or ways to support the museum contact Susan Randle on 01268 520989 or email: Susanrandle@btinternet.com.
Tips for Safe Travelling by Taxi in Basildon District
Basildon District Museum and Heritage Centre at Basfest
New community forum
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 vehicle fares are not controlled. 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
BASILDON Council is inviting members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community to join its first LGBT forum. The forum has been created to ensure the rights and interests of LGBT people are represented in the district. It seeks to promote equality and diversity by the elimination of discrimination in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people living in or working in the Basildon district and, where appropriate, neighbouring boroughs and London, for the benefit of the public. Cabinet Member for Community, Cllr Andrew Baggott said: “By setting up Basildon LGBT Forum we can ensure that the rights and interests of LGBT people are represented in Basildon. This can be done by through support services, working with schools and other youth organisations and through various events and outreach sessions.” For more information contact, in confidence, the Council’s Inclusion and Diversity Officer on 01268 294329.
Cllr Phillip Jenkins
Nethermayne
by-election result LIBERAL Democrat candidate Phillip Jenkins was elected Councillor for the Nethermayne ward in last month’s by-election. The seat was previously held by Liberal Democrat Ben Williams, a Councillor for 14 years. He stood down following his acceptance of a role to become a special adviser to the Government’s Deputy Chief Whip. The turn out for the poll was 20%.
E-notices to save money BASILDON Council is saving money and improving customer service by emailing benefit notifications to landlords and claimants. Over 650 landlords have been invited to sign up to receiving notifications, and now the Council is calling on benefit claimants to register their interest. The move could save up to £10,000 a year. Cllr Phil Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources, praised the efforts to save money without compromising on service. “Basildon Council is serious about saving money, especially in light of recent warnings over cuts. “Time and again we have emphasised our commitment to achieving efficiencies without our residents missing out.” Landlords and residents receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit can register their interest to receive electronic notifications by emailing benefitsection@basildon. gov.uk or calling 01268 294575.
August 2010
LOCALS GET MORE FREE COMPOST BASILDON Council’s Recycling team dished out 300 bags of recycled compost to more than 150 green-fingered local people in July. The Council’s recycling team handed out the 50-litre bags of compost made from garden waste collected from residents during the year at the Barleylands Depot, Billericay. Basildon Council’s Waste Management Officer, James Hendry, said: “The Compost Giveaway Day is a great way of showing people that everything which is collected for Recycling in the Basildon District can be made into a useful product. “We recycled almost 30,000 tonnes of waste last year, so we appreciate the continued support of residents to make this possible. Giving back compost is a small way of saying thanks for every time you put out your green wheeled bin for collection.” Compost is easy to make at home, and residents can get a bargain compost bin by visiting www.essex.getcomposting.com or by calling 0845 130 6090.
Waste Recycling Officer James Hendry with resident, David Glock of Billericay, at the compost giveaway
Local voluntary group KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOUR? wins Queen’s Award WICKFORD, Billericay and Basildon volunteers have been recognised by The Queen with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, The MBE for volunteer groups. Wickford and District Talking Newspaper, who works with Basildon Council to send out free audio tapes of the District Diary to residents who are visual impaired, was one of 103 UK volunteering groups to win this award. The group received the award for recording and supplying a weekly Talking Newspaper to the blind and partially sighted people in the district and surrounding areas.
Cabinet Member for Community, Cllr Andrew Baggott said: “Congratulations to Wickford and District Talking Newspaper on this impressive award from The Queen. The Council has been working with the group for 15 years to ensure that residents have access to the District Diary in different formats and are delighted that they have been recognised for the valuable work they do.” For details of all this year’s Award winners and information on how to nominate a group, visit www.direct.gov.uk/thequeensaward forvoluntaryservice to download a nomination form.
Young people interviewed locals about life in Basildon
YOUNG people have been speaking to older residents about their experiences and thoughts about living in the district as part of a new training project for teenagers. The Know Your Neighbour project, launched by Positive Futures and Basildon Council’s Sustainable Community Services, saw 30 young people between 14 and 19 years from the Basildon district create a project in which they received Open College Network accredited training in Radio Production and Digital Photography. Funded by Basildon Community Safety Partnership and the Department for Children, Schools and Families, young people formed teams of ‘Digital Explorers’ who interviewed local older people creating fantastic opportunities for young and old from different backgrounds to work together and learn more about each other. The aim of the project was to break negative Group volunteers Mike Ballinger, Penny Ullmer, Sally Webb and Lesley Warren
Picture courtesy: Pointblanklearning.com
stereotypes for all involved, provide exciting, engaging extra-curricular training for young people some of whom were not in education, employment or training (NEET), or were from deprived wards. This material created was exhibited in Basildon Library and is available online on at (www.pointblanklearning.com/casestudies/198.ph p).
Cabinet Member for Community, Cllr Andrew Baggott said: “This project offered an opportunity for local young people to learn new accredited skills as well as learn to celebrate the unique differences between members of the same community. “It showed them the startling similarities that all generations have, though often do not realise.” More information is available from Grant Taylor on: grant.taylor@basildon.gov.uk or 01268 294513.
7
8
August 2010
For tickets and information call the Box Office on 01268 465465
INTERNATIONAL THIEF STEALS “A” FROM BASILDON SIGN
Scenes from the Aladdin panto video available on Youtube
BASILDON's famous 'Hollywood-style' sign is missing a letter - after a internationally famous thief stole the 'A'. The bizarre incident was caught by workman on their mobile phone and has been uploaded to Basildon Council's Youtube account. But all is not what it seems (oh no it isn't!). Cheeky staff at Basildon's Towngate Theatre have now been revealed as the perpetrators, with panto star Simon Fielding the carpet-riding thief. Towngate manager Graham Sandford said: "We've seen mobile phone footage over the past few weeks of a strange flying object over Basildon. If you check out the Council's Youtube page, you can now see it's Aladdin on a flying carpet. He's obviously checking the area out before our Aladdin pantomime begins in December." Simon Fielding, who is playing Aladdin in the Towngate's 2010 pantomime, had to spend an afternoon doing 'green screen' work with local visual effects specialist David Martin to get the videos just right. Cllr Kevin Blake, the Council's Cabinet Member for Arts and Leisure, said: "The Towngate Theatre doesn't have a huge marketing budget and is using this rather unusual campaign to generate interest in its Christmas show. We've already had a lot of locals tell us how funny they've found the whole campaign." The videos can be seen at www.youtube.com/user/ BasildonCouncil
Julian Clary - Lord of the Mince! Coming up at the Towngate Theatre ONE OF Britain’s most talented Comedians comes to the Towngate Theatre this autumn for a stand up show not to be missed! Julian Clary has had a career that many would envy, with numerous television and stage appearances, he has performed as a comedian, an actor and more recently as a presenter. With an award winning autobiography under his belt, he has rightly been considered a house-hold name for many years. Now following the success of his Lord of the Mince show, which sold out in over 100 theatres across the UK, Australia and New Zealand, he is extending the run to spread the Julian Clary joy. He said: “I can't stop now - I’m me in a home for tired old knackers! ” 50. The shame of it! This will be an Julian Clary Lord of the Mince comes to intimate evening – a celebration, no less, the Towngate Theatre in Basildon on the of my twenty-five years in the spotlight: 27 October. Tickets are available through how I got there and why I refuse to the Box Office on 01268 465465 or via leave. Come and see me before they put www.essex-live.co.uk.
12 September - West End Story A fantastic revue featuring songs and medleys from some of the greatest musicals to have graced the stage of London's famous West End. 13 September - Peter Alliss The greatest golf commentator of all time comes to Basildon to speak about his colourful life as a professional golfer and then commentator. A must for all sports fans. 14 September - Let the Good Times Roll A wonderfully unique live 10 piece production that pays a memorable tribute to some of the greatest, deeply adored music of the 50s and 60s.
24 September - Buddy Greco The last original member of Sinatra’s Rat Pack, Buddy Greco is one of America’s most popular entertainers. He is still wowing crowds with his live performances and will be showcasing all his biggest hits. 28 September - Forces Sweethearts Featuring all the old favourites, the three sweethearts and their band bring a 2 hour show packed with everything from Vera Lynn to Gracie Fields and George Formby to Flanagan and Allen. Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01268 465465 or via www.essexlive.co.uk
Volunteers Needed THE TOWNGATE Theatre will be the centre of attention as it plays host to a major fire evacuation exercise. The event, on Friday 6 August, will see rescue services responding to an emergency at the theatre, dealing with casualties and evacuating the scene. Running from 10am to 1pm, the theatre is inviting members of the public to assist with the event and become involved with the theatre. Call Ross Wilkinson on 01268 465465, or email ross.wilkinson@basildon .gov.uk for more details.
POSTMAN PAT TICKET WINNERS Congratulations to Jayden & Natasha of Langdon Hills, winners of the Postman Pat Competition in the District Diary’s June edition
August 2010
EMPTY HOMES INITIATIVE PAYS PROPERTY owners are to be offered up to £35,000 to renovate their empty properties. Basildon Council, in partnership with Pathmeads Housing Association, has recently launched the Empty Homes Initiative. The money will be offered on a 50% grant 50% loan basis in return for the owner agreeing to lease the property for five years. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Frank Tomlin, said: “This is an improved offer to attract more interest from property owners. “This initiative demonstrates the Council and Pathmeads Housing Association’s commitment to providing homes for people in need. “This is an innovative scheme which could provide a home for someone in need and help improve neighbourhoods by reducing the numbers of empty homes. “It could also give the owner a financial incentive.” This year is the final year of the scheme funding. The scheme was
launched in October 2009. For more information
contact
9
ALLOWANCES FOR COUNCILLORS - 2009/2010 The Council's Scheme for Members' Allowances paid to elected Councillors, must be established within the regulatory framework set by the Government. A copy of the Members Allowances Scheme forms part of the Council's Constitution which is published on the Council's website. The approved Council budget for the Members' Allowances Scheme for the 2010/2011 financial year is £466,600 The Council is required to maintain records detailing all payments made to each individual Councillor. These records are open to inspection by any local government elector within the Basildon District by prior arrangement with the Head of Corporate Services at the Basildon Centre, St Martins Square, Basildon, SS14 1DL, and are also available on the Council’s website on a monthly basis The following list details payments to individual Councillors during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010. Key to Columns A = B= C= D=
Basic Allowance Special Responsibility Allowance Travel, Subsistence and Carers Allowance I.T Allowance
Figures for 2009/2010 A D
Money could be used to renovate windows
Housing Strategy Policy and Private Sector Officer Louise Biddiss on 01268 294056 or email louise.biddiss@basildon.gov.uk. Further information can also be found at http://www.pathmeads. org.uk.
Help us keep
our standards
Councillor Abrahall
£
B
£ 5,676.00
£ 8,516.00
C
Sub total £
D
TOTAL
£ 14,192.00
£ 573.00
14,765.00
5,676.00
573.00
6,249.00
SJ
Allen
5,676.00
AR
Archer
5,676.00
2,839.00
115.20
8,630.20
AS
Baggott
5,676.00
10,153.64
84.80
15,914.44
573.00
16,487.44
A
Ball
5,676.00
15,255.42
66.10
20,997.52
573.00
21,570.52
JA
Blake
5,676.00
1,420.00
7,096.00
573.00
7,669.00
K
Blake
5,676.00
10,153.64
15,829.64
573.00
16,402.64
K
Bobbin
5,676.00
6,049.20
573.00
6,622.20
G
Buckenham
5,675.00
S
Buckley
5,676.00
8,516.00
14,192.00
573.00
14,765.00
MR
Buckley
5,676.00
10,941.60
16,617.60
573.00
17,190.60
DJ
Dadds
5,676.00
2,453.39
8,129.39
573.00
8,702.39
AR
Davies
5,676.00
5,676.00
573.00
6,249.00
JD
Dornan
5,676.00
1,226.69
6,902.69
573.00
7,475.69
L
Gordon
5,676.00
4,258.00
9,934.00
573.00
10,507.00
AM
Hedley
5,676.00
591.29
S
Hillier
5,676.00
8,516.00
40.80
SE
Hillier
5,676.00
1,420.00
18.00
SJ
Horgan
5,676.00
11,380.31
J
Hyde
CR
Jackman
PL
373.20
8,630.20
5,675.00
5,675.00
6,267.29
573.00
6,840.29
14,232.80
573.00
14,805.80
7,114.00
573.00
7,687.00
17,056.31
573.00
17,629.31
5,676.00
5,676.00
573.00
6,249.00
5,676.00
5,676.00
573.00
6,249.00
Kirkman
5,676.00
5,676.00
573.00
6,249.00
M
Larkin
5,676.00
13,032.16
573.00
13,605.16
R
Livesey
5,676.00
5,676.00
573.00
6,249.00
L
Mackenzie
5,676.00
2,453.39
8,129.39
573.00
8,702.39
RA
Moore
5,676.00
10,153.64
15,995.44
573.00
16,568.44
C
Morris
5,676.00
3,875.18
9,551.18
573.00
10,124.18
DW
Morris
5,676.00
4,269.37
9,945.37
573.00
10,518.37
MO
Mowe
5,676.00
3,044.68
8,720.68
573.00
9,293.68
S
Nandanwar
5,676.00
5,950.00
573.00
6,523.00
J
Payn
5,676.00
5,676.00
573.00
6,249.00
R
Rackham
5,676.00
5,676.00
573.00
6,249.00
PA
Rackley
5,676.00
38.64
5,714.64
573.00
6,287.64
PW
Rackley
5,676.00
118.64
5,794.64
573.00
6,367.64
TL
Sargent
5,676.00
5,245.02
10,930.02
573.00
11,503.02
We are unable to consider people who have unspent criminal convictions, have been a councillor anywhere during the past five years, are related to, or personally friendly with any councillor or council officer, or are an employee of a local authority or a post holder with any political party.
NJ SB
Smith Sullivan
5,676.00 5,676.00
4,258.00
5,676.00 10,084.00
573.00 573.00
6,249.00 10,657.00
F
Tomlin
5,676.00
9,760.28
15,436.28
573.00
16,009.28
P
Turner
5,676.00
10,153.64
16,015.64
573.00
16,588.64
Independent members are entitled to a payment of £1,138pa under the council’s Scheme of Remuneration for Members.
B
Williams
5,676.00
1,420.00
7,096.00
573.00
7,669.00
G
Williams
5,676.00
1,420.00
7,096.00
573.00
7,669.00
LM
Williams
5,676.00
5,676.00
573.00
6,249.00
Total
Councillors
401,081.52
22,920.00
424,001.52
We are looking for one independent person to become a member of our Standards Committee. You will help to ensure high standards of conduct among those working in public services and elected councillors. If you think you have the qualities to take on this challenging role, we would like to hear from you. You must be aged 18 or over, live or work in Basildon district, and understand the area and some of the issues facing it. You should be impartial, have a good standing in the community, and support the council’s goals of being accountable, open, principled and committed to equality opportunities.
To find out more, please call Doug Smith, Monitoring Officer, on 01268 294602, or email him at doug.smith@basildon.gov.uk You can also write to him at: The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL.
238,391.00
7,356.16
274.00
150.00 186.00
161,059.34 1,631.18
Standards Committee - Independent members J
Buchanan
1,136.00
M
Fielding
1,704.00
A
Hollins
1,136.00
Rev E
McCafferty
1,136.00
JJ
Petherick
D
Knight
For more info contact Doug Smith
J
Quinlan
01268 294602
Total
You will be sent an information pack and application form which you should complete and return by 25 August 2010. Interviews will take place on 9 September 2010.
165.80
Grand Total
0.00
1,136.00
1,136.00
1,790.69
1,790.69
1,136.00
1,136.00
1,195.06
1,195.06
1,136.00
1,136.00
1,136.00
1.136.00
1,136.00
1,136.00
1,136.00
1,136.00
1,136.00
86.69 59.06
238,391.00 169,579.34 1,776.93 409,747.27 22,920.00 432,667.27
10
August 2010
A ROYAL PERFORMANCE AT PITSEA ONE OF Europe’s most popular Freddie Mercury tribute artists has been putting on a special performance for Pitsea Day Centre members. Sing and dancing to hits such as "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Somebody to Love", "We Are the Champions", "Don't Stop Me Now", “A Kind of Magic”, and "Crazy Little
Thing Called Love", Gary Goodmaze entertained the over 50 members at the Basildon Council run centre last month. Freddie Mercury was the lead singer of the popular rock band, Queen, and Goodmaze has been performing his tribute show worldwide to rave reviews for over a
“Petanque” you very much BASILDON’S first Petanque square is now open for use in Billericay’s Lake Meadows. Work was completed on the French Boules square in July and it is now open for all to enjoy. One person who will be making use of the new facility is Lewis Paul from the Billericay Petanque Group.
French boules can be played at Lake Meadows
The project, inspired by Mr Paul and his group, cost £15,000 in total and was joint funded by Basildon District Council, Essex Essex County Council Community Initiatives Fund, and Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust. Mr Paul, 74, of Billericay, said: “This development will open up the opportunity for everybody to play French Boules. It’s a game for all ages and abilities and can also be played by people with certain disabilities. “I’d like to thank Basildon Council and its partners for its cooperation in making this project such a success.” Cllr Phil Turner, Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “I would like to thank our partners for contributing funding to the Billericay Petanque Initiation Group who have got this facility underway in Billericay. I’m sure it will become a much loved attraction for the whole district and form a central part of one Billericay’s prime parks. Petanque, which is the French name for boules, is a game where the goal is, while standing with the feet together, to throw metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball or jack.
decade. Cabinet Member for Community, Cllr Andrew Baggott said: “Once again our day centres are putting on quality entertainment events for the district’s over 50 residents. To ensure that you do not miss out on these memorable performances become a member of a day centre near you today and enjoy the year round events and activities arranged.” Day Centre membership is open to anyone 50 years or over, and joining fees are £3 per year for Basildon district residents, and £7 per year for members from outside the district. For more information on becoming a member of Pitsea Day Centre, call 01268 465432.
Pitsea Day Centre staff with Gary Goodmaze
August 2010
11
BASFEST 2010 PHOTO REVIEW Over 40,000 revellers flocked to Gloucester Park in July making this year’s Basfest the best ever! More than 50 acts, including Heatwave; Basildon’s own Eurovision star, Josh Dubovie; and Abba, Robbie Williams, The Eagles and Motown tribute acts performed over the two day weekend as fans young and old soaked up the gorgeous summer weather, fun atmosphere and lots of food and drink!
12
August 2010
WORKING AGAINST CRIME SENIOR officials from Basildon’s Community Safety Partnership took to the street to ask the public what issues are important to them, as part of the Together Against Crime initiative. Basildon Council representatives, senior police officers, and staff from other statutory agencies were in Basildon Town Centre in July to offer the public safety advice. A question and answer session was held, to give the public a chance to ask senior representatives of the partnership questions about what they were doing to improve the lives of people living in the district. Shoppers were treated to a number of attractions, including face painting, a visit from the Essex Police mounted unit and a chance to look around the new Basildon SOS bus. Members of Essex Police also showed the public how to access crime figures for their
area and gave crime prevention advice, to about their crime and disorder concerns. “This has been a very successful event in educate people how they can reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime. engaging with the public and building One of the main attractions was the popular awareness of how we tackle crime and mock prison cell. The real-scale prison cell gave disorder in the district.” a real insight on just how uncomfortable a life behind bars really is, and people young and old could be heard saying ‘I never want to stay in one of those!’. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service also provided fire prevention advice through their popular chip-pan demonstration, which showed just how easy it is to start a devastating fire in the kitchen if the correct procedure is not followed. Bala Mahendran, Chairman of the Community Safety Partnership and chief executive at Basildon Council, said: “It was good to see Basildon residents talking to members of the partnership Fire demonstration held in the town centre
Voluntary groups secure over £270,000 in funding VOLUNTARY groups in the district have benefited from over £270,000 in funding over the last eight months thanks to
One of the funding workshops held
Basildon, Billericay and Wickford Council of Voluntary Service (BBWCVS). BBWCVS, based at the Basildon Council’s run George Hurd Centre, organised 12 funding workshops for statutory and third sector groups in the district and Brentwood. The workshops aimed to support groups and organisations to successfully complete funding applications and tenders, helping groups secure £270,284 in funding, with at least another £450,000 still pending a decision. Cabinet Member for Community, Cllr Andrew Baggott, said: “Local voluntary
groups are essential as they provide vital services for residents in our community. By helping groups to attract more funding, BBWCVS is proving help and support to people who need it most.” The next BBWCVS forum meeting is on Tuesday 12 September at St George’s Suite, Basildon Centre, from 2pm to 4pm. The meeting is open to all, especially those with an interest in one of the voluntary forum groups (Children, Young People and Families; Minorities; Health and Social Care; Arts and Culture). Information Packs are also available by contacting BBWCVS on 01268 294124.
Top 10 BBQ tips this summer
WITH the British BBQ season upon us, Basildon Council’s environmental health team have some top tips to enjoy a healthy and safe BBQ. In the summer, levels of food poisoning soar with around 120,000 extra cases of illness recorded across the UK when the weather is at its warmest. The Council is reminding residents about the importance of good food hygiene in the home. Cllr Richard Moore, Cabinet Member for Development Control and Customer Services, Enjoy a safe BBQ said: “Every year we are notified of more than 200 cases of food poisoning and those are just the ones we know about. The number of cases tends to increase as the weather gets warmer.” “With a BBQ summer underway, we are taking the opportunity to remind people of the simple things they can do to keep themselves and their families’ safe with our ‘Top 10 BBQ tips’”. For more details call 01268 294286. For more food safety advice, visit www.eatwell.gov.uk/keepingfoodsafe.
Fully defrost food in the refrigerator before cooking, unless the instructions state otherwise Keep meat and poultry which you are marinating in the fridge. Do not re-use the marinade Wash vegetables and salad items carefully to remove any soil and dirt and then wash the soil from your hands, kitchen surfaces and other kitchen facilities Keep all food refrigerated (keep between 0C and 5C) or in a “cool box” (with plenty of ice packs) until just before it is to be cooked or consumed Wash hands thoroughly before preparing food, after touching raw meat and before eating Keep serving bowls, food and
utensils covered to protect from dust and insects Keep pets away from food, dishes and preparation surfaces Always use separate utensils and chopping boards for preparing or transferring the raw or cooked meat. Even on the BBQ, try to keep the raw and cooked foods separate. NEVER put cooked food on plates that held raw meat Always ensure the food is thoroughly cooked before serving. Make sure burgers, sausages and chicken in particular are cooked until they are piping hot, there is no pinkness inside and the juices run clear Keep the food piping hot until it is eaten. Don’t reheat BBQ food – throw it away if not eaten within 2 hours
Second life for furniture
Furniture re-use project RESIDENTS are being encouraged to recycle unwanted furniture through Basildon Council’s furniture re-use project. Donating furniture still in working order to the Lighthouse furniture re-use project gives items a second life - and may be useful to a family or another person who really needs it! The Lighthouse furniture re-use project collects large items from you - give them a call first for the greenest way of getting rid of your old furniture, white goods and items. They are also interested in house clearances. For more information call the project on 01277 222050 or visit www. lighthousefurniture.org
You Said, We Did BASILDON Community Safety Partnership, which Basildon Council is a lead member of, has been working together with Essex Probation’s Community Payback team to undertake a spring clean on the Redbrick Estate in Basildon. It was held in June as a result of a 'You Said, We Did' survey, done earlier in the year, in which residents said rubbish and litter was a top priority regarding their perception of the area they live in.
Amnesty continues BASILDON Council’s area clean ups and amnesties are well underway. The scheduled days include a rubbish amnesty, litterpickers, street sweeping, graffiti removal and parks crews all in the area on the same day to give areas a real clean up.
August 2010
Calling all property Owners!
EMPTY HOMES SCHEME
Do you own one or more empty properties in Basildon, Thurrock, Castle Point, Southend or Rochford? Need financial assistance to refurbish them?
Would you like to have a regular rental income from the property?
* Up to ÂŁ35,000 could be available for refurbishment work *
Hurry! This is final year of scheme funding! The scheme is run by the five local authorities of Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend and Thurrock who have appointed Pathmeads Housing Association as their delivery partner, with Shenstone Services as the approved contractor. For further information, please contact your Council’s private housing service:
Rochford District Council Tel: 01268 294056
Tel: 01268 882341
Tel: 01702 546366
Tel: 01702 534363
Tel: 01375 652387
13
14
August 2010
NATIONAL FRAUD INITIATIVE BASILDON District Council is taking part in the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) to help protect taxpayers’ money from being used fraudulently. Run by the Audit Commission, NFI matches electronic data held by the Council with data from other public bodies, such as the police, local probation boards and fire and rescue authorities to see how far they match. This data, usually involving personal information, is used to prevent and identify potentially fraudulent claims and payments. Where a match is found it indicates that there is an inconsistency that requires further investigation. No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is carried out. Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Phil Turner, said: “By working with the National Fraud Initiative, the Council is
working smarter in the fight against fraud. Reducing the abuse of taxpayers’ money means funds can be spent where it is needed. Residents can rest assured that the Council is continuing to protect their interests and deliver value for money.” The Audit Commission currently requires the Council to participate by providing particular sets of data for matching for each exercise. These are set out in the Audit Commission’s guidance, which can be found at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nfi. The use of data by the Audit Commission is carried out with statutory authority under its powers in Part 2A of the Audit Commission Act 1998. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 it does not require the consent of the individuals concerned. Data matching by the Audit Commission is subject to a Code of Practice. This is available at http://www.audit-
commission.gov.uk/nfi/pages/codeofdatamatchingpractic e.aspx. For further information on the Audit Commission’s legal powers, and reasons why it matches particular information, visit the Commission’s website at: http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk, contact the NFI on 0844 798 2222, or email: nfiqueries@auditcommission.gov.uk.
Information provide for housing benefits can be data matched
Be safe, join a local credit union
Cllr Andrew Baggott with Alison Davies
“BEWARE of loan sharks”, is the stark warning being given by Basildon Council as some residents continue to struggle financially as the country comes out of the recession. As the Council continues working with residents and businesses, to help them get through what are still difficult times for a lot of people, it is encouraging people to contact their local credit union, Essex Savers, rather than resorting to dangerous loan sharks. Cabinet Member for Community, Cllr Andrew Baggott said: “Becoming a member of a Credit Union gives you a secure place to save plus affordable loans together with access to money and budgeting advice. “This can encourage better money management, break bad spending habits and the feelings of anxiety and stress associated with debt. “Basildon Council urges residents
experiencing financial difficulties to contact a credit union, rather than resorting to illegal loan sharks whose interests rates can be several thousand percent, putting residents into even more debt.” President of Essex Savers Credit Union, Alison Davies, said: "’Don't get in with a loan shark... It will cost you an arm and a leg!’ “If you need a loan, want to save for Christmas or a holiday, or can't open a bank account to receive your wages or housing benefits, then speak to Essex Savers to see how we can help you.” Another credit union, the Basildon Credit Union Limited, provides credit and saving facilities in the district. However, it currently only offers membership through the workplace. Contact Essex Savers Credit Union on 01245 496314, email info@essexsavers.co.uk, or visit www.essex savers.co.uk for further details.
Nature detectives WEEE recycling JOIN The Friends of Wick Country Park this August for a free family day, and become a nature detective by exploring the park and investigating the underwater world of pond dipping. Held at Wick Country Park, Tresco Way, Wickford on Sunday 15 August from 1pm to 4pm, the nature quest is organised by The Friends of the Wick Country Park, a small group of volunteers who work with Basildon Council to arrange and run free, family friendly events for the local community. On the day there will also be nature related exhibitions, crafts, and a nature quiz which will require participants to put their thinking caps on to answer the questions.
Children must be accompanied by an adult and dogs are welcome, if they are on a lead. For more information visit www.friendsof thewickcountrypark.co.uk.
Wick Country Park Nature detectives
BASILDON Council is encouraging home owners to dig out unwanted electrical items and recycle them. Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Many of us continue to hang on to small electricals when we no longer have a use for them, whether they are broken or have been replaced with the latest model, when they can be easily recycled.” Waste electrical and electronic items (WEEE) that can be recycled at Barleylands recycling centre in Billericay include: large household ap-
pliances, cooling appliances like fridges and freezers, display equipment including TV's, gas discharge lamps such as fluorescent tubes, and long-life bulbs and small electricals, like hairdryers and toasters. The centre is open 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer until November. Contact Streetcare on 01268 294949 for details. Items can also be taken to Pitsea’s Recycling Centre for Household Waste. For details call 0845 603 7625.
August 2010 WWW.BASILDON.GOV.UK/RECYCLING
New Food Waste Recycling starting October 2010!
N O O S G N I COM
cooked/ uncooked meat & bones
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EARN £10 WITH GET OUT THERE! TELL US WHAT WOULD GET YOU ACTIVE! “Get Out There!” Basildon want to improve your quality of life. We want to know what your interests are, how far you would travel to do it, and how much you would be willing to pay to improve your health. Email your suggestions to richard.meggison@basildon.gov.uk and the best suggestions will all receive a £10 voucher. The new “Get Out There!” brochure is out now! So pick up a copy at any of the district’s leisure centres or swimming pools to find more ways for you to get active.
STEEL FRAME WORK COMPLETED THE STEEL frame for Essex’s premier public sports facility has been completed. Over 820 tonnes and 5000 pieces of steel work have been erected on site as the Basildon Sporting Village takes shape. Water testing has also been done on the county’s first 50 metre pool, where the concrete lining of the pool has been filled with water to test the integrity of the concrete and make sure it is water tight before rendering and tiling takes place. The Sporting Village, opening in April 2011 will include the first 50 metre swimming pool in Essex and provide facilities for a wide range of sports, including athletics, gymnastics, swimming, trampoline, badminton, netball, and basketball. It will also boast a regional gymnastics centre, large sports hall, fitness centre, multi purpose studio and climbing wall.
Other facilities include six floodlit five-a-side artificial pitches, meeting and function rooms, a café and car parking. Cllr Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Leisure and the Arts, said: “It seems remarkable at how much work has taken place since the project launched back in October. The steel frame is now completed and demonstrates the true scale of this ambitious project, and shows what a great asset it will be for Basildon and the whole area. “The Sporting Village will encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles, participate in sport, and inspire the next generation of athletes.” The Basildon Sporting Village is being led by Basildon District Council and Basildon Renaissance Partnership and has been supported by funding from Essex County Council, EEDA, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Sport England and the Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust.
Local swimmers are joined by Sporting Villlage partners as the 50 metre pool is water tested
Hundreds join Basildon’s SX Urban Games “The Games” HUNDREDS of local school children and sports enthusiasts got together at “The Games” in Gloucester Park North at the end of July. Celebrating two years until the start of London 2012, and run as part of the 'Get Out There' project, 'The Games' gave youngsters the opportunity to compete on a top quality facility under the eye of professional coaches. “The Games” took place in the shadow of the construction of the Basildon Sporting Village, where the first 50 metre pool in Essex is being built along with a regional gymnastics centre, sports hall, creche, cafe and interactive gym. Competitors took part in a range of activities including a 100 metre sprint, long jump, shot putt, and much more. Prizes were awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and there were also prizes for participants displaying sporting spirit. The council also partnered up with Positive futures to deliver basketball and football competitions.
“The Games” held at Gloucester Park North Printed on 75% recycled paper. Please recycle your District Diary after reading.
YOUNG performers and sports enthusiasts are set to take centre stage when Basildon Council hosts an Urban Games event on Saturday 28 August. Gloucester Park will be the venue for the Basildon SX Urban games, which is made up of several different sports and activities including skateboarding, bmx-ing, street 20 cricket, boxing and hip-hop dancing, proving you don't need to play mainstream sport to be active. The event for young people of all ages is being funded by Basildon Council, Sport Essex, the Essex Legacy Team, Positive Futures and Network Rail. The Urban Games is a great tool to inspire young people to be involved in positive, physical activities and therefore has recently been awarded the Olympic 2012 Inspire Mark. Professional skateboarders, football and basketball freestylers, such as Colin Nell will be there to wow the crowd with demonstrations taking place all day. Cllr Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Leisure and the Arts, said: “The Urban Games is not just about sport but also music giving young people the opportunity to get involved in music production workshops. DJ’s, bands, beatboxers, and dance crew Kayzar will also be providing additional entertainment for the duration of the event. “The Street/Sport aspect of the event inspires young people to take part in recreational sport in an Swimfin classes at Gloucester Park Swimming Pool informal way, without the pressure of competition and without the fear BASILDON Council runs swimming lessons for all ages and abilities across the district, as well as crash courses for children during the school holidays. of ridicule.” For more information on swimming lessons, or for your free learn to If you would like any more swim guide, call Gloucester Park on 01268 523588 or email information contact the Leisure team debbie.maxwell@basildon.gov.uk. on 01268 465443.
SWIMFIN FUN
Basildon District 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