HALL FOR HIRE
LOCAL ELECTIONS RESULTS
Licensed Bar 92 car parking spaces available ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Funeral wakes FREE OF CHARGE
May 2010
basildon.gov.uk
B BC E S S E X P R E S E N T E R J O IN S T HE DISTRICT DIARY
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SEE PAGE 3
Bowers Sports & Social Club Crown Ave, Pitsea SS13 2BE 01268 452068
- See page 6
- See page 2
HOUSING FRAUD CRACK DOWN COUNCIL tenants who commit housing fraud have been given two weeks to come clean - or face court. The two-week amnesty began on 12 May and is part of a campaign to freeup hundreds of Council properties for families most in need. It targets tenants who are illegally sub-letting their property or have left it vacant. Cllr Phil Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: "It may be that, over the years, a tenant has made some bad choices and now wants to come clean and have a fresh start. “This amnesty gives them exactly that. Once the amnesty ends on 26 May, our team will be working 24/7 and any tenant caught committing Council house fraud will be prosecuted." Research suggests as much as five per cent of UK Council owned properties might be subject to housing fraud. Temporary accommodation can be costly and there are approximately 4,000 people on the Housing Register, many of these are families desperate for accommodation. Cllr Turner continued: “Some people, for a variety of personal reasons, are not actually living in their Council property but cannot bring themselves to hand the property back. “Whilst we appreciate that people's lives move on, this is not acceptable
when there is such a high waiting list.” Using funds from central government, the campaign is seen as a major offensive on housing fraud with extra resources now available to investigate and prosecute.
During the amnesty, tenants who have committed housing fraud through Council properties can contact St George’s Community Housing to repay any rent arrears and hand back the property - but they will not
face a criminal prosecution. Residents can report suspected housing fraud to the Council's confidential Fraudline by calling 01268 294566 or online at www.basildon.gov.uk.
BEST ST GEORGE’S DAY IN ESSEX
St George and the dragon were just one of the highlights of this year’s celebration
BASILDON Council's St George's Day celebrations have been hailed the best in Essex – and fourth best in the country. Thousands of people enjoyed this year’s event which included market stalls, a parade and balloon release, a BBC Essex roadshow and a performance from the world famous Joe Loss Orchestra. The Council also produced its special “Party in a Box” for community groups filled with flags, party hats, balloons and bunting. The "Saint George Unofficial Bank Holiday" group rated Birmingham and Manchester City Councils top for their events, with Basildon narrowly behind third-placed Broxbourne Borough Council. The group’s Graham Smith, said: “Basildon Council is leading the way in Essex and have scored highly through the originality of its “Party in a Box” and the quality of the events it organises. “We’re not talking about spending large sums of money. There is a lot that can be done free of charge and Basildon Council has demonstrated that.” To see photos of the day visit www.basildon.gov.uk or visit the Basildon Council facebook page.
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May 2010
Showing our support!
THIS EDITION’S HIGHLIGHTS
Chairman’s message from Cllr Mo Larkin
p4 Council nets global trade deal
p6 Will Young to sing in Billericay
p10 Council committed to Wickford
p14 District gets a “spring clean”
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. 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. 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.
Now the election is over there is another important vote coming up that I need to draw your attention to. Yes, it's Eurovision time! I realise this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but this year there's a special reason to tune in. Josh DuBovie, a local lad, will be representing the UK in Oslo on 29 May and he's likely to seen by more than 100m viewers across the world. Josh grew up in Laindon and attended the Billericay School. I've known him for years, of course, and take much personal pride in his amazing achievements which are down to his own hard work and dedication, and the support of his family. Of course, we can't vote for our own performer, but we can show Josh our support by tuning in. Just last month, I was in Meaux in France, which is one of the towns Basildon is twinned with. I was a guest of Jean-Francois Cope, who is the Mayor of Meaux and also a very prominent Cabinet Minister in France. We were marking the beginning of building works for a new first world war museum
Garden Diary with BBC Essex presenter Ken Crowther
Now is the time to plant up beds, borders, hanging baskets and patio containers with tender bedding plants that will turn gardens into a riot of colour for summer. Be warned though, my Old Dad used to say there can always be a frost any time up to Cup Final day, so just watch the weather for cold frosty nights that could damage these tender plants, and cover with fleece or Peter Seabrook’s favourite was to use old net curtains. When planting out bedding give the plants a thorough watering in the trays or pots before planting so they have had a good drink. Try and choose plants for the right position in your garden. For a shady spot you can plant Busy Lizzies and
fibrous rooted Begonias, they thrive without too much direct sun. So too will Pansies, Canterbury Bells, Lobelia and even Coleus. For a hot, sunny spot plant Geraniums, Petunias, Zinnia and Eschscholzia (Californian poppy) as they are much more tolerant of hot, dry conditions. When planting it’s better if the soil is moist but never wet, so it ends up claggy. Lightly dig the hole with a trowel and firm down with the fingertips, and don’t push too hard as compressed soil is not what you want. Water well in, then leave for a couple of days for the roots to start looking for water, then when they start to grow you could add Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food or other soluble plant food so you can feed and water at the same time. By applying the plant food over the leaves and around the roots you will quickly help the plant to get moving. The nutrients that are absorbed in the first few weeks will help the plants roots to establish quickly.
Cllr Mo Larkin with the staff and pupils of Basildon Lower Academy, winners of the St George’s Day Favourite English Literary Character competition which is scheduled to be completed in September 2011, when it will be opened by the President of France. It was a very high profile event and I was even seen on France's national TV news. So it was great for our district to get that sort of recognition. I would also like to thank the thousands of people who came to our St George's Day event in
St Martin's Square in Basildon on 23 April. It was a wonderful day with all sorts of entertainment including markets stalls, morris dancers, a parade through the town and a BBC Essex roadshow. Our balloon release also went off without a hitch, and we've already received cards back from all across Europe. It's been quite a month!
35,000 Census jobs up for grabs PREPARATIONS are under way for the next Census, and Basildon Council is encouraging residents to apply for one of the 35,000 jobs available across the country. The Office for National Statistics (ONS), in conjunction with Capita, their recruitment contractor, is looking to recruit local people to fill a range of fixed term posts in the lead up to the 2011 count. The posts include address checkers, area managers, census collectors and census co-ordinators. Chris White, Executive Director at Basildon Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for our residents to take advantage of the wide range of jobs that the Census will create. “The 2011 Census is crucial in providing us with a detailed picture of the population of our district, allowing us to
target the Council’s resources more effectively.” The 2011 full Census of England and Wales will involve the collection, processing and analysis of information from more than 25 million households and takes place every 10 years. All those recruited for the 2011 Census will be employed directly by the ONS and Capita. For more information on the jobs available, visit www.censusjobs.co.uk.
May 2010
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40,000 AT WAT TYLER VISITOR numbers soared to almost 40,000 at Wat Tyler Country Park during the first seven days of the recent Easter Break. The park, based in Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, saw record numbers flock to enjoy the sunshine and attractions such as the miniature railway, Go Bonkers Bouncy Castle Village, free play area and the new Wat Tyler visitor centre. Steve Prewer, Basildon Council’s Manager of Open Spaces, said: “Despite disruptions because of the landscaping works it has been great to see so many people out enjoying the sun and the new facilities the park has to offer as well as the much loved attractions we’ve had for many years. “The free play area was a particular hit
with our younger visitors. The conversion of an old machine shed into a “Dutch” barn is almost complete and will provide shelter from the rain and shade from the sun as well as potentially being a venue for farmers’ markets and outside education groups.” The recently opened RSPB Information Centre and Discovery Zone has also proved popular with visitors. Mr Prewer added: “The park is a haven for watery wildlife in the ponds and our teaching staff have been doing an excellent job entertaining and educating young people about the exciting creatures to be found around the park.” For more details visit www.wattylercountrypark.org.uk or call 01268 550088.
2010 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS RESIDENTS across the district voted in their thousands in the local and parliamentary elections on May 6. In the Basildon Council elections, 14 of the 16 Council wards were contested with all parties holding their seats - the Conservatives held 11 seats, Labour two seats and the Liberal Democrats one. This means Basildon Council is still made up of 29 Conservative councillors, 10 Labour councillors and three Liberal Democrat councillors. In the parliamentary election, Conservative candidate Stephen Metcalfe won the South Basildon and East Thurrock seat, John Baron remains Conservative MP for the new Basildon and Billericay constituency, and Conservative Mark Francois won the Rayleigh and Wickford seat. The parliamentary boundaries changed recently following a reorganisation by the Boundary Commission for England.
Turnout for the local elections was 64% while the parliamentary turnout was 64% for Basildon and Billericay seat, and 62% for the South Basildon and East Thurrock seat. For a full list of the new Councillors, look out for the June edition of the District Diary or visit www.basildon.gov.uk.
2010 Election count underway
Recycling your food waste
Food waste
collection
Miniature railway at Wat Tyler Country Park
Town Centre’s new glow A MAJOR improvement works programme in Basildon town centre has been completed. The project was funded by the Homes and Communities Agency not by Council Tax money and cost £750,000. The money has been used to make major changes to the lighting around the Town and St Martin’s Squares. Feature lighting and improved security lighting have been installed along with four centre piece lighting columns, to replace the current lamp posts that run along Town Square. Cllr Stephen Horgan, deputy leader of the Council said: “The new lighting will give the town centre vitality at night and will hopefully create some talking points. “This is a project with the future very much in mind. Over the next 25 years Basildon town centre will be transformed, and a vibrant night time economy created.” The iconic town clock has also returned to a new key location in St Martin’s Square. The lifts and stairs leading up to Northgate House were also completed, after the Council’s intervention last year, when the group appointed to do the work went bankrupt.
Popular Crunch service expanded AN EXTENDED “Crunch Service” is being launched offering 44 additional visits across the district. Basildon Council has pledged £90,000 over the next three years to expand the mobile tip service, which accepts any household waste except paint. The service will be running over 170 times a year at locations district-wide on a scheduled basis. This new investment will add 11 new locations with four visits to each new site throughout the year. Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “The Crunch Service is hugely popular with residents, which is why we want to make sure investment in these services continues. “The new locations for the Crunch visits will mean that more areas of the district are covered.
“The funding we’re putting towards these schemes will increase recycling at the site to help us reach our 50% recycling target rate, and make the service easier to access for everyone.” There will also be a trial for recycling wood and electrical waste taking place at selected Crunch sites. The Crunch is a free Basildon Council service designed to help you keep your home free of clutter. There are two types of Crunch Service available – a green crunch for garden waste recycling and normal crunch for other materials, such as general household waste. The Crunch takes place from 9am to noon each Saturday. For more information on the new locations and timetables for the Crunch call Streetcare on 01268 294949 or visit basildon.gov.uk/recycling.
CRUNCH TIMES IN MAY/JUNE 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. Time: 9am until noon unless otherwise stated. 22 May Wickford – The Wick Country Park Laindon Link – Bluehouse Community Centre (G) Vange - Redgrave Road s/o no.4 9am to 10.30am, Southview Road opposite dentist 10.30am to noon Craylands – Linchfields Hill - rear of shops 29 May Wickford – Alderney Gardens - rear of shops Billericay – Radford Crescent - Car Park (G) Laindon – Five Links Somercotes next to shops Pitsea – Kenneth Road - in layby
12 June Ramsden Bellhouse – Village Hall (G) Billericay – Meadow Rise/ Kelvedon Rise behind shops Laindon Hills – Triangle shops Steeple View – Kings Crescent 19 June Wickford – Kershaws Close - rear of Neverdon Road shops Billericay – Little Burstead car park (G) Fryerns – Ghyllgrove - opposite the Upway Chalvedon – Mill Green - layby near car park
EACH YEAR an estimated 12,000 tonnes of food waste are collected in your black sacks by Basildon Council’s waste and recycling team - which ends up in a landfill site. Food waste in landfill produces methane – a greenhouse gas 25 times more polluting than carbon dioxide. To reduce this problem, and improve the district’s recycling performance, Basildon Council is pleased to announce a new food waste collection from October 2010. Look out for updates in your District Diary showing how the collections will work and how you can help Basildon recycle 50% of its household waste by 2012.
Housing benefit pay changes ALL RESIDENTS claiming housing benefit will now be receiving their payments by bank transfer. Since 1 April, Basildon Council has been making all housing benefit payments by BACS, an electronic transfer directly into someone’s bank account, instead of the more expensive cheque option. Cllr Phil Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources, welcomed the change as another example where efficiency measures are benefiting Basildon’s residents and saving taxpayers’ cash. In cases where bank details have not been provided, residents will receive a letter urging them to provide bank details so their benefit payment can be paid.
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May 2010
COUNCIL NETS GLOBAL TRADE DEAL BASILDON Council signed a memorandum of understanding with a prosperous Chinese local authority in March that will help to develop trade links between the two countries. The deal was struck as part of a visit to Basildon by the Changzhou Municipal People’s Government. Along with signing a memorandum of understanding, the delegation visited Ford Dunton, Prospects College, Basildon and Essex Police and Basildon Hospital’s Cardiothoracic Centre, and attended the business networking event at the Towngate Theatre. Cllr Stephen Horgan, Deputy Leader, said:
“This agreement highlights the high regard Basildon is held in as a business location. It is vital to keep developing stronger international ties to ensure our companies’ success by cooperating with the public sector in countries such as China, where local authorities often have the essential links.” This will be taken forward throughout the year by helping Basildon companies to find trading partners in China. China is the world’s second biggest economy and has been the UK’s fastest growing export market since 2002 and in December 2007 became the largest export market in Asia for British goods.
Basildon Chairman Cllr Mo Larkin and Changzhou Vice Mayor Sun Guojian signing the Memorandum of Understanding
Basildon Council closes in on cheats SINCE the beginning of the year, over 10 benefit cheats, prosecuted by Basildon Council have been sentenced. The value of benefits stolen ranges from £2,500 up to £28,000, with various punishments including unpaid work and suspended imprisonment. Cllr Phil Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources, wanted to remind residents that the Council takes benefit fraud extremely
seriously. “Our specialist Fraud Investigations team work tirelessly to successfully prosecute those suspected of benefit fraud, no matter what the value of benefits falsely claimed. I maintain that benefit fraud is not a victimless crime. Cheats would take care to remember they are stealing from the public purse. “No matter how hard they try to cover their tracks evidence of their
deceit is left somewhere and our investigations team use a variety of methods to uncover it. Residents who suspect someone they know of committing benefit fraud can complete an online form at www.basildon.gov.uk or call 01268 294566. The more details you can provide will help us with our investigation. You do not have to give your name but if you do, your details will be treated with the strictest confidence.
COUNCILLOR SURGERY TIMES The full list of councillor surgery times can be found at www. basildon.gov.uk, and will also be included in the next edition of the District Diary.
Benefit Fraud poster
RAISING OUR NATIONAL PROFILE
BASILDON sign on A127
NEW SIGNAGE has been appearing across Basildon’s business heart as part of a project to raise the profile and improve the appearance of the newly named Basildon Enterprise Parks. Along with 22 new highway signs, three new enterprise park signs directing people to the various business locations have also been installed. Most noticeably of all though is the new landmark BASILDON sign on the A127/A176 Noak Bridge junction that has attracted national publicity. The £400,000 project was funded from the Government’s Thames Gateway programme, with Basildon beating other areas to the cash. The investment was ring fenced for the A127 signage project and could not be used for other purposes.
May 2010
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HUNDREDS ATTEND BUSINESS LINK UP Offers for your little one
Nappy offer PARENTS in the Basildon district can take advantage of two special offers if they give cloth nappies a try for their baby. Basildon Council – which supported ‘Real Nappy Week’ - is offering a £10 laundry service refund plus a sample nappy pack for just £10. The aim of the ‘Real Nappy Week’ campaign is to encourage more people to use cloth nappies. These are more environmentally friendly than disposable ones. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Malcolm Buckley said: “Using home laundered nappies makes sense, as they can be used over and over again saving parents’ money.” To get your voucher visit essex.gov.uk/nappies, or call the nappy helpline on 01245 437318. To order your sample pack, visit modernbaby.co.uk, or call 0800 093 1500.
A MAJOR networking event to get Basildon businesses talking has been hailed a huge success. Over 300 people from approximately 175 businesses from Basildon got together at the biggest local networking event of 2010, which took place at the Towngate Theatre in March. The free event was run by Basildon Council and the Basildon Renaissance Partnership. Over 300 guests were treated to ‘a taste of the orient’ with a free buffet and refreshments, and oriental themed entertainment, including
foot juggling, lion dances, a Chinese magic show, and a charity casino. Cllr Phil Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources said the event was a great night and hoped it would become an annual event: “Events such as this are vital for local business prosperity and this event was a huge success. “This event will have helped companies build supply chains with each other and generate vibrancy in the local markets, increasing the prosperity of local businesses which ultimately benefits our wider community.
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
Networking event held at the Towngate Theatre
Dancing
Health Products
Photography
PC Repairs
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.
Networking
Folk Festival returns FOLLOWING the success of last year’s Wat Tyler Folk Festival, the event returns this year and promises to be a day of music not to be missed. Held at Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, on Sunday 12 September between noon and 7pm, headlining the festival is Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds. Star of ‘Bottom’ and ‘The Young Ones’, Edmondson’s band was recently nominated for the best live act award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Tickets are £12 and £8 concessions, and are available from the Towngate Box Office on 01268 465465, via Essex Live at www.essex-live.co. uk or directly from Wat Tyler Country Park.
Restoration
Takeaway
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Lickin’ fried Chicken
est 1981
Specialists in Re-Upholstering and French Polishing Free Estimates, Collection, Delivery Satisfaction Guaranteed 10% Discount for the Over 50’s Tel: 01268 573835
‘Furniture the way it used to be made ’
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
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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May 2010
STARS REVEALED FOR BILLERICAY GALA MULTI platinum-selling artist Will Young and award winning pop singer Sophie EllisBextor have joined the star line-up for the 2010 Billericay Gala Weekend. Organised by Basildon Council, the two day open-air concert on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July is being held at Billericay’s Lake Meadows Park. On Saturday 24 July, TV star Barry Norman will host 'Proms in the Park'. The world famous City Orchestra - a full 40+ piece orchestra - will perform a range of classical hits accompanied by top soprano Elizabeth McDonald and a guest tenor. On Sunday 25 July, Will Young headlines his
summer open-air concert, supported by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Will is the recipient of two Brit Awards and has a catalogue of classic pop songs, from ‘Evergreen’ to ‘Your Game’ to ‘Leave Right Now’ - which has been selected as the winner’s song for the 2010 series of American Idol. Sophie is famous for hits including ‘Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)’ and ‘Murder on the Dance Floor’ - a song that remained in the UK Charts for 23 weeks and was Europe's most played track of the year. Tickets for each day are available from the Towngate Theatre Box Office on 01268 465465 or online at www.essex-live.co.uk.
District shines at Young People Police Awards TWO teams from the Basildon district won awards at the Essex Police Young People of the Year ceremony. Team 35, a group of unemployed young people from Basildon who spruced up a run-down, vandalised pre-school building, won second prize at the awards in March. The group, from the Prince’s Trust, were nominated for raising £1,000 to repair and re-paint the outside of the building with artwork about the solar system, marine life and cartoon characters to aid the children in their learning. Wickford’s ‘Partini’, a group of five youngsters who raise awareness of alcohol-related issues to their peers, won the Junior runner up prize for their work with students at Beauchamps High School. The group were fed up with the bad press given to young people and decided to
Wickford’s Partini with Essex Police officers
teach other students about how much fun can be had without alcohol – by providing free fancy non-alcoholic cocktails at the school discos.
HEALTH BUS IN CRAYLANDS
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Tips for Safe travelling by Taxi in Basildon district
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 cannot charge more than the metered fare
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
“... and they’re off!”
Summer at the races Members of Basildon Council’s day centres will be ‘off to the races’ as part of a line-up of celebration and entertainment this summer. A special lunch is being held at the George Hurd Centre on Tuesday 25 May to celebrate its second anniversary and this will include entertainment from local group “What Friends Are Four”. This is followed by a Horse Racing Afternoon on Wednesday 30 June. Members of the Laindon Day Centre will enjoy an 'Ascot Races' Ladies Day on Thursday 17 June including horse racing, afternoon tea, bubbly and a best hat contest. The events are open to members only. To join, call Tricia Radmore on 01268 465854.
Compost freebies NHS SW Essex workers, health trainers and the Council’s Community Development Coordinator, Heather Wood
A COMMUNITY is being encouraged to visit a new weekly mobile clinic to get health checks and advice. Vitality, the local health and well-being service run by NHS South West Essex Community Services, is working in partnership with Basildon Council to bring its new mobile health improvement unit or “health bus” to Basildon. Since April, the Craylands Estate has been the permanent base for the multi-purpose clinic which operates every Tuesday between 10am and 1pm. Basildon residents are encouraged to come down to the mobile clinic in Exeter Close on the Craylands Estate with any health improvement questions related to stopping smoking, losing weight, eating better or to book a health check. Rab Fallon, Head of Housing Services at Basildon Council, said: “Basildon Council and NHS South West Essex are committed to improving the health and well being of the residents of Craylands. “We encourage Craylands residents to come along next Tuesday”. For further information call 0800 077 8000, or visit www.lovevitality.org.
RESIDENTS from across the district have been helping themselves to free garden compost, thanks to Basildon Council. The Council invited residents to visit the Barleylands Depot to help themselves to some free compost for their gardens – made using the garden waste collected from their green bins! On the day, three tonnes of compost were donated by Veolia Environmental to help close the recycling loop. This shows how everything you recycle can be used to make a useful product – in this case a rich soil improver to help your flowers bloom this springtime.
May 2010
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For tickets and information call the Box Office on 01268 465465
ARE YOU READY FOR ALADDIN? BASILDON’S Towngate Theatre has officially unveiled Aladdin as its annual pantomime for 2010/11. The news was broken in spectacular style as a rickshaw holding panto star Simon Fielding rolled into St Martin's Square. The show set to run at the Towngate Theatre between 1st December and 3rd January comes after the success of last year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk which saw a record number of people visiting the theatre. The fourth pantomime to be held at the Towngate, it is already showing signs of being a huge hit with tickets already selling well. Graham Sandford, the Towngate's manager, said: "It's important we don't rely on just two or three pantomimes, so we keep having to
think a year ahead. “Two years ago it was Cinderella, last year Jack and the Beanstalk and for 2010/11 its going to be a fantastic production of Aladdin." He added “We are very pleased to have Simon Fielding back this year. He is a superb performer and director and is passionate about putting on a great show. “Last year’s was the standard of a West End musical and this year will be no different.” Set in old Peking the show promises everything from genies and lamps to dragons and flying carpets and is not to be missed. For further information on tickets contact the Towngate Box Office on 01268 465465 or visit www.essexlive.co.uk.
Basildon favourite Simon Fielding is back for the Aladdin panto this December
AUSSIE FAN MEETS A view from the Box Office 80s BAND GO WEST
Towngate Theatre duty manager Joe Finn has always had an interest in live theatre and music. Here Joe offers us an insight into a few of the acts he’s met and some of the unusual things they’ve asked for So what is it about the Towngate Theatre that people love?
It’s a great evening out in Basildon and has something for everybody. I really enjoy seeing people’s faces leaving the theatre after a fantastic evening. What’s the best thing about working in the theatre?
Donna Fearn with Go West GO WEST fan Donna Fearn flew 10,000 miles from her home in Australia to see Go West in concert at the Towngate Theatre – and then met them backstage! Go West was one of the most successful bands of the 1980s with hits such as ‘We Close Our Eyes', 'Call Me' and 'Goodbye Girl'. Their biggest hit was 'King of Wishful Thinking' from the film 'Pretty Woman'. This year the band reunited for a European tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their first chart hit. Donna contacted Basildon Council last year to ask for help finding a local hotel. Theatre staff were so impressed with her dedication – jetting 10,000 miles to see the band – that they organised for her to meet them backstage after the concert. Donna said “I’m a massive fan of the band. I would like to thank everyone at the theatre who has been so friendly.” Theatre Manager Graham Sandford said: “This is probably the farthest anyone has travelled to see a show here at the Towngate and we wanted to make sure we pulled out all the stops for Donna.”
It’s great meeting famous faces Duty Manager Joe Finn tells us some Towngate tidbits and seeing what they are really like once off the stage. By far the biggest star I’ve ever met Who would you like to see perform at the is comedian Al Murray who was really Towngate? different in real life. He’s quite posh actually! I’d love to see Lee Evans play the Towngate Another comedian - Stephen K Amos - was and, as he lives local and maybe reads the hilarious on the stage and a really friendly District Diary, perhaps he will answer my call. bloke. In fact he took the theatre staff out to You never know. the pub for drinks afterward his show. Have you had any unusual requests from artists?
In theatres, we have a thing called a ‘rider’ which is basically a ‘wish list’ that we get from artists or their agents of items for their dressing room. For instance, one star gave us a two-page list of requests including 20 laundered fresh towels. I can’t say who it was.
Are there any highlights people can look forward to this year at the Towngate?
The Spirit of Pink Floyd is on Thursday 9 September. This will be a special evening as this is their second visit here. I’m also looking forward to the visit from Postman Pat on Saturday 31 July during the summer holidays because the kids absolutely love it and it is sure to be a sell-out.
Coming up at the Towngate Theatre: 20 May - Waterloo 21 May - The Bon Jovi Experience 26 May - Forever Blowing Bubbles 28 May - Roxy Magic 31 July - Postman Pat For all tickets contact the Box Office on 01268 465465 or visit www.essex-live.co.uk
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May 2010
HOSPITAL CHIEF SPEAKS Basildon University Hospital hit the headlines in November last year following the publication of two critical reports The flurry of publicity that followed was unprecedented and Chief Executive Alan Whittle found himself on the front line. Alan met separately with Basildon Council’s Leisure and Health Scrutiny Committee and Chief Executive Bala Mahendran to clarify the issues at hand.
COUNCIL SCRUTINISES HOSPITAL ISSUES
Bala: Talk me through how events unfolded for you at the hospital.
Alan: Firstly, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) issued an improvement notice on the Trust. The main focus of the criticism was cleanliness standards in the A&E Department. Then Dr Foster Intelligence issued the Good Hospital Guide. This drew attention to a high mortality ratio at Basildon Hospital and this, taken with 13 further measures of hospital safety, resulted in the Trust receiving the lowest patient safety score in the country. What is also important to point out is that there were 27 other measures of patient safety in the guide where our score was fine. Unfortunately, the two documents were taken together by the media and much of the coverage was confusing and inaccurate so I tried to clarify the position with a number of media interviews. Monitor, which is the independent regulator for Foundation Trusts, said the Trust was in significant breach of its terms of authorisation and decided a taskforce should be established to assist the Trust in making rapid improvements.
Bala: Do you support the findings of the original inspection? Alan: The standards of cleanliness which the
CQC inspection team saw in the A&E Department in October were unacceptable. Our A&E Department is one of the busiest in the country, and there are times when critical and often life-saving treatment for patients has to take priority over the cleaning schedule. However the clinical and cleaning teams needed to work closer together so that as soon as a patient left, the cleaning team could move in and prepare for the next patient. The hospital was criticised for not having a dedicated children’s treatment area in the A&E Department. We were only able to put that right in November when the space was made available following the completion of a purpose built Endoscopy unit.
Bala: The media used extremely critical rhetoric, not just of you, but of hospital staff generally. I remember one national paper blaming ‛lazy nurses’. What sort of impact did that have on staff at the hospital? Alan: As Chief Executive of the hospital, I take full responsibility for the quality of the services and was not
MEMBERS of Basildon Council's Leisure and Health Scrutiny Committee had the chance to quiz Alan Whittle about the challenges facing the hospital when he attended the group's March meeting. The committee is part of the Council's 'Overview and Scrutiny' function which is an important part of the decision-making process at the Council. It gives local councillors the chance to examine, monitor and influence the activities of the Council and its partners - including the hospital - and investigate issues of community concern. Mr Whittle gave the Committee an update on the measures put in place since the media reports last November, and gave a thorough overview of the challenges the hospital has faced and the improvements
Basildon Council Chief Executive talks to Basildon University Hospital Chief Executive Alan Whittle
surprised that criticism was therefore levelled at me personally. My main concern was for the staff at the hospital, and how on earth anyone could describe nurses as ‘lazy’ beggars belief. Bala: What sort of response did you get from patients and their families?
Alan: Staff were amazed at the amount of support local people offered and
being made. During questions from Committee members he explained that MONITOR (the regulator responsible for assessing the hospital) had highlighted a number of areas for concern in its assessment last November. These included areas such as hygiene code breaches, slow implementation of improvements to children’s services and breaches of NHS core standards. Following this intervention by MONITOR, Mr Whittle said, the hospital introduced a number of measures including the appointment of extra doctors in medical admissions and the A&E department. There have also been changes in working shift patterns to ensure consultants are on site at key hours. Clinical pathways have also been reviewed to ensure clinical data is captured efficiently and a peer review of all deaths has
A&E, in particular, was inundated with well-wishers offering gifts and words of support. Staff were very grateful. I spent a lot of time on the wards meeting staff and patients. On one occasion I was with a national TV news crew and several of the patients on our cardiac ward insisted on being interviewed by the reporter to say how well they had been treated. I have also received a number of letters
been put into place to ensure high quality clinical care. When asked in particular about cleanliness, Mr Whittle said this was something the hospital was working hard to improve, and standards are now set above the 92% national standard. The hospital’s performance against targets for healthcare associated infections is good with four cases of MRSA Bacteraemia recorded for the year to date, against a target of 10, two of which had not been acquired in the hospital. There had also been 68 cases of Clostridium Difficile (C Diff), against a target of 130. During the meeting Alan confirmed that although the improvements were a start they are ongoing and that projects such as the new Paediatric unit and the future A&E department will be vital in improving the services they provide.
May 2010
TO BASILDON COUNCIL
of support from patients who were very happy with their care and cannot match their experience with the media coverage. The mood among staff now is a determination to prove that the care provided by the hospital is not as the media described it. Bala: You had a follow up inspection from the CQC in December which showed an immediate improvement. What actions did you take to achieve that?
Alan: Most of the concerns that the inspection team found in October were put right before they had left the hospital. The performance notice issued by the CQC in the middle of October gave us until the end of November to complete all the remedial works. When the inspection team revisited the hospital on Friday 4 December, they commented on the extent of the improvements achieved in such a short time. I have to commend the hospital’s cleaning company, which responded superbly to the challenge and has maintained very high standards of cleanliness across the hospital ever since. I know that because the frequency and depth of checking cleaning standards have increased. Bala: Moving forward, what are you doing to ensure that this doesn’t happen again, and importantly, to reassure patients?
Alan: The challenge for the Trust is to maintain high standards of cleanliness and continue with our plan to invest in the older parts of the hospital which need to be upgraded. We have now opened an excellent Children’s Department within A&E, with consultant paediatricians working in the department, and qualified children’s nurses. We have seen a reduction in the hospital mortality risk figure since April to expected levels and are continuing to work to improve that further. In my view, it is mainly people in the local community who haven’t come into contact with the hospital recently that need reassurance, not the many thousands who have been patients and had a good experience. The most important message from me at this time is we accept there were faults, they have been put right, and the safety and care of our patients is always our highest priority.
“How on earth anyone could describe nurses as “lazy” beggars belief...” Basildon University Hospital Chief Executive Alan Whittle speaking about one headline appearing in a national newspaper
Nurse with patient in the Endoscopy Unit
Child being examined at the hospital
Entrance leading to Basildon University Hospital
Bala: Your hospital serves the same community as Basildon Council. How would you like the hospital and Council to work together in the future to best serve the community? Alan: The council and the hospital have
a long history of working together already, and we jointly take our responsibilities to the local community very seriously. A number of our governors have strong connections with Basildon Council, and personally, I have enjoyed a great relationship with the Council for a number
of years. I know that the Council is also providing great support in forging healthrelated links with Basildon internationally. I think local people are well served by the Council and the hospital, and the closer that we can work together to support each other in future the better.
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10
May 2010
COUNCIL COMMITTED TO WICKFORD
BASILDON Council has withdrawn from the regeneration of Wickford town centre procurement process, but confirmed its commitment to the town revamp. Councillors agreed in February to withdraw from the procurement process, but reconfirmed their commitment to the regeneration of the town centre, and in particular, the development of a new health centre, and the redevelopment of the Nevendon Road shops and maisonettes. The Council also acknowledged the work of all the bidders, and in particular Community Solutions for Regeneration (CSR). Cllr Tony Ball, leader of the Council said: “The Council remains absolutely
committed to delivering the regeneration of Wickford town centre, and we will be taking this forward. “This has already started with the announcement in the budget for hundreds of thousands of pounds to finish the paving of Wickford High Street. “We will also be working with the PCT on a new Health Centre, and we hope to have a planning application later in the summer and building works starting this year. “This decision has not been taken lightly, but I have repeatedly stated that I would only proceed to appoint a development partner if they offered a solution that met the needs of the people of Wickford and delivered value for the public land that the Council put in.”
Safeguarding our wildlife sites
Wickford Town Centre
Partnership Working
Photo courtesy: Essex Wildlife Trust
Firebreak graduate Craig Warren
ACHIEVEMENTS of the Basildon Community Safety Partnership over the last two years were displayed at Wat Tyler Heritage Centre in April. Initiatives including Troy and Royal Kingdom youth clubs displayed their achievements with photographs and testimonies from young people, while Basildon Women’s Aid showed their award from the High Sheriff recognising their refuge for domestic abuse victims. One project participant Craig Warren, 20, from Basildon, attended the event as a graduate from the Firebreak scheme. The scheme allowed Craig to get his life back on track and he is now hoping to become a fire officer himself.
Grizzled Skipper butterfly BASILDON Council has been commended for helping to safeguard wildlife sites in the district in an innovative ecological contract which is the first of its kind in the county. Since 2007, a team of ecologists from Essex Wildlife Trust’s ecological company, have carried out yearly surveys of different woodlands, grasslands and marshland habitats, to check on their condition, coverage and ability to support a variety of different plants and animal species. The data from these surveys helps to inform the Council’s planning decisions and assists in monitoring habitat change. The project has found that rare species are re-colonising parts of the district, including the Green Winged Orchid and at least three rare butterflies including the Grizzled Skipper. Manager of Essex Ecology Services
(EECOS) Neil Harvey, and Senior Ecologist Adrian Knowles, highly praised the Council in their report stating “no other district in Essex has put in place such a proactive mechanism to refine and strengthen the evidence base required under national planning guidance.” Cllr Richard Moore, Cabinet Member for Development Control and Customer Services, said: “I am pleased to see that EECOS has recognised the Council’s good work in safeguarding the district’s wildlife, as part of its job as a Local Planning Authority.” The surveys also highlighted Local Wildlife Sites that need special attention in the future to make sure they do not lose their wildlife value. This includes Norsey Meadow in Billericay, which the Council recently announced was to be restored with a mixture of grazing, fencing and grassland management.
National Family Week NORTHLANDS Park and StartBright Children’s Centres in Pitsea will be supporting National Family Week from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 June 2010. Both Basildon Council run centres will
be holding fun events and activities to celebrate the importance of family life. This will include a trip to the library, cookery classes and a special event on the Saturday.
Restaurants put healthier food options on the menu
Chairman of the Council, Cllr Mo Larkin, with ‘Our Basildon’ participants TWO innovative projects aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents have been hailed a success. The Basildon Council supported schemes were organised by ‘Our Basildon’ and funded by NHS South West Essex. Pupils from three local schools – De La Salle, James Hornsby and Woodlands – took part in the ‘Our Basildon, Our Memories’ project, giving them the chance to appreciate and respect the contribution made by older people. Over 2,000 people took part in free taster
days as part of the ‘Our Basildon, Our Food project and an increased number of healthier food options are now being sold at discounted prices subsidised by the restaurants and cafes involved. Council Chairman, Cllr Mo Larkin, met with the ‘Our Basildon’ team. She said: “The work ‘Our Basildon’ has been doing in the community is fantastic. “I encourage more organisations to get involved with the excellent work they do.” For more information on ‘Our Basildon, visit www.ourbasildon.org.
May 2010
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May 2010
Fairtrade Fortnight cooks up a storm
(L - R) Winner Rhys Archer looks on as Darren Bennett, owner and head chef of Magic Mushroom Restaurant judges his food, second and third place winners at the cook-off
RHYS Archer of James Hornsby School scooped first place in this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight secondary school’s cook-off organised by Basildon Council. His dish of Vegetable Curry and dessert of Mango Sundaes saw off competition from Woodlands students Ben Morris, who came second with his Chicken Curry meal followed by Chocolate Fondant soufflé, and third place winner, Charlotte Clift, with her Honey Barbecued Chicken with Cashew Nut Rice, and Banana Chocolate Cheesecake. Cabinet Member for Community, Cllr Andrew Baggott was one of the judges. He said: “I was really impressed with the quality of dishes our young people produced as part of the Fairtrade Cook-Off. It was great to see so many school children engaging in a competition using ethically sourced products that helps ensure farmers get a fair price for their produce.” Meanwhile Buttsbury Junior School’s Scarlett Mann’s poem took the top spot in the primary schools’ fairtrade poetry contest, also arranged by the Council.
WORLD FOCUS ON “BELLWETHER” BASILDON BASILDON’S reputation as a ‘bellwether’ constituency has gone global – with a reporter from China jetting into town during the elections. The publicity could lead to an influx of tourists from China. Jane Li is International News Editor for the City Express newspaper, which has more
than a million readers in Hangzhou. In a trip organised with Basildon Council, Jane visited the district after being inundated with requests from her readers for more information on Basildon. Jane said: “My newspaper sent me to London to do some election reports, but also
Essex Cardiac and Stroke Network
Do you want to find out more about stroke and how to prevent a stroke from happening? Then come along to a free event on Wednesday 21st July at 10am
Essex Cardiac and Stroke Network and NHS South West Essex are holding a stroke awareness day at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon. Find out about:
How to recognise a possible stroke What to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke The experiences of people who have had a stroke A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), know as a mini stroke or stroke Types of stroke - such as a clot or bleed When and why clot-busting drugs are used The Stroke Association How to prevent a stroke by making changes to your lifestyle
Listen to presentations, browse the stands, ask the clinical experts your questions and talk to people who have expereienced a stroke. Free refreshments will be provided For catering purposes, please let us know if you are coming by phoning Scarlett Kemp on 01268 705087 www.ecsnetwork.nhs.uk
asked me to visit Basildon to write a story on the general election. I was also asked to write about what the district could offer Chinese tourists. Having spent the morning travelling around the area, I think there are many similarities between it and Hangzhou and I am confident that our readers would enjoy a visit to Basildon.” Bala Mahendran, Chief Executive of the Council: “It is fantastic that Jane wanted to come and visit Basildon and report back to the readers of Hangzhou. We hope that this encourages more tourists to visit Basildon if they are travelling to the UK, and we would of course welcome them to the area.” Jane visited the Basildon Centre, the town centre, Gloucester Park and the Sporting Village construction site.
Jane Li reading the District Diary
Options boost for young people
BASILDON councillors have been meeting with young people to look at ways Basildon Council can help more young people into work, education or training opportunities. An Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group has been set up to look at the barriers facing 16 to 18-year olds in finding meaningful and satisfying jobs. The group has met with Prospect Engineering courses at Prospect College College, Connexions, young people. She said: “I was thrilled to Basildon Action on Learning, and Essex see so many young people learning County Council to look at ways of different trades and putting their talents to overcoming the problems these young use. Having such a range of hands-on people face. courses, supported by the necessary Cllr Silvia Buckley, Lead Member of the equipment and teaching, will ensure our group, recently visited Prospect College young people can get the knowledge and to gain first-hand experience of the variety skills they need to access worthwhile and of apprenticeship schemes on offer to financially rewarding jobs in the future.”
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May 2010
DISTRICT GETS “SPRING CLEANING”
Clean-up crew during rubbish amnesty
BASILDON Council’s clean-up crews have given Vange a ‘spring clean’ with the start of 12 clean-up and amnesty days planned for 2010 to make the district cleaner. The hit squad included graffiti cleaning crews, street sweepers, parks crews, and litter pickers from the Probation Service carrying out their community payback. A rubbish amnesty took place on the day focusing on around 3,000 properties in the Vange Hill Drive region in March, and collecting 68 tonnes of rubbish. Feedback from residents has been positive, with many thanking the Council for the opportunity to have extra rubbish collections for larger items. Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Cabinet
Member for Environment, said: “The Council is determined to keep the district clean, and periodic “spring cleaning” helps to add the sparkle we all want to see. “I hope residents will support the Council in making our district an even better place to live.” Rubbish collected included fridge freezers, TVs and washing machines. Cllr Luke Mackenzie, Assistant Cabinet Member for Community, added: “As the ward member for Vange I have been lobbying for a clean up and welcome this event. Vange residents want and deserve to live in a clean and pleasant environment and the clean up will go a long way in improving the local environment on top of the Council’s regular services.”
CLEAN-UP/AMNESTY DAYS IN 2010 12 June Little Oxcroft/ Five Links, Laindon
21 August Rectory Road area, Pitsea
26 June The Knares area, Basildon
11 September Stagden Cross area, Vange
10 July Ghyllgrove area, Basildon
25 September Valence Way area, Laindon Hills
24 July Craylands, Basildon
9 October Keats Way area, Wickford
7 August Noak Bridge Village
16 October Hannikins Farm area, Billericay
GRAFFITI BUSTERS! VIGILANCE HELPS PROFILE OFFENDERS
Members of Basildon Youth Council gave the underpass near Gloucester Park swimming pool a sparkly spring clean at the start of April. After their peers said graffiti removal is a top priority for them, the Youth Council set about finding the worst spots in Basildon and the underpass was chosen as the first area to tackle. The Youth Councillors spent the day sweeping down the underpass and giving it a fresh coat of paint to hide the graffiti. To join Basildon Youth Council or find out more about what they do, email them at basildondistrictyouthcouncil@googlemail.com. The project was funded by the Basildon Community Safety Partnership.
Local caterers help fight obesity FIFTEEN local businesses and caterers took part in a free training course to help tackle obesity and encourage healthy eating. Basildon Council, in partnership with NHS South West Essex, offered the free training course to encourage businesses to take part in the Essex Healthy Eating Award. Businesses that applied for the award had their menu, hygiene and cooking methods assessed on two separate visits by the Council’s environmental health team. Those receiving a gold or silver award must
now offer healthy food on at least a third of their menu, adopt healthier cooking techniques and display good hygiene standards. Cllr Richard Moore, Cabinet Member for Development Control and Customer Services, said: “We think the awards are a good way of encouraging caterers to offer healthier meals as well as recognising those that already do.” For businesses in your area that offer healthy choices and good hygiene standards, visit www.scores onthedoors.org.uk.
A national project aimed at cutting crime by targeting known offenders has led to successful projects being implemented in Basildon. Basildon Community Safety Partnership was invited to join the Vigilance Programme by the Home Office. The programme’s aim was to crack down on known offenders who cause the most damage to our communities particularly in relation to burglary and robbery. Bala Mahendran, Chairman of the Basildon Community Safety Partnership and also the practitioner representative on the national Senior Vigilance Board at the Home Office said: “Basildon has benefitted greatly from joining the programme and has allowed the Community Safety Partnership to develop an intelligence-led approach to targeting its most prolific offenders and put in place a number of projects which will help to keep Basildon a safe place to live, work and grow.” One of these projects is the ‘Offender Profiling’ initiative. Funding was given to allow analysis of Basildon’s most prolific offenders and create 14 offender profiles. The profiles establish where offenders are likely to offend and how they commit their crimes, making it easier for the police to predict their movements, preventing them from committing offences. Operation Brightshadow, also funded by the Vigilance programme, is an overt police operation where prolific burglars are followed with a video camera, and has led to a number of arrests locally.
May 2010
VICTIM AND WITNESS SUPPORT ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR SERVICE CHARTER
Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for Basildon’s Community Safety Partnership. We are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and will use the full range of tools and powers to ensure victims and communities are protected. We want to cultivate a sense of trust and respect among residents, where communities and agencies work together to tackle anti-social behaviour.
We know that being a witness or victim of anti-social behaviour can cause stress and upset. We will ensure that we deal with your case in a timely, supportive and professional way and that you are treated fairly and with respect.
THIS SERVICE CHARTER DETAILS THE SERVICE YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US. TO SUPPORT VICTIMS AND WITNESSES OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR WE WILL: • Make it easy for you to report anti-social behaviour
• Take your complaint seriously and investigate it thoroughly
• Provide you with a single point of contact for those cases being investigated • Offer you a preferred choice of communication
• Keep you informed about your case and provide you with updates (within timescales agreed with you)
• Provide you with appropriate support, working with our partners and other service providers
• Utilise the full range of tools and powers available to tackle anti-social behaviour • Keep you informed about how we are tackling anti-social behaviour and offer the opportunity for community feedback • Provide you with a route to raise your concerns when you consider that anti-social behaviour you have reported is not being tackled positively
HOW DO I REPORT ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR? Essex Police
St Georges Community Housing Anti-Social Behaviour Team Basildon Council Environmental Health (noise nuisance) Streetcare (graffiti, fly tipping, abandoned vehicles)
RIGHT TO COMPLAINT
0300 333 4444 (non emergency) 999 in an emergency
01268 465130, asb@sgch.org.uk 01268 284280
01268 294949
We recognise that sometimes you may not be satisfied with the service you receive.If you wish to make a complaint about the way an anti-social behviour case has been dealt with contact: Essex Police at any police station, on 0300 333 4444 or at www.essex.police.uk St Georges Community Housing on 01268 465130 or via the website: www.sgch.org.uk
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
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Get you hands on your free copy of the new Spring/Summer edition of “Get Out There!”packed with lots of exciting activities for all the family in the district including cycling, badminton, dancing, trampolining and many more! To get your free brochure visit your nearest leisure centre, or email: richard.meggison@basildon. gov.uk to request your copy. For Get Out There! news and updated activities visit www.getouttherebasildon.co.uk.
SPINNING YOUR WAY TO FITNESS THE new spinning centre at the Eversley Leisure Centre has been given the thumbs up by users of Basildon Council’s Gym Express. Spinning is an aerobic exercise which takes place on a specially designed stationary bike and is suitable for all ages and abilities. The Gym Express based at Eversley Leisure Centre in Pitsea is a cut price gym offering stateof-the-art fitness equipment at a fraction of the price you would usually pay, and with no joining fee or contract, the gym has proved a big hit. With its increasing membership and the opening of the new Spinning studio, the Council have
now extended the gym making it the best facility for spinning in the local area. Over 16 spinning classes are held each week and Gym Express is the only one in the district to offer classes on a “pay as you go” basis. Cllr Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Leisure and the Arts said: “The Gym Express has been a great success and is vital in keeping residents using leisure facilities during the economic downturn when people have been giving up luxury items like gym membership.” To join Gym Express or one of the Spinning Classes call Eversley Leisure Centre on 01268 583076.
(L -R) Cllr Kevin Blake at Gym Express and the new spinning studio
Successful year for “Get Out There” BASILDON Council’s “Get Out There” scheme has been hitting the headlines for all the right reasons over the past year. The successful “Get Out There” programme is aimed at improving the health of residents of all ages in the district by increasing physical activity levels and healthier eating. It primarily targets the most deprived communities where lack of affordable activities creates a barrier to healthy lifestyles. Activities are provided both for free and at extremely subsidised rates with the most expensive costing on average £2 per session. Over the past year residents have been benefiting from over 35 scheduled activities
Sporting Village takes shape
Sporting Village construction continues
‘Get Out There’ success makes the headlines
Printed on 75% recycled paper. Please recycle your District Diary after reading.
taking place every week including Play Rangers which provides year round projects for children and young people; “Get back into…” which runs basketball, tennis and netball session aimed at getting people in their 30s and 40s back to taking part in sporting activities they enjoyed in their younger years; and Active+ which encourages over 50s to get involved in physical and sporting activities. Cabinet Member for Arts and Leisure, Cllr Kevin Blake, said: “Basildon Council is proud of the leisure projects we make available to
the local community. “The ‘Get Out There’ scheme has continued to go from strength to strength and is a great way for people in the district to become more physically active and more aware of their health.” For more information on the Get Out There activities available in your area visit: www.getouttherbasildon.co.uk. “Get Out There” is delivered jointly by NHS South West Essex Community Services and Basildon Council and is funded by Basildon CDRP and NHS South West Essex.
STEELWORK is appearing out of the ground, and the hole for the first 50 metre swimming pool in Essex has been dug, as the construction of the Basildon Sporting Village steps up a pace. The pool, that will be 50 by 21 metres and 1.8 metres deep, will have eight lanes and a dividing boom enabling the pool to be split into two community pools. There will also be seating for 400 spectators. The Sporting Village, opening in April 2011 will also boast a large sports hall, a regional gymnastics centre, fitness centre, multi purpose studio and climbing wall. Cllr Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Leisure and the Arts, said:“The progress on site is great to see. This will be a fantastic facility for the whole community to use and be a part of.” Once complete over 820 tonnes and 5000 pieces of steelwork will have been erected on site.
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