News from Basildon District Council
Giant beanstalk rocks Basildon See page 10 or watch the video on www.basildon.gov.uk
Raising the flag for our armed forces
Councillors and staff from Basildon Council joined representatives from the district’s local emergency services and Armed Forces on St Martin’s Square, outside the Basildon Centre to raise a flag in honourof the men and women who make up Britain’sArmed Forces. The specially designed flag, based on the Union Jack, was raised at 10.30am on Monday 22 June. Chairman of Basildon Council, Councillor Mo Larkin opened the ceremony by welcoming the audience and offering a few words before the flag was raised above the Basildon Centre. Local singer Diane Moore then performed a song to commemorate the occasion before a representative of theArmy gave a short speech to close the ceremony. Chairman of Basildon Council, Councillor Mo Larkin said: “An event such as this generates an enormous amount of pride and appreciation for the important work that the Armed Forces perform in often, very difficult conditions. “I’m sure that this show of support demonstrated our sense of community pride in the important role that our armed forces play across the world.” This local event formed part of a week of national celebrations, which built up to the UK’s first Armed Forces Day.
September 2009
Royle family’s Ricky Tomlinson in town
See page 10
WORKTO START ON SPORTING VILLAGE Construction of the £38m Basildon Sporting Village is due to start in October. The regional sports facility will provide the only 50-metre swimming pool in Essex and only the second in the East of England and will open in April 2011. It will also include a regional gymnastics centre and has already been named in LOCOG’s official pre-games training camp guide for London 2012. Basildon Council has worked closely with partners throughout the project, in particular Essex County Council and government departments including the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). Essex County Council has committed more than £5m to the project. Basildon Council’s Deputy Leader, Stephen Horgan, said: “Support from Lord Hanningfield and County Councillors Stephen Castle and Anthony Hedley has been particularly significant. This is a transformational project for sport, healthy living and the promotion of active lifestyles in the Basildon District and across the region. “The Sporting Village will benefit everyone from residents who want to lead an active life to competition athletes through to the champions of the future. The people of Basildon District deserve the best.” The news has been welcomed by the South Essex Gymnastics Club which has 1600 members. Matt Jackson, facilities manager and coach at the South Essex Gymnastics Club said: “This is fantastic news,” he said. “We are
Fly through the new £38 million Basildon Sporting Village, due to open next year, on YouTube 3D Video CGI
delighted that we can now plan towards the Basildon Sporting Village becoming our home in April 2011.” Nick Wetheridge, a member of Basildon athletics club for 24 years and a former UK half marathon champion, said: “This is great for Basildon, and great for sports in general, not just athletics, but swimming, gymnastics and general fitness.” Basildon’s swimming clubs have also reacted positively to the
news. Wendy Pratt, club secretary of Basildon District Swimming Club said: “To have the first and only 50 metre pool in Essex right here in Basildon is going to be incredible. I am delighted at this news, as are many members. This is going to be a first class facility that will not only be able to host national and regional competition, but will be ideal for weekend family swims, casual users and lessons.” Alan Twine of the Phoenix
Swimming Club, said: “This will give many young people a truly great facility to visit, be active in and get involved in. It will help us to attract more young and old members to our club.” Funding grants for the project have come from Essex County Council, the HCA, Sport England and Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust. Residents can view an exciting 'fly through' animation of the new facility at www.basildon.gov.uk
Wat Tyler’s first wedding p3 Mica Paris comes to Basildon p10 Big jump in recycling rate p11 Crime busters in town p13
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September 09
THIS EDITION’S HIGHLIGHTS p3 The new Wat Tyler heritage centre has hosted its first wedding within weeks of opening and is set to drive tourism numbers in the area. p4 A Network Rail anti-railway crime roadshow ‘No Messin’ aims to cut vandalism and trespassing by young people on tracks and trains. p7 Superstar Katherine Jenkins proved a real hit with her Essex Fans as she wished Basildon a very happy 60th birthday.
Pictures and more on p8
p12 Which retailers have signed up to a campaign to help reduce the sale of restricted products such as booze to young people? The District Diary is produced by Basildon District Council’s Marketing and Communications Team. If you have a story, would like to comment, or would like to receive it in large print, braille or spoken word format, call 01268 294156. The District Diary is delivered free to 78,000 homes in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford. If you would like to advertise, or to enquire about rates and deadlines, call 01268 294201.
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Busy summer for Basildon Chairman’s message from Cllr Mo Larkin It's been a busy summer across the district, hasn't it? We've had so many exciting events that I feel the past few months have just rushed by. For those of you who attended this year’s Basfest, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. It was a bumper year with leading dignitaries from other areas joining us in the many festivities of our 60th birthday. The weather was certainly on our side, and we had more people turn out than ever before. It was a great success. Of course, there have been other events including the Katherine Jenkins concert at Lake Meadows in Billericay, Shakespeare in the Park in Wickford and our Folk Festival at Wat Tyler.
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.
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Mum gets a make-over Basildon’s iconic mother and child fountain has had a makeover thanks to a sum of £30,000 ring fenced from a £2m Homes and Communities Agency grant to regenerate Basildon Town Centre. Restoration work on the Grade II listed fountain has included the installation of a new pump system and new filtration system. This has been followed up by a comprehensive clean up of the stonework.
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
Perhaps my proudest moment, however, was speaking at our Raise the Flag event. This was a special event to mark Armed Forces Day, and we had representatives from the armed forces stand side by side by with police officers, fire fighters, ambulance crews, teachers and nurses as we raised a special flag over the Basildon Centre. We collected £261 at the Ratpack concert which was held at Basildon’s Towngate Councillor Mo Larkin Theatre on Red Day for our All of these were under the heroes. It was a great way to honour umbrella of Basildon's 60th Birthday and I think there the men and women of our was something for everyone armed forces and am I who wanted to celebrate this delighted that we marked this important milestone with us. important event with such style.
George Hurd Centre is a community hit A community centre in Basildon has doubled its users since moving to a new building a year ago. John Baron MP officially opened the new George Hurd Centre in summer 2008. Since then its members have increased from 700 to 1400 and the demand for meals from the Welfare Catering Service has increased with the need to have three sittings on some days. The list of activities has been expanded with the introduction of eight new classes including keep fit sessions, belly dancing and a beading class. These are in addition to the existing list of activities including Tai Chi, line dancing and bridge. Councillor Andrew Baggott, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "This has been a great success. Not only is at providing older residents with important services but a place to meet up
and have fun. As well as the classes, there have been events such as A Tribute to Elvis, Bella Berserk and Billy Henry. "The centre also hosted an event for ‘UK Older Peoples Day’ with local singer Diana Moore holding a sing-a-long session which was extremely popular." Stories were also recorded from local residents recalling experiences during and after the war with displays from local museums. The centre is also home to number of Voluntary Organisations such as Basildon District Voluntary Carers (BDVC), Basildon Billericay & Wickford Council for Voluntary Service (BBWCVS) and Basildon & Wickford Talking Newspapers. • George Hurd Centre: Tricia Radmore on 01268 465854
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. 19 September Lee Chapel North-Markhams Chase Centre (G) Fryerns -Downey Close (9.00 -10.30) r/o Jolly Friar Public House (10.30 - 12.00) Chalvedon - Mill Green layby near carpark (G) 26 September Vange - Redgrave Road s/o (9.00 10.30) Southview Road near garages opp Dental Surgery (10.30 - 12.00) Laindon Little Oxcroft service road (G) 3 October Billericay - Little Burstead car park (G) Fryerns - Craylands r/o shops and The Lichfields 10 October Wickford - Rettendon View layby at car park + Pippin Court 1 HR (G) Vange - The Barge Public House (9.00 10.00) Rydene Close (11.00 - 12.00) 17 October Pitsea - Felmores Main Centre (G) Lee Chapel North - rear of Plough & Tractor Public House Laindon West Community Centre/Hoover Drive (9.00 - 10.00), Nightingales j/w Forest Glade (10-30 12.00) 24 October Wickford - Bruce Grove o/s Shotgate Community Hall (G) Laindon - Noak Bridge Coppice Lane 31 October Billericay- Radford Crescent car park (G) Laindon - Five Links Newberry side large layby r/o 41-55
September 09
Council backs small firms Small businesses are set to benefit from a new agreement with the council that promises more constructive working relationships. Basildon District Council signed the accord drawn up by the Essex FSB (Federation of Small Businesses), which sets out 14 working principles designed to help businesses work productively with council teams. Essex FSB Chairman, Iain Wicks, said: “Basildon District Council is working hard to build a reputation as a small business friendly organisation working closely with the business community to deliver a range of initiatives and benefits for local businesses.This demonstrates the Council’s commitment to working with small businesses in the district." Councillor Tony Ball said: “Small businesses are an important part of Basildon’s economy and the council needs to work with them if we are to get the maximum benefit for local residents as well as for the businesses themselves."
Basildon Business Awards 2009 More than 100 different businesses from the district enjoyed a glamorous evening out in July at the Basildon Business Awards ceremony. Basildon Council is the main sponsor of the glitzy event which celebrates and publicly recognises the achievements of businesses in the Basildon district. The team of judges for the black tie event which was held at the Towngate Theatre, was led by Councillor Malcolm Buckley, Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment. Cllr Buckley, said: “These are difficult times for businesses across the country due to the Government’s economic problems. “These awards show that the spirit of Basildon, its entrepeneurs, businesses and employees will prevail against all economic challenges. The thriving business community in Basildon demonstrates why Basildon is such a good place to do business.” The future of the district’s economy is in good hands and together with the local business
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Text ‘Pink’ 4 recycling reminder
The glitzy Basildon Business Awards were held at the Towngate Theatre
community we will deliver a bright prosperous future with excellent opportunities for job seekers thanks to the flair and enterprise shown by our finalists." There were 30 winners at the awards ceremony which was open to small, medium and large companies. All business entrants for the Basildon Business Awards 2009 had to have been trading in Basildon within the last two years. Categories for the awards, included; best business in the community, growing business of the year and young entrepeneur. The winners of the Basildon Business Awards 2009 received
an editorial on why their company was a winner, a personalised rosewood plaque and a commemorative presentation photograph and DVD of the awards evening. Bala Mahendran, Chief Executive of Basildon Council, said: “I would like to say well done to all the winners at this year’s Basildon Business Awards 2009. It is really inspiring to see Basildon businesses performing well in these challenging times. “Our businesses are the lifeblood of our community. At Basildon Council we recognise this and have already done an awful lot to support businesses through the economic downturn.”
You can now get a reminder about the day the recycling collection will be made in your area. Just text the word ‘Pink’ and your postcode to 82727. The service is free of charge and you get a reminder the day before your recycling collection each fortnight. On the week that isn’t your recycling collection, you will receive a helpful tip to help you get the most out of your collections. Councillor Malcolm Buckley, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said, “Many people are already using our pink sacks, orange boxes and green wheeled bins. If you’re not already, then there’s never been a better time to start. “Receiving a text message the day before your collection is a great way of getting into the practice of recycling.”
New heritage centre hosts first wedding The new £2.2m visitor centre at Wat Tyler Country Park has hosted its first wedding reception. Paul Wilson, 52, and Heidi Schofield 43, both of Mountfields, Pitsea, chose the venue which was recently opened to a fanfare of publicity. The site, a former munitions factory, built almost 100 years ago, has been lovingly restored with modern eco-friendly features and is set to drive visitor numbers at the park from 290,000 to 350,000 a year. An interpretative exhibition tracing the history and heritage of the park will keep visitors amused, along with displays and promotions and a restaurant/café. Education rooms and a conference hall will also enable the centre to be used for more than just leisure visits, with business conferences already being booked up. A host of eco-friendly features has helped to bring the new building bang up to date. A £30,000 boiler will heat the building, and will be fuelled from a sustainable bio crop set to be grown and harvested on a reclaimed landfill site just 500
Picture by Darren Chaplin Paul Wilson and Heidi Schofield chose the Wat Tyler for their wedding
metres away. Other technologies will include passive heating and ventilation, recycled construction materials, a green roof area alive with plants to attract butterflies and bees, and the use of rainwater from the roof to flush toilets and to top-up adjacent ponds and wetlands. The new Wat Tyler Centre is part of a £5.3m investment in the park, with a further £700,000 recently announced to improve over 40 hectares of open space, create three new biodiversity habitats and create over 5km’s of
new and upgraded paths and access routes across the park, all by December 2010. Councillor Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Open Spaces, said: “The official opening marks the culmination of a lot of hard work, and I am delighted that we have completed this fantastic project, on budget.”
web: To find out more on the
Wat Tyler Centre, visit wattylercountrypark.org.uk Tel: To book the new Centre call 01268 550088
To advertise in the District Diary please 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 Basildon Council.
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September 09
NEWS IN BRIEF
Town centre to get new lighting Work has started on a Government funded project to improve the lighting in Basildon town centre.Around £750,000 of ring fenced funding from the Homes and Communities Agency will see improved security lighting (which will help the current CCTV system) and four centre piece lighting columns, to replace the current lamp posts that run along Town Square. Paving and street improvements will also be part of the work that will be completed by the end of March 2010.
50 key businesses to be offered help Fifty Basildon based manufacturing and engineering companies could be set to benefit from major assistance - if they take part in a pioneering county council scheme being run in the local area. Essex County Council has proposed a scheme that will see engineering and manufacturing firms engaged on a six month programme that could help them to expand and find new funding.
Flats can now recycle glass Residents in flats all over the District will soon be able to recycle their glass bottles and jars in orange wheeled bins. Basildon Council started rolling out the communal scheme across the district at the beginning of July, and is hoping to add to the mountains of glass already collected for recycling – in the past year the Council recycled the equivalent of 8 million wine bottles! Glass collected will be mechanically separated into different colours and made into new bottles and jars. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Malcolm Buckley,
said: “This expansion of the successful recycling scheme will ensure that many more residents in the district have access to a recycling service from their doorstep. This will also help us to introduce pink sack collections to flats in the future.” Basildon Council collected nearly 4,000 tonnes of glass from the kerbside through the fortnightly orange box recycling collection scheme last year and this expansion will increase the amount of glass collected even more. • For more information please contact Streetcare on 01268 294949 or visit www.basildon.gov.uk/recycling
Confused school leavers advice Basildon Council is organising an event for school leavers who are not sure which way the future is leading in terms of further education, employment or training. The event is being held in the Towngate Theatre, Basildon, on 2 October from 10am to 4pm. It will focus on seminars and skills session in areas such as CV writing and interview techniques. Several partners will be involved
including the local Connexions centre, and other big employers, such as the Army,PoliceandFireserviceswillbeon handto discuss future careerprospects. Councillor Andrew Baggott Cabinet Member for Community Services said: “This is a very important event. It can be a very confusing time for school leavers and this is an ideal opportunity for them to get guidance and help at a critical time in their lives.”
‘No Messin’ success Flats get glassa recycling
The ‘No Messin!’ campaign proves a hit with young people.
Basildon’s Community Safety Partenership has been involved in an anti-railway crime roadshow at the Festival Leisure Park . It follows councillors’ concern about young people trespassing on the tracks and spraying graffiti on trains. The event was organised by Network Rail in a bid to cut crime on the railways and is part of its ‘No Messin!’ campaign. Activities at the event included DJ mixing, wrestling, dancing, a penalty shoot-out competition and street soccer. There were exhibition stands at the event from Basildon Council, British Transport Police and the Essex Youth
Service Mobile Bus. The event was particularly welcome in Basildon since Pitsea station has the highest rate of railway crime in East Anglia with Stanford-le-Hope and Basildon stations not far behind. Incidents in the last year have included young people throwing stones at passing trains, level crossings being misused and vandalism. Basildon Councillor for Pitsea South East, Ann Blake, said: “I am very keen to offer my support to the ‘No Messin’! campaign and hope that it will help to turn young people away from committing crime on the railways.”
September 09
Sign up your Flu Friends Residents across the Basildon District are being urged to sign up ‘flu friends’ as part of an NHS campaign dealing with swine flu. The National Pandemic Flu Service recommends that anyone with swine flu stay at home and have their flu friends collect medicines, food and other supplies for them. It also advises against visiting their GP or the distribution centre for antiviral medication. Flu friends can be relatives, neighbours or friends who do not have symptoms of swine flu. Patients can use the slip printed on this page to make a note of their reference number and then give the slip to their flu friends. Flu friends will also need to take ID for themselves and the patient. Acceptable forms of identification include a current passport or driving licence, Council Tax payment book, credit card, bank or building society statement (from the past three months) or a paid utility bill from the past six months. A person suffering from swine flu should also make sure they have stocked up on the basics and make sure they have: • Normal flu remedies, such as paracetamol for adults and children • Food and fluids • Extra supplies of tissues and toilet paper
The typical symptoms of Swine flu are: •sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38°C /100.4F or above) • sudden cough Other symptoms may include: • headache • tiredness • chills • aching muscles • limb or joint pain • diarrhoea or stomach upset • sore throat • runny nose • sneezing • loss of appetite If you think you may have swine flu do not to go to your GP or A&E. Instead, call the National Pandemic Flu Service treatment line on 0800 1 513 100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu You should stay at home and contact your doctor direct, rather than using the National Pandemic Flu Service, if: • you have a serious underlying illness; • you are pregnant; • you have a sick child under one year old; • your condition suddenly gets much worse; or • if your condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 for a child). If you have swine flu symptoms and need antivirals you will be given a unique access number and
Council helps find funding for local groups in district
Cllr Baggott: invaluable help
Local voluntary and community groups are benefitting from a new Council officer, who’s dedicated function is to find funding opportunities. The new Funding Officer is the first role of its kind created by Basildon Council’s Sustainable Community team. The officer will provide support and advice for small and large groups across the district by helping them focus on the benefits and purpose of their
groups’ activities. They will then be referred to relevant grants and trusts that could potentially fund their services. The Funding Officer will also review and manage the Council’s own ‘Grants to Organisations’ programme that provides small grants of up to £2,000 to local groups that can identify and then deliver a community project in a one year period. Councillor Andrew Baggott, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “This is a very important step, and will provide invaluable help and support to those local groups who often struggle to find the funding they need.” The Sustainable Community team has also developed a new website www.open4community.info/basildon, updated on a weekly basis. This provides details of all local and national funding opportunities available to the voluntary sector. Basildon Council Funding Officer: 01268 294406 or maxine.williams@basildon.gov.uk
National Pandemic Flu Service: get flu friends to pick up your medicine
told where your nearest antiviral collection point is. You should then ask a flu friend – a friend or relative who doesn’t have swine flu – to go and pick
up your antivirals. We’ve included a handy cut out and keep slip for you to complete should you need antivirals.
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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 Geoffrey Buckenham 01277 622020 Richard Moore 01277 627266 Surgeries on last Saturday of month, 10.30am to 12am, Billericay Library, 143 High Street, Billericay. Crouch Stuart Allen 01268 284225 Terri Sargent 01268 288766 Surgeries on first Saturday of month, 9.30am to10.30am, 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, 7.30pm to8pm at The Ashleigh Centre, Whitmore Way, Basildon. Alan Davis 01268 525406 Janet Payn 01268 477989 Laindon Park John Dornan 01268 282175 Jilly Hyde 01268 414126 Frank Tomlin 01277 625692 Langdon Hills Sandra Hillier 01268 490201 Stephen Hillier 01268 490201 Lee Chapel North Lynda Gordon 01268 417565 Richard Rackham 01277 624932 Nigel Smith 01268 545483 Nethermayne Ben Williams 01268 281271 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 Chapel South Community Centre, all 10am to 11am. Pitsea North West Travelling surgery -call for details Andrew Baggott 01277 634375 Ron Livesey 01268 470028 Keith Bobbin 01268 556158 Pitsea South East David Abrahall 01268 440082 Ann Blake 01268 470597 Mo Larkin 01268 413936 Surgeries on second Monday of the month, 6.30pm to 7.30pm,, outside Pitsea Leisure Centre, Northlands Pavement, Pitsea. Cllr Blake also holds a surgery; the Benbow Club, 77 Pound Lane, Bowers. Call for details St Martin’s Phil Rackley 01268 410700 Pat Rackley 01268 410700 Surgeries on Monday and third Tuesday of month, 2pm to 3pm at The Basildon Community Resource Centre, 1 The Gore, Basildon. Vange Swatantra Nandanwar 01268 453749 Surgeries: second Sunday of month, 11am to 12pm at The Luncies Meeting Hall, Luncies Road (off Timberlog Lane), Vange. Luke Mackenzie 07919 517376 Wickford Castledon Malcolm Buckley 01268 472586 Sylvia Buckley 01268 472586 Wickford North Tony Ball 01268 454564 Carole Morris 01268 457488 Michael Mowe 01268 463564 Wickford Park Don Morris 01268 457488 Christopher Jackman 01268 571843 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 12pm at Wickford Library.
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September 09
Basildon local service directory Buses
Maintenance
Church
Cleaning
Maintenance
Maintenance
Marital Arts
Photographer
Photographer
Photography
Restoration
Shuttle buses
Takeaway
Walkers
Wills
DON’T MOVE! BUILD OUT
SJ O’SULLIVAN EXTENSION SPECIALIST
Patios Decorative brickwork Garden paths New builds Fencing Garages and porches
No job too small, free estimates. Call Steve on 07986 186914 or 01268 449419
Lickin’ fried Chicken
5 Church Road, Vange 01268 524072
Bargain menu: £1.99 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
To advertise here call Angela Christall on 01268 294201 or email angela.christall@basildon.gov.uk. The deadline for the October edition is Wednesday 28 September and adverts cost £25 each. As with all District Diary adverts, publication does not imply any guarantee of service or recommendation by the Council.
Basildon Council launches its first
CCTV Smartcar Basildon Council launched its new CCTV Smartcar this month in a bid to tackle illegal parking. The CCTV enforcement vehicle will clamp down on dangerous parking along high streets, main routes and outside schools. It will also be used along clearways, on pedestrian crossings, in bus stops and where loading and unloading is not permitted. The parking enforcement vehicle will use GPS, infrared and ANPR technology. It will be the first vehicle of its kind in the country and will be used by the Council to maintain clear and safe access for pedestrians and other road users. The Council’s CCTV Smartcar – a Mercedes, will be highly visible and easily recognisable. It will be capable of enforcing parking contraventions whilst on the move and be able to cover a much wider area than normal foot patrols. When not in use for parking enforcement the vehicle will be used to tackle more serious environmental crimes such as commercial fly tipping and dumping. It is the first such vehicle in the country to receive approval to be used in both manual and automatic recording modes. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Malcolm Buckley, said: “Bad parking can put the public at risk. “We hope our CCTV Smartcar will put people off parking where they shouldn’t and have a significant deterrent affect on illegal parking. There are many advantages to the CCTV Smartcar including mobility and how much of the district it can cover.”
Licensing failure costs woman £5k A landlord has been fined more than £5,000 for renting out rooms in a house in Basildon without a license.The woman, from Kent, was ordered to pay a fine of £3,750 plus £1,624 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge at Basildon Magistrates Court in July. The woman fell foul of the law because the property in Wickhay was three storeys high and was being used as a house of multiple occupation (HMO) which is contrary to the Housing Act 2004, if a licence is not obtained first.
Try the Council’s web site basildon.gov.uk
September 09
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Katherine Jenkins treats Basildon th to a memorable 60 birthday
Opera singer Katherine Jenkins put on a spectacular performance in celebration of Basildon’s 60th birthday in July. Thousands of fans attended the successful musical extravaganza at Lake Meadows in Billericay. Katherine, 28, from South Wales, performed popular classical pieces including Nessun Dorma and Proms favourites Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory. At one point the Welsh soprano invited concertgoer Keith Moore, who was dressed as a giant Pavarotti, up on stage with her. Keith from Basildon said: “I only went for a picnic and ended up conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. It was a wonderful experience.” He praised the Council for holding the event. “It was a great day and a great concert. The whole thing was so well organised. It was good for Basildon and Billericay.” Classical boy band Blake and the National Symphony Orchestra also featured on the bill. Joan Jones, from Wickford, said she was also very impressed with the event. “I have been telling
friends how well Basildon Council organised it. There was a good mix of popular songs and operatic pieces. My husband and I really enjoyed the concert.” Nicole Clifton, from Tilbury, Essex, said it was real treat to see the Katherine Jenkins performance at Lake Meadows, Billericay on Saturday night. “A truly wonderful evening that was enjoyed by All. What a Star, even the weather reached a high note! I hope we can look forward to similar in the future as we need to raise the profile of our area, even if it was Gavin and Stacey plus the Billericay connection that attracted the girl from Neath in Wales. Well done Basildon Council and BBC Essex!” Councillor Tony Ball, Leader of the Council, said he was pleased with the success of the event. “The music performances were excellent and it was great to see so many people coming to the park to celebrate Basildon’s 60th birthday.” The Council has said it will be looking to hold similar events featuring other classical stars in the future.
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September 09
Basildon new town’s 60th birthday celebrations
Basildon’s 60th
More than 40,000 visitors poured in Stranglers and Jimmy James and the Got Talent’ stars Signature featured o Other performers at the free festival, on Henshaw Band, 'Funk Affair' and March In the Events Arena large crowds enjoy demonstration by the Fire Service, dance display team. The Boom Room, a community youth chance to play a live set in "Liquid" nigh Basildon’s 60th birthday celebrations in The time travel experience was complim hundreds of autographs. Now in its 15th year, the Basildon Festi as the county’s biggest free festival of m Council Leader Tony Ball praised the s weekend to make sure everything ran s Basildon’s 60th birthday special” he sai volunteered their time not just over the w The Festival’s planning team is already performers to make it another record-br
September 09
celebrated with Basfest party
nto Gloucester Park to enjoy Basfest 2009. Hugh Cornwall from the Vagabonds were the star attractions on the main stage, while ‘Britain’s on the Community Stage. n the 4 and 5 July, included Queen tribute group 'The Bohemians', the Elliot h of the Mods. yed such diverse displays as the Essex Dog Display Team, a road crash rescue e groups ‘Kayzar Dance’ and ‘High Kicks Dance School’ and the Think Bikes
initiative, was a popular as ever with young DJs and MCs competing for the htclub. ncluded a special photographic exhibition showing Basildon’s past and future. mented by the TARDIS and former Doctor Who Colin Baker, who signed
ival is organised and run by Basildon District Council and is now recognised music and entertainment. staff who had worked so hard to make the event a success, and gave up their smoothly. “A lot of work went into organising this event this year to make id. “I would like to thank all the Council staff and community groups who weekend, but over many months planning the event.” y looking ahead to next year, and promises even more star acts and special eaker.
Picture by Darren Chaplin
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September 09
Towngate Theatre 21st anniversary
Soul queen Mica at Towngate Soul queen Mica Paris is returning to her first passion, and audiences in Basildon are invited to share in it. The singer is back with her first original studio album in a decade, and a 19-date tour, which calls in on Basildon’s Towngate Theatre, and Thurrock Civic Hall, in Grays, in October. In a fitting tribute to the musician’s long absence, new album Born Again combines classic Motown grooves with contemporary production and emotive lyrics, and features songs by James Morrison and Rhianna. Mica grew up with roots in soul and gospel music, singing in her grandparents’ church and later other gospel choirs.
Giant beanstalk rocks Basildon
Basildoon Council has used Hollywood-style special effects to promote this year's pantomime at the Towngate Theatre. A 90-second trailer shows the town hit by strange tremors, before a giant beanstalk smashes
through the roof of the theatre and into the sky. The trailer can be watched on Basildon Council's website www.basildon.gov.uk The filming took place over the course of a week using
broadcasting, hosting shows for BBC Radio 2 and making documentaries for Channel 4 and the BBC. Mica has starred in two acclaied West End Shows. ‘Mama I Want to Sing’ and ‘Sweet Lorraine’. In 1997, a collaboration with Dave Gilmore and Jools Holland ‘I Put A Spell On You,’ once again topped the charts. Mica will visit the Towngate Theatre on October 9, and the Civic Hall on October 28. To book call the Towngate Theatre box office on 01268 465465 or the Civic Hall on 01375 383961.
Box office: 01268 465465 web basildontowngate.com
Shakespeare in the park
volunteers from the Towngate and Basildon Council, which runs the theatre. Staff arrived as early as 6am each morning to set up and film the scenes. Theatre Manager Graham Sandford, one of the stars of the film, said: “All the people in the film gave up their own time for free. It meant quite a few early mornings but it was great fun to make and everyone’s delighted with the end result.” It was devised and filmed by Basildon Council’s Head of Communications, Paul Ilett and edited together by local visual effects expert David Martin, who created the ‘giant beanstalk’ effect for the film. Councillor Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Arts, said: “It’s a great film that will really help to promote this year’s pantomime.” • To book tickets call 01268 465 465.
Royle’s Tomlinson stars in laughter show Royle family star Ricky Tomlinson is bringing his very own laughter show consisting of two hours of side splitting laughter at the end of October to the Towngate. The grumpy father persona Jim Royle will be joined on stage by Tony Barton (Coronation Street and Emmerdales) Eddie Archer (The Comedians) and comedy show band Black Onyx. Basildon is one of 20 gigs that the winner of 10 regional awards for comedy personality and drama that Ricky will be appearing in.
In 1988, while still in her teens, she released her debut album, ‘So Good’, which peaked at number six in the charts and went platinum. The album included the top ten hit ‘My One Temptation’, which came in at number seven in the UK singles chart. The Nineties saw Mica release another three albums, the second including a track written for her by Prince entitled ‘Contribution’. ‘Whisper a Prayer’ released in 1993, marked another departure for Mica garnering a further top 2twenty singles ‘Never Felt Like This Before’ and ‘Wanna Hold On To You’. Over the past ten years, Mica has branched out into
Ricky first came to public acclaim at the age of 36 when director Alan Beasdale cast him in a minor role in the acclaimed series ‘Boys from the Blackstuff’. His transformation to national superstar came in 1998, when he reunited with his Brookside screen wife Sue Johnston in ‘The Royle Family’. Tickets cost just £15 for a night of comedy with a ‘Capital C’.
Box office: 01268 465465 web basildontowngate.com
Flighty fairies, woodland fantasies and an ass-eared fool “Bottom’
The British spirit was on full show as hundreds braved the weather on Saturday to enjoy Basildon Council’s open air Shakespeare in the Park performance. The theatrical performance at The Wick Country Park in Wickford was part of a series of events to help celebrate Basildon’s 60th birthday. Turnout was better than expected but brollies and waterproofs were needed because of the rain. The play was performed by
the well-known Quantum Theatre Group who wowed the crowd with their adaptation of the Shakespeare play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts and Leisure, Councillor Kevin Blake, who watched the performance, said: “The audience and cast showed true British grit despite the weather on the day. I would like to see more openair performances throughout the district in the future.”
September 09
Town centre plans get green light Plans to rejuvenate Basildon town centre have moved a step closer as the Council has given its approval to the next stage of the procurement process. Barratt Homes and Wilson Bowden have been invited to submit their final tender for the project. The £1bn project will transform central Basildon, giving it much needed infrastructure and housing, in addition to 530,000 sq.ft. of shops and leisure 600,000 sq.ft. of office. Once the tender is submitted, and subject to its approval, the development partner could be appointed by October. There will then be extensive public consultation as part of detailed master planning. Councillor Stephen Horgan, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “This is a very important project for Basildon and it reflects the confidence in our community and the hard work of the project team that it is still on track despite the recession. “We have a great opportunity to transform BasildonTown Centre, with more and better shops and offices, better transport facilities and new homes.”
Recycling rate up by 6% Basildon’s green credentials were given a boost by a 6% leap in recycling rates in a year. The district now recycles 38% of all its waste. This means residents are now recycling the equivalent of 4,230 African elephants! Measures which accounted for the increase included the provision of garden waste wheeled bins to 46,000 homes, collection of VCR and DVD players for recycling, and council work in the district to encourage
recycling in schools as well as in the home. At the same time the types of waste the Council accepts in pink sacks was extended to include bubble wrap, yoghurt pots and butter and margarine tubs. Basildon Council also worked with charities to provide more recycling banks for clothes around the district. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment Councillor Malcolm Buckley said the increase in recycling rates can be attributed to the
hard work of residents in the district. “We want to thank the residents of Basildon for the success of our recycling scheme. It is due to their participation that rates have shot up by so much. “These results mean that the Basildon District is in a great position to move towards achieving a 50% recycling rate by 2012.”
Recycling: 01268 294889
@ recycling@basildon.gov.uk
New leaflet to explain benefits
ʻPimp my Bike’ a project that allowed children to create their bicycles from unclaimed parts left with Wickford Police has proved a success. The project ran for five weeks and ended with kids taking possession of their bikes and gaining a certificate for achievement for completing the scheme.
Basildon Council is launching a new benefit information leaflet. It explains what Housing and Council Tax Benefits are, what to expect when residents contact the Benefits Team to make a claim and all the different ways the benefits team can be contacted. Councillor Philip Turner, Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Now more than ever, it is vital Basildon’s residents get the financial assistance they need by claiming the benefits they are entitled to.”
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Two fined for litter offences Two more people have been fined for litter offences. one was fined for dropping a cigarette butt. She was given a £50 fine, victim surcharge of £15 and £75 costs. The second offender was fined £50 with a victim surcharge of £15, and ordered to pay £75 costs for dumping a pink recycling sack. He had put it out for collection on the wrong day.
Extra conditions on late night bar Basildon Council has agreed to add extra licensing conditions to a popular bar in Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park. The move follows police concerns about the way alcohol was being sold which was said to be causing drunkeness and disorder problems.
Try the Council’s web site basildon.gov.uk
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September 09
R et a il er s t o c la mp dow n o n a g e re s t r i c t e d s a l e s
Tesco has signed up to Challenge 25 Scheme rolled out in district
Retailers and consumers are being urged to help reduce the sales of age restricted products to young people. Basildon Council is in conjunction with Basildon’s Community Safety Patnership, rolling out a campaign to combat under-age drinking. The campaign is aimed at supporting local businesses and raising awareness of the effects of alcohol on children. The campaign will also aim to reduce the sales of other agerestricted products such as cigarettes, knives and fireworks. Retailers have been encouraged
to sign up to the Challenge 25 scheme. Those signing up to it are eligible for free marketing material and have the opportunity to attend free training sessions organised by Basildon District Council and Trading Standards. Waitrose, Asda, Tesco, and Pints and Litres have already signed up to the scheme, which will ensure that staff ask purchasers to verify their age with identity verification if they look as though they are under the age of 25. Aside from local businesses the Community hold the key to ensuring that this campaign is a success. Recently there has been
an increase in adults purchasing alcohol for children. It is an offence to supply alcohol to a young person and these sales will be targeted by Police Community Support Officers who will be pushing the Age Restricted Sales Campaign on their patrols. They will visit retailers to give practical advice and take enforcement measures where necessary. The PCSO’s will also be discouraging local residents from buying age restricted products for children, warning them they could face fines from £80 to £5,000. January 2010 will see a wave of test purchasing of these goods using young volunteers to measure the effectiveness of the campaign. Cabinet Member for the Environment Councillor Malcolm Buckley said: “By tackling the issue of under-age selling headon, the Council are showing its dedication to keeping its communities safe. “Providing free training sessions to retailers is a great way of engaging with them and protecting them from unnecessary trouble.”
Teddy Bears Picnic
The weather made for a great day out for families with children
Families with children under five joined in the free fun at the Teddy Bears Picnic held at Wat Tyler Park. The event was jointly organised by a small team from Wat Tyler Country Park and Northlands Park Children’s Centre, and sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services. Around 4,000 visitors from across the district and from as far as Harlow, had a great day being entertained by Partyman,
bouncy castles, fun rides, face painting, craft activities and lots more all provided free of charge by local agencies. Charlotte Landon, the deputy co-ordinator at the Children’s Centre said: “This was a great opportunity for agencies to interact with parents whilst the children were being occupied. It was great to see so many families enjoying a picnic together along with their teddies of course.”
September 09
Doing business with the council Want to win Council business but confused about how to go about it? Look no further than Basildon Council‘s simplified guide, which explains how the Council procures services and goods. The guide entitled ‘Doing Business with Basildon District Council – A Supplier’s Guide’ explains the steps involved in the Council’s transparent Quotation and Tender Processes. The Guide can be found, along with information about new business opportunities and registering on the Council’s supplier portal, on the Council’s procurement website: www.basildon.gov.uk/procurement. Generally, contracts up to the value of £75,000 do not need to go through a formal tender process, but will be advertised to ensure that a wide range of businesses have the opportunity to bid. Contracts that exceed £75,000 are awarded through a tender process. In both cases the Council will not necessarily award the contract to the supplier offering the lowest price. Instead it will look at which offer is the most economically advantageous or offers value for money. The Council may also consider factors such as service levels, quality, previous experience, innovation, and environmental impact. For more information, visit www.basildon.gov.uk/procurement or contact a member the Council’s corporate procurement team on 01268 533333.
Illegal snake house raid A raid on a home in Basildon by council officers, police and Heathrow's animal reception service last October uncovered an illegal den of dangerous snakes. Basildon magistrates have convicted the man, who owned the snakes, after his guilty plea to keeping wild animals without a licence. He was fined £325 with £1,450 costs and banned from keeping any dangerous wild animals for ten years.
To find out how Basildon Council is serving you, visit the Council’s redesigned website at www.basildon.gov.uk
Together against crime initiative Hundreds of shoppers at Basildon town centre were given the opportunity to talk about crime and disorder with senior officials from Basildon’s Community Safety Partnership. Council representatives, top police officers, as well as staff from many other statutory agencies, were present at the event held recently in front of the mother and child fountain in the East Square. Essex police horses were on show along with displays from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. There was also DJ-ing and multi-sports games provided by Chelsea Football Club, a recycling display as well as special appearances from Essex Police Interceptor cars. Members of the public were able to find out more about how the Partnership tackles crime and disorder and supports victims of crime. Chairman of the Basildon Crime and Disorder Reduction
Members of the partnership talk to shoppers about crime prevention
Partnership Strategy Group, which has overall responsibility for crime and disorder in the Basildon district and Leader of the Council, Tony Ball, said:
“By holding this event in the town centre we have helped raise awareness of what the partnership is doing to tackle crime and disorder.”
“Our investment in time and resource is paying off and showing significant improvements. I am therefore delighted to see that Basildon Council has continued to achieve lower levels of absences and is now outperforming most local authorities. “Basildon Council maintains high focus on absences because it affects direct and indirect costs, impacts on service delivery and of course adds an increased burden for staff that have to cover the work load when their colleagues are absent. “Therefore we are not about to become complacent and are continuing to work with staff to
reduce absence levels and achieve further significant improvements, all of which will help benefit our residents by maintaining first class, value for money, quality services that improve their way of life.” Work is also due to start through the Essex Strategic HR Partnership on the possibility of establishing an Essex-wide occupational health service which should lead to even less days off work due to sickness. The Essex-wide occupational health service is expected to start at the end of 2010 and should mean even greater efficiency – both in terms of financial savings and overall effectiveness.
Council wins European Best Practice award Basildon Council has won a Best Practice Certificate in the European Public Sector Awards 2009. The Council’s Revenues and Benefits Service was chosen from over 300 applications by the European Institute of Public Administration. The recognition was for its work demonstrating how a recent transformation of the Revenues and Benefits Service had employed innovative approaches resulting in efficiency while
NEWS IN BRIEF
New helpline for jobless
Basildon sick rates lower than other LAs Basildon Council employees take significantly fewer sick days than most local authorities, according to the latest progress report on absence management. According the report, the current average absences for Basildon Council employees as of May this year is under 8.5 days a year This compares favourably to the latest benchmarking data which shows that average sickness absences for other local authorities in 2007/08 was 9.3 days, with poorer performing councils having an average of 11.3 days. Councillor Phil Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
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slashing costs by £500,000. Basildon Council was the only recipient from the UK of such prestigious recognition in the category of Performance Improvement. Councillor Phil Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources, praised Council staff and said the Best Practice Certificate showed how the Council was making taxpayers cash work harder by improving performance. “It is an extremely important service, offering often vital
support to some of the district’s most vulnerable families. We are using new and innovative methods of delivering a great service and provide value for money.” The introduction of a benefit take up campaign, “Don’t lose it, claim it!”, the use of new technology, through Voice Risk Analysis and coherent, documented plans to continue improving the Service helped Basildon to stand out from the crowd.
A new hotline has been launched by the Council and Basildon Renaissance, for residents and businesses concerned by the threat of redundancy. The new number 01268 294629 can be called between 8.30am and 4.30pm. An answer phone will also be available, with calls responded to the next working day. Employers and employees can also email training@basildon.gov.uk Councillor Stephen Horgan, Deputy Leader of the Council says: "We realise that these are uncertain times for both residents and businesses within the District, and we are committed to doing all that we can to help those that are threatened with the prospect of redundancy, be it as an employer, or employee. This new hotline will enable people to be directed to a number of services offered by ourselves and our partners."
A127 to get new signs in business push Drivers looking for Basildon on the A127 will be greeted by new signage. It is part of a £400,000 plan that will see industrial parks of the A127 renamed Enterprise Parks. Money will also be spent on landscaping the roadsides to give motorists a more favourable impression of the town. The investment for the new rebranding exercise will come from the Government Homes and Communities Agency. Councillor Stephen Horgan, deputy leader of Basildon Council, said: “It is vital that during the current economic times, the public sector continues to invest in regeneration and the environment. “Basildon Enterprise Parks are our economic backbone, and this direct investment over the next year will address many of the key concerns that companies have expressed to us in the past. “This work will help to identify Basildon, and more importantly make life easier for our businesses and visitors to those companies.”
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September 09
NEWS IN BRIEF
How can we improve ‘crunch service’ for you Basildon Council has launched an online survey to find out what residents think of its mobile waste collection service (Crunch) and how it can be improved. The service is currently provided 43 weeks each year on Saturdays, with vehicles appearing at up to three sites from 9am to 12pm. It currently operates at 130 locations throughout the district each year on a rota basis. There are two types of Mobile Crunch service available - there is a green crunch for garden waste recycling, and normal crunch for all other materials. Data from the survey will be used by Basildon Council to help improve its Crunch Mobile Service. Councillor Malcolm Buckley, Cabinet Member for the Environment for Basildon District Council, said: We want to improve our Crunch service and input from our customers is essential in doing this.”
Council acts to cushion economy from recession
Leader of Basildon Council Tony Ball
Councillors have endorsed one of the biggest coordinated plans ever undertaken in a bold attempt to alleviate the worst effects of the recession on people across the district. The financial rescue plan worth hundreds of thousands of pounds to support local residents and businesses offers small and large scale help through an imaginative range of targeted initiatives. A £300,000 recession busting fund including free weekend parking was welcomed by councillors in an effort to fight the downturn and protect the
district's economy. The package of relief measures follows the announcement earlier this year that the council tax increase had been held down to 3.79% – below the 4.5% forecast last year. Leading the raft of new measures is the plan to allow shoppers to park for free in all council-run car parks at weekends. It means they will be relieved of paying charges from 6pm on Friday to 8am Monday. The amnesty, which will last for at least a year and is worth £100,000, is designed to save people cash and boost trade for businesses by attracting more shoppers to the high street. The Council has also set aside £100,000 to run a series of recession relief schemes throughout the year to support local residents and companies. A further £100,000 is now marked to support tenants at St George’s Community Housing, with issues such as benefits advice. Councillor Tony Ball, Leader of the Council, said : “This Council is taking quick and decisive action to protect local people and businesses from the worst effects
of the recession. “We have set out measures to help us weather the economic storm and protect us from the worst effects of the downturn". "The Council is determined to do everything it can to support the district and has already put in place a series of measures to support residents and businesses, with more planned for the future". The £100,000 recession relief package is designed to support individuals and businesses now as well as help the local economytakeadvantageoftheupturnwhen it comes. They include measures to keep people in their homes and get benefits to the unemployed and vulnerable which offer a vital safety net for those in need. Four business clinics are being run for companies in Basildon, offering free confidential advice on coping with the recession. They include free financial health checks by a high street bank. In addition the Council has chanelled £50,000 funding towards the establishment of Basildon Education and Skills Training (BEST).
Late night opening improves access to Council services Basildon Council is offering late night opening times in response to residents’ feedback. As part of the trial, residents will be able to access four key services, including the main reception, cashiers, Housing and the Revenues and Benefits Service every Thursday until 8pm. The trial opening times follow residents’ surveys and Council hosted consultation groups which highlighted some people were struggling to access services during the day when they were at work. Councillor Richard Moore, Cabinet Member for Development Control, said a late opening is another example of steps the Council is taking to improve access to services for our residents. “It is vital that we ensure our services are available at times that are convenient for our hard-working residents.” The trial opening times began in August and will run to the end of the year. During the trial, Basildon Council will monitor the volume of people who use the service and record customer feedback. Depending on how successful the trial is a decision will be made in the future on whether to make it a permanent fixture.
New measures to increase travel options for commuters
Basildon Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Taskforce has been put in the spotlight following its review of commuter parking. The review has led to radical new measures being put forward to ease congestion and increase travel options for commuters travelling to Wickford and Laindon rail stations. The Overview and Scrutiny work involved a high degree of public consultation and partnership working with outside agencies Essex County Council,
National Express (East Anglia) and c2c. The recommendations include new additional parking spaces, new bus services, cycle and pedestrian only paths, and new drop-off points The review also suggests a range of parking restrictions and increased parking enforcement to ease parking congestion in residential roads close to the stations. Councillor Sandra Hillier, lead councillor of the Task and Finish Group that produced the report, said: "This review has in effect
produced a Station Travel Plan for Wickford and Laindon stations. "I hope that the review recommendations will help to improve access to the rail network and increase options for the journey to the station and at the same time reduce local traffic congestion and commuter parking in residential areas." At Wickford Station, the group is recommending introducing shuttle bus services to Shotgate and Runwell, the removal of the unused taxi rank on the roundabout ouside the station, more parking and a drop-off zone, The group is recommending improvements to the layout of Laindon Station forecourt, including a one-way system for buses and taxis in front of the station, a formal drop off and pick up zone, better bus stops, lighting and sign posting. The full report containing all of the review’s recommendations is available on the council’s website www.basildon.gov.uk and is due to be considered by the Council’s Cabinet this month.
September 09
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September 09
Dragon’s Den sharks fin helps kids swim An innovative sharks fin swimming aid that featured on BBC's Dragon's Den has been launched as the latest tool to help boost the standards of swimming lessons for children in Basildon by 2012. The SwimFin, developed by swimming instructor Kevin Moseley, is designed like a sharks fin, which is placed on a child’s back to help provide buoyancy while the child learns how to swim unaided. Children between the ages of three and eight will be the first to trial the new device, which has been designed to help learners to swim without restricting their movement. It also helps to give the feeling of swimming unaided, helping to boost children’s confidence and increase motivation. The SwimFin is set to become a regular teaching aid under improvements being made to Basildon Council’s Learn to Swim scheme. The Council agreed a deal in November 2007 with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) to boost the standard of its learn to to swim programmes leading up to 2012. As part of the project, Basildon Council is now working in partnership with the national governing body for swimming until 2012, and the National Plan for Teaching Swimming will be used throughout its three sites.
1,000 in ‘Get Out There’ scheme
SwimFin and Get Out There have been welcomed by families keen to embrace an active lifestyle on a budget
Over 1,000 people have taken part in Basildon Council’s Get Out There project since it began it began three months ago. Get Out There Basildon! provides exciting activities across the district for families and young people to help them get more active. Activities which the
project offers are published in an easy-to-use booklet and include sports, drama, dance and music. To encourage participation in the activities offered by Get Out There Basildon! joining fees start from as little as 50p with some activities being offered for free. The project also offers special
discounts for people who take part in 10 or more activities as well as the chance to win £100 activity vouchers. Leisure centres which offer Get Out There Basildon! activities, include Markhams Chase, Eversley Leisure Centre, Wickford Swimming Pool and
Gloucester Park Swimming Pool. Get Out There Basildon! is designed to complement the Government’s Change 4 Life Campaign which encourages people to eat well, move more and live longer by making small changes to their lifestyle. Partner organisations involved in Get Out There Basildon! include Vitality (South West Essex PCT) Essex County Council, the Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership,local schools, Positive Futures and Sport England. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts and Leisure, Councillor Kevin Blake, said: “Get Out There Basildon! is a great way for people in the district to become more physically active and more aware of their health. The project is very popular and so far over 1,000 people in the district have taken up the Get Out There Basildon! Challenge.” A new edition of Get Out There Basildon! will be available for the Autumn. For more information on Get Out There Basildon! please visit: www.getoutherebasildon.co.uk
Scheme helps residents get healthy In a bid to help people lead more healthy lifestyles, Basildon Council will be offering free health checks and advice to residents next month. The health project called “Own Goals” will run for three months from Monday 14 September at 7pm and kick off at the Towngate Theatre. On hand for Basildon district residents who participate in the scheme will be an experienced personal coach who will give a Printed on 75% recycled paper. Please recycle your District Diary after reading.
presentation on infallible techniques to help you become more healthy. Health and fitness advisors will also be on hand to answer questions and advise people on a range of activities and programmes that will help participants reach their “Own Goals”. The scheme will end on Monday 14 December when participants will have the opportunity to have another health check to see how much improvement there has been.
Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Arts, Councillor Kevin Blake, said: “If you do want to loose a few pounds, get fit or look at how you can improve your health then “Own Goals” has the answers. “This project is a great way for Basildon residents to lead a more healthy and fulfilling lifestyle and also get valuable advice from experienced health professionals.”
Cllr Blake with Associate Director Matthew MacDonald and gym staff
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