Borough Diary - June 2009 by Basildon Council

News from the Basildon District Council

June 2009

e: d si In

Your guide to Basfest‘09

FREE Y ENTR Sensational Katherine Jenkins concert in Billericay.

Full details on page 14

Raising the flag for our armed forces

basildon’s got talent Council plans civic event to honour local lads

Basildon Council has joined local authorities across the country in marking Armed Forces Day 2009. Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. The Council organised a special ceremony in St Martin’s Square, Basildon, to raise a flag to mark the event, and invited guests from across the district including police officers, doctors and nurses, fire fighters, refuse collectors and representatives from the armed forces. The event in Basildon was one of hundreds being held up and down the country. A specially designed flag, based on the Union Jack, was raised at the same time in ceremonies across the country to mark the beginning of a week of events leading up to Armed Forces Day. Council Leader Tony Ball said: “This is the first Armed Forces Day and we wanted to make sure people in the district had an opportunity to take part and show their support and respect for our armed forces.” A full report will appear in the next District Diary.

Basildon Council’s Chairman Mo Larkin is planning a special civic event to honour the members of Diversity, who won this year’s Britain’s Got Talent. Many of the lads live in the Basildon District, and the mother of three of the boys is a Care Officer for Basildon Council. Chandra McNaughton is the mother of Ian (25), Jamie (24) and Matthew (17) who beat favourite Susan Boyle to this year’s first place in the ITV1 talent show. Chandra said: “The final was so exciting. All the boys’ parents were in the audience. We wanted them to do well, but we all thought Susan Boyle was going to win.

Cllr Mo Larkin and Chandra McNaughton, mother of three of the lads in Diversity

“When they announced Diversity had won, I was very proud, it was very exciting and emotional. I was just squeezing the hand of my husband, Stewart, and my daughter Rachael was squeezing his other hand. And then I cried and cuddled everybody.” The prize includes performing in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Show. Ian, Jamie and Matthew have been dancing for years and still live at home in Basildon with their mum and dad. Diversity’s been together for two years and other members of the group also live in the area, including lead dancer and choreographer Ashley Banjo who lives in Wickford. Basildon Council’s Chairman, Mo Larkin said she wants the group to receive an official congratulation from the district and is planning a civic event for later in the year. “It is wonderful that local boys have won Britain’s Got Talent during Basildon’s 60th birthday year. They’ve worked amazingly hard and are incredibly talented. They are great role models for other youngsters and have made everyone across the district very proud.”

Dance group, Diversity, winner of TV’s Britain’s Got Talent

“It’s been constant, constant rehearsals,” Chandra continued. “They couldn’t take time off work and so would get back from work, have a bite to eat, and then go off to the studio to rehearse. “They are going on the Britain’s Got Talent tour around the country with all the acts that

Matthew, Chandra, Ian, Rachael, Jamie and Stewart

were in the final. I think this is an opportunity of a lifetime. I would never have dreamt that my children would be dancing in front of the Queen.”

Book tickets for the sensational Katherine Jenkins — Lake Meadows, Billericay on Saturday 25 July more information, tel 01268 465465

June 09

Highlights in this edition P6 Success of our St. George’s ‘Party in a Box’

Basildon Council’s initiative to help residents and groups celebrate St. George’s Day has been a great success, and could now be promoted across the country for next year’s event.

P7-10 Basfest’09

Full details of this year’s Basildon Festival, the largest free festival of music and entertainment in the county are included. Pull out and keep this special four-page supplement.

P14

Basildon 60

Katherine Jenkins in concert and a special open-air performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream are just two of the exciting events lined up across the district to celebrate Basildon’s 60th birthday.

P16

Catching a bite

Thousands of new fish have been introduced into the district’s lakes, making it easier to catch a bite. This re-stock follows a new contract to manage Basildon Council’s fisheries.

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 012678 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. Basildon District Council accepts no responsibility 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.

Basildon’s 60th birthday Chairman’s message from Cllr Mo Larkin Over the past four decades, I have lived in Wickford, Basildon and Billericay and served as a councillor in many parts of the district. So I know the area and the people very well, and I’m delighted that we have so many special events taking place across the district to mark Basildon’s 60th birthday. This includes BasFest 2009 in Gloucester Park, the Katherine Jenkins open-air concert in Lake Meadows and ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ in The Wick. I really do think we’ve got something for everyone. In this edition of the District Diary you will be able to find information on all of these events, and more.

Pitsea Railway pub restoration Plans to restore the former Railway public house in Pitsea town centre to its former glory have been approved by Basildon Council. Turlbrook Properties plan to redevelop and extend the landmark building and create new businesses on the ground floor of the former pub. The second floor will be converted into office space. Councillor David Abrahall, Ward Member for Pitsea South East, says: “This work is long overdue and will help to regenerate what is a key site within Pitsea town centre. I hope that this will encourage further regeneration in the area.” Councillor Stephen Horgan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Green Issues, adds: “I’m glad to see that this work will be in keeping with the style of the existing building. I look forward to seeing the results.”

Cllr Maureen Larkin

Turn to the centre pages, and you will find a four-page pullout giving full details of Basfest 2009. This is a major event in the district’s calendar, offering two days of great family entertainment for free.

Tens of thousands of people usually attend and I hope to see many of you at this year’s event. One of the marquees will be a time-travel experience, with Doctor Who’s TARDIS on hand and photographs offering an exciting glimpse into Basildon’s future as well as photographs of the district’s past. I first moved to Basildon in 1964, so I’m a Sixties girl now helping to celebrate Basildon’s 60th birthday. I’m delighted and very honoured to have been asked to serve as Chairman during this exciting year and hope residents across the district feel a real sense of pride in our 60th birthday year.

CRUNCH TIMES This is a mobile waste disposal facility that tours the district at weekends that residents can use to dispose of bulkier items of rubbish. Locations with (G) can also be used for the disposal of green waste. This service is not suitable for paints, oils or other waste liquids. The Crunch service runs from 9am to 12 noon at all sites, unless mentioned below. 27 June

1 August

(G)

Billericay – Radford Crescent car park Laindon – Danacre parking area Pitsea – Felmores main centre car park (G)

4 July

Fryerns – Craylands,The Lichfields and r/o shops Laindon – Basildon Dr j/w Dickens Dr Vange – Gordon Road layby nr Helpeston

Billericay – Little Burstead car park Laindon – Noak Bridge Coppice Lane (G)

8 August

Laindon – Five Links Handley Green service road Pitsea – Kenneth Road layby (G)

15 August

11 July

Wickford – Keats Way opp no.3 council garage area (G) Langdon Hills – Valance Way j/w Debden Green

18 July

Fryerns – Ghyllgrove opposite The Upway Laindon Link – nr Bluehouse Community Centre (G) Crays Hill – Recreation Ground

Wickford Rettendon View – layby by car park 1 hour Pippin Court (G) Laindon Link – nr Monastery Dr Pitsea – Wilsner, next to Trenham Centre

22 August

Laindon – Five Links Somercotes service road nr shops Luncies – Stagden Cross (9.00 – 10.30 am) Beech Road s/o no.4 (10.30am – 12.00 noon) Wickford – Kershaws Close rear of Nevendon Road shops (G)

29 August

25 July

Lee Chapel South – The Knares service area rear of 58-92 (G) Wickford – Alderney Gardens rear of shops (G) Laindon West – Thornton Way/ Sparkbridge parking (G)

Billericay – Radford Crescent car park

(G)

Kingswood – Playleadership Centre opp shops Laindon West – Dunton Caravan Park

12 September

Pitsea – Chevers Pawen & Elm Green (9.00 – 11.00) Steeplehall & The Meads near Elmtree Rd (11.00 – 12.00) Laindon – King Edward Road by Royal Court Wickford – Salcott Crescent j/w Heybridge Drive (G)

To find out how Basildon Council is serving you visit the Council’s website - www.basildon.gov.uk

June 09

CCTV unit goes 24/7 Basildon’s 97 CCTV cameras will be monitored 24-hoursa-day in a bid to make the district’s streets even safer and cleaner. Basildon Council won £212,000 government funding to maintain a constant watch over the district’s camera network. The cameras cover Basildon, Billericay and Wickford and will now be monitored around the clock, rather than for up

to 12 hours at a time. It means the high-power cameras, which operate and record high quality pictures, will be monitored during hours of darkness. Cllr Richard Moore, Cabinet Member for Development Control and Customer Services, said: “We have already invested in a state-of-the-art CCTV system which is closely monitored by security staff and records footage 24 hours a day. We hope the

extended monitoring will be even more successful in discouraging criminal activity and improving community safety. The funding we have now received for this project will help make it easier for police to tackle crime and disorder and is a huge boost for the security of our town centres. It will not only deter crime but also reduce the fear of crime.” The extra funding will allow more trained operators to keep

a round-the-clock watch on the images, increase the effectiveness of the CCTV system and allow the Council to use the network to its full potential. Four operators, two full-time and two part-time, have now joined existing security staff. As well as Basildon, Billericay and Wickford town centres, cameras are located in Brooke House in Basildon, and Lake Meadows Park in Billericay.

Pitsea residents win makeover for popular community centre A community centre in Basildon topped a national poll to win a make-over by The Sun newspaper. With the backing of Basildon Council, supporters of the much-used Pitsea Leisure Centre scooped second place in The Sun campaign, which was backed by Dulux. A team of professional painters, helped by volunteers, gave the centre’s main function room a complete makeover. The campaign aimed to encourage

local people to get involved in the environment around their neighbourhoods. A shortlist of 11 emerged and residents voted online for their local project, and Pitsea Leisure Centre came second. "We are absolutely delighted by this well-deserved success by Pitsea residents", said Pippa Brent-Isherwood, Social Inclusion Manager. “This is a heavily used facility right at the heart of this united and friendly local community.”

Pitsea make-over team

New Leader follows in father’s footsteps The new leader of Basildon Council is the second generation in his family to serve in the important role. Cllr Tony Ball’s father, also Tony Ball, served on Basildon Council for 20 years from 1967, and was Leader Tony Ball between 1979-1982. Leader Cllr Ball said: “I have a great sense of pride to follow in his footsteps. It is an achievement to become Leader, and particularly for two people from the same family to fill this position.” Cllr Ball was elected Leader at the annual Council meeting in May, where the Council’s new Cabinet was also agreed, along with new Council Chairman Mo Kevin Blake Leisure and the Arts Larkin. Cllr Ball said: “The job is about serving residents across the district. My task is to build on the success of the past through effective policies and strategies, high performance, efficient focused services for our various communities and lasting value for money.” Lynda Gordon Cabinet member Labour

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: last Saturday of month 10.30am to 12pm, Billericay Library, 143 High Street, Billericay

Crouch Stuart Allen 01268 284225 Terri Sargent 01268 288766 Surgeries: first Saturday of month, 9.30am to 10.30am, Noak Bridge Village Hall, Coppice Lane, Noak Bridge, and third Saturday, 9am to 10am, Steeple View Memorial Hall, Willowfields

Fryerns Paul Kirkman 01268 474528 Surgeries: third Wednesday of the month 7.30pm to 8pm 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 Hiller 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: first Saturday of month, 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 For Keith Bobbin call 01268 556158

Pitsea South East

Stephen Horgan

Frank Tomlin

Malcolm Buckley

Deputy Leader Regeneration and Green Issues

Housing

Environment

David Abrahall 01268 440082 Ann Blake 01268 470597 Mo Larkin 01268 413936 Surgeries: second Monday of 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: first Monday and third Tuesday of month, 2pm to 3pm at The Basildon Community Resource Centre, 1 The Gore, Basildon

Vange

Phil Turner

Richard Moore

Andrew Baggott

Resourses

Development Control and Customer Services

Community and ALMO Clienting

Non Cabinet

Swatantra Nandanwar 01268 453749 Surgeries: second Sunday of month, 11am to 12pm at The Luncies Meeting Hall, Luncies Road (off Timberlog Ln) 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

Ben Williams Cabinet member Liberal Democrat

For information on all forthcoming Council meetings which are open to the public, please visit www.basildon.gov.uk

Mo Larkin

Sandra Hillier

Chairman of the Council

Vice Chairman of the Council

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.

June 09

Have your say on future consultation Basildon Council wants to hear residents’ thoughts on how they would like to be consulted on future planning policy and development. The Council is currently preparing its draft Statement of Community Involvement document to guide all future planning public consultation processes. For information about planning processes and to comment on the draft document visit www. basildon-consult.limehouse. co.uk/portal Paper copies of the draft Statement and feedback forms are available at libraries in the District and also at the Basildon Centre. Your feedback can be sent by email to ldf@basildon. gov.uk or you can speak to a member of the Forward Planning team on 01268 294748. The views of local people are vital if the planning process is to be made as effective as possible, so tell your council what you think.

SwimFin boosts swimming for kids An innovative shark 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 the district by 2012. The SwimFin, developed by swimming instructor Kevin Mosely, is designed like a shark’s 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. It will be used in Gloucester Park Swimming Pool, Pitsea Swimming Pool and the Wickford Swimming Pool during beginners’ swimming lessons from the September term and in summer crash courses.

Major recycling drive across the district

Mum and daughter Lynne Sowter and Shirelle Wildman-Tutt from Vange take a break from shopping in Pitsea Broadway to make sure their papers and plastic bottles are recycled

Shoppers can now recycle their rubbish while out and about around Pitsea. Basildon Council has installed several new on-street recycling bins, each with a twin compartment for separate waste items. Recyclable items should be placed in the pink compartment and non-recyclable items should be placed in the black one. A big push into the district’s rural communities means almost every

house can now recycle their rubbish easily and conveniently. Basildon Council has introduced new rural collection routes, such as Little Burstead, Old Nevendon and Dry Street. Since joining the kerbside collection scheme in April 2009, more than six and a half tonnes of recyclable waste has been collected in these areas. Councillor Malcolm Buckley, Cabinet Member for the

£1.8 million invested in sheltered housing Basildon Council and its management company, St. George’s Community Housing, are making sure residents in its sheltered homes are warm and cosy this winter by replacing windows and boilers. The move has been made possible after it won more than £1.8m in government funding to speed up the replacement of heating systems and windows in some of its sheltered housing schemes. This includes £940,000 which will be used to replace communal heating systems, some of which are 30 to 40 years old and running at less than 50 per cent efficiency. The new systems will be designed to give greater individual control over heating,

reduce the risk of failures and help cut down on heating related illnesses. These major works will be carried out by local contractors which will have a positive impact on the local economy. All the work will be completed by the end of this year. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Frank Tomlin said: “This is good news for Basildon. Not only has the Council had a swift response to its request to bring forward this much needed funding, but also it is being paid in full. “This cash will go towards helping older and more vulnerable residents and at the same time will bring a welcome boost to the local building trade.”

Environment said: “Every item put into a black waste sack ends up going to landfill and has a negative effect on the environment. Whereas every plastic bottle that goes into a pink recycling sack could be used again for a range of items, including fleece jumpers!” This year the recycling team is making sure all residents in flats around the district can recycle glass bottles and jars at home.

Council acts on lift Basildon Council has agreed to step in and complete the building of the new public lifts and stairs in Basildon’s Town Square following months of complications. Work by the O’Connor Group to develop Northgate House and build new lifts and stairs has faltered owing to the recession. Since September 2008, the Council has been in negotiations with the O’Connor Group in order that the work on the lifts and stairs can be completed, but that has not been successful. The Council will now seek to reclaim the cost from the developer. Basildon Council has now agreed to complete the lifts and staircase to provide access from the Town Square to High Pavement.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Council shortlisted for staff welfare award A leading trade magazine has shortlisted Basildon Council for an award for the way it handles sickness absence procedures and staff welfare issues. The Employee Benefits magazine, one of the industry’s most respected journals, presents the award for the most effective healthcare and well-being strategy. Cllr Phil Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources said: “We have made concentrated efforts to drive down levels of staff sickness absence over the past few years. “We have achieved this through changing our reporting and monitoring procedures, which place more emphasis on the welfare of our staff and their long-term well-being.

Animal protection measures The Council has pledged its commitment to animal welfare by revising its animal welfare charter. The document sets out the Council’s roles, responsibilities and partnerships in the care and protection of animals in the district. A free copy of the revised charter is available from Environmental Health Services: telephone 01268 294280 or email ehs@basildon.gov.uk

Kids competition shows pride in the district Children are being given the chance to take pictures across the district to show what makes them proud of their local environment. The competition, organised by Basildon Council and The Eastgate Shopping Centre, is for children aged seven to 15. They also need to submit a 100-word description to support their choice of image. For more information contact Basildon Council’s Recycling Officer, James Hendry: james.hendry@basildon.gov. uk or call 01268 294949.

June 09

Councillors’ allowances 2008-09 The Council’s scheme for allowances, paid to elected Councillors, must be established within the regulatory framework set by the government. A panel of independent people recommend to the Council what the allowances should be. The approved Council Budget for the Members’ Allowances Scheme for the 2009/2010 financial year is £456,400. The Council is required to maintain records detailing all payments made to each individual councillor. These records are open to inspection by any local government elector in the Basildon District by prior arrangement with:

The Manager of Accountancy Financial Systems and Services The Basildon Centre St Martin’s Square Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL Last Financial Year The following list details payments to individual councillors during the period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009 (to the nearest pound). The list includes councillors who did not serve for the entire period due to local elections not coinciding with the Council’s financial year. From June 2009, the amounts paid to current councillors on a monthly basis can be viewed on the Counci’ls website.

A B C TOTAL Councillor surname £ £ £ £ R D Abrahall 5,586 7,427 13,013 S J Allen 5,586 5,586 A R Archer 5,586 2,794 102 8,482 A S Baggott 5,586 10,225 15,811 A Ball 5,586 12,569 174 18,329 J A Blake 5,586 1,397 6,983 K Blake 5,586 11,172 16,758 K Bobbin 5,586 304 5,890 G Buckenham 5,586 1,172 6,758 S Buckley 5,586 8,382 13,968 M R Buckley 5,586 16,758 22,344 D J Dadds 5,586 5,586 A R Davies 5,586 195 5,781 J D Dornan 5,586 5,586 J Dyer 545 545 L Gordon 5,586 3,782 9,368 A M Hedley 5,586 5,179 10,765 S Hillier 5,586 8,795 14,381 S E Hillier 5,586 57 5,643 S J Horgan 5,586 11,172 462 17,220 J Hyde 5,586 5,586 C R Jackman 5,586 5,586 P L Kirkman 5,586 5,586 M Larkin 5,586 5,586 R Livesey 5,586 5,586 R Llewellyn 545 545 L Mackenzie 5,114 5,114 R A Moore 5,586 10,811 16,397 C Morris 5,586 1,205 6,791 D W Morris 5,586 4,191 9,777 M O Mowe 5,586 4,191 9,777 S Nandanwar 5,586 96 5,682 C Payn 5,586 5,586 R Rackham 5,586 5,586 P Rackley 5,586 27 5,613 P W Rackley 5,055 91 5,146 T L Sargent 5,586 11,172 16,758 N J Smith 5,586 420 6,006 S B Sullivan 5,586 4,191 114 9,891 F Tomlin 5,586 1,172 6,758 P Turner 5,586 11,172 108 16,866 B Williams 5,586 1,205 6,791 G Williams 5,586 1,397 80 7,063 L Williams 5,586 5,586 Standards Committee, Non BDC Members M Fielding 1,677 97 J Quinlan 1,118 A Hollins 1,118 192 Rev E McCafferty 1,118 J J Petherick 965 J Buchanan 1,118 D Knight 816 Key to columns A = Basic Allowance B = Special Responsibility Allowance C = Travel, Subsistence and Carers Allowance

1,774 1,118 1,310 1,118 965 1,118 816

Benefits cheats to have possessions seized Convicted benefit cheats could have their possessions seized under tough new plans to crush fraud. Basildon Council is to use powers in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to confiscate the illgotten gains of fraudsters. Under the move, people found guilty of falsely claiming Housing and Council Tax Benefit could be stripped of cash and property. The powers will not be used to generate extra income for the Council; any cash seized will be invested back into the community. Councillor Phil Turner, Basildon Council’s Cabinet

Member for Resources, said: “Honest residents don’t want to see convicted benefit cheats enjoying luxury homes, flash cars and designer clothes at their expense. “We are planning to use the powers to strip fraudsters of the cash and possessions they have amassed using public funds. “We hope this acts as a deterrent to cheats and sends a clear message that crime does not pay.” Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Basildon Council can apply to the courts to seize cash and goods linked to criminal activity.

Action can be taken against offenders found guilty of committing fraud amounting to more than £5,000. A judge will determine the amount the Council can recover and any cash clawed back is split between the Council, the police and the courts. Councillor Turner adds: “We are finding a growing number of cases where offenders have acquired considerable assets from crime. “During these difficult economic times, it’s even more important we protect the public purse and ensure fraudsters do not profit from illegal activity.”

Shelter gets thumbs up from mobility scooter users Improving community facilities

Executive Director Doug Smith, Gerry Watkins, Estates Manager David Baughan, Cllr Andrew Baggott, John Baron MP, Social Inclusion Manager Pippa Brent-Isherwood,Centre Manager Tricia Radmore, Dennis Dodd, Cllr Phil Turner

Residents who use mobility scooters to get to the George Hurd Centre now have the peace of mind that their vehicles will be protected from the elements.

A new covered shelter has been opened at the popular Audley Way Centre after calls from disabled members to provide secure, dry parking.

The shelter was put in free of charge by construction giants, Lovells, who also built the £2 million centre last year. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for the Community Andrew Baggott, said: “The George Hurd Centre is a fantastic community asset and we hope this new addition will further improve the facilities available to local residents. On behalf of everyone at the centre, I would like to say a big thank you to Lovells who met the cost of building the shelter,” he added. Lovell’s regional director, Steve Coombs, said, “The centre is an extremely valuable and well-used resource. We were happy to help out by funding the shelter.”

VE celebration recreates the 40s Members of Pitsea Day Centre were transported back to the days of the Blitz at a special VE Day celebration. More than 70 regulars at the Centre took the

trip down memory lane, packing the dining room decked out in red, white and blue for the occasion. Helping them on their journey back in time was popular

entertainer, Diane Moore, performing a string of wartime hits and vintage songs from the 40s and 50s before leading in a rousing sing-along.

June 09

Basildon local service directory

Success of St. George’s Day ‘Party in a Box’ Basildon Council’s innovative ‘Party in a Box’ scheme to help get the St. George’s Day celebrations off to a flying start, is set to be copied by councils across the country in time for next year’s festivities. The original idea was to encourage voluntary or community groups or religious communities which might be thinking of staging an event to mark St. George’s Day. Basildon Council’s Sustainable Communities team offered to help by providing a party kit to enable organisations to take the celebrations out to their local communities. Now an independent group lobbying for St. George’s Day

to be made a public holiday has joined in the chorus of praise for Basildon’s scheme. The ‘St. George Unofficial Bank Holiday Group’ said : “We love the ‘Party in a Box’ idea and will encourage other councils to do the same. Congratulations to the Basildon team for leading the way on this important issue.” Cllr Andrew Baggott, Cabinet Member for Community said: “We are really pleased with this reaction. Our aim was to show how the celebration of St. George’s Day could encourage a sense of unity and community spirit and we believe we were successful in making this a memorable day for everyone.”

a day in the LIFE Louise Brown Senior Environmental Health Officer As part of a new regular feature focusing on the people who work for Basildon Council, providing excellent customer services to local residents and businesses, To advertise here, please call Angela Christall on 01268 294201 or email angela.christall@basildon.gov.uk. The Louise tells us about her work deadline for the August edition is Wednesday 29 July; adverts cost £25 each. As with all District Diary adverts, as an Environmental Health Officer. publication does not imply any guarantee of service or recommendation by Basildon Council. “My council department is divided into three main areas, Licensing, Pollution and Housing and Food and Safety. I work in the Food and Safety team dealing with a wide range To win a pair of tickets to see the wonderful production of A Midsummer Night’s dream, of enquiries, checking to ensure write your answer on the dotted line below. that all local premises serving food comply with all health and Question safety laws.” What is the day and date of the Play in the Park this year? Louise’s day-to-day work involves inspecting food .............................................................................................................................................. businesses, newsagents and greengrocers, restaurants and Cut this out and send it by 1 July 2009 to: take-aways and even some places that you may not expect, such Play in the Park Competition as schools and residential care Basildon District Council homes. The Basildon Centre “I also give advice to new St Martin’s Square businesses on how to comply Basildon with the law and avoid legal SS14 1DL action. Some businesses are a pleasure The winner will be announced on 15 July 2009. to inspect, where everything is clean and well managed, but

Competition

others don’t have a clue and it is my job to set them on the right track!” Louise has worked for Basildon Council for four years and has experienced all sorts of strange situations. “Last weekend we found someone selling curry and rice out of saucepans in her car boot! We had to tell her to stop serving people immediately, and advised her on how to set up a proper business. “I sometimes have to also conduct health and safety inspections besides food inspections, checking for any potential hazards. “I can then feed these back to business owners who have duties to protect the welfare of their staff.” She concludes: “Being an Environmental Health Officer is a really rewarding job. Everyone buys food and eats out. “My job involves making sure that when people buy food, it is safe to eat and when they go to work, their workplace is a safe environment. Every day is different; whenever I go home I feel a real sense of achievement.”

June 09

Gloucester Park transforms into a festival alive with music, dance, entertainment and leisure - something for everyone Hot dogs

Jimmy James and the Vagabonds Headline on Sunday

In Jamaica , Jimmy James had some considerable success with two singles, Bewildered And Blue and Come Softly To Me. He came to England and joined the multi-racial Vagabonds and the band became a leading live attraction in the 60’s. With a heavy-weight back catalogue of soulful songs including ‘Red Red Wine’, I’ll Go Where Your Music Takes Me’ and ‘Now Is The Time’ they’re sure to bring down the curtain on the Basfest weekend in style: Rebirth, Patrice Rushen, Don Blackman, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, George Duke and others.

Signature Headline on Sunday

Britain’s Got Talent favourites ‘Signature’ close the weekend on the Community Stage with their popular Michael Jackson medley performance. A group of lucky youngsters from around Basildon will join them on stage during the set to act as backing dancers. These children were picked after open auditions held earlier in the year.

Kayzar Dance

Inspire and engage with impact - that is the message behind the style of performance that Kayzar Dance will be bringing to Basfest 09. Their routine ‘The Streets’ is a unique, energetic and awe-inspiring performance featuring breakdance tricks, choreographed hip hop routines, freestyling, popping, locking, beatboxing and singing.

Market Village

Think Bikes

The Think Bikes display team, run by David Lowe and Andrew Miller, are enthusiastic riders with more than 10 years’ riding experience. They don’t just love bikes, they think bikes.

Hugh Cornwell Headline on Saturday

Hugh is one of the UK’s finest song-writing talents and accomplished live performers. The original guitarist, singer and main songwriter in The Stranglers enjoyed massive UK and European success - Peaches, No More Heroes, Golden Brown, Always the Sun, Grip, Nice N Sleazy, Duchess, Walk on By, Strange Little Girl and Skin Deep.

The Essex Dog Display Team returns with another jaw-dropping show featuring thrills and skills with specially trained dogs. In 2009 the display team celebrates its 30th birthday. They have performed in front of crowds of 20,000 to 650,000 and in 2003 they were the only civilian display team chosen to perform at the Royal Tournament, completing 28 shows in 14 days.

The Market Village at Basfest 09 provides a variety of interesting stalls, pitches and trade stands displaying demonstrations, arts and crafts, information from local charities and community organisations and a range of locally sourced products to try and buy.This should be fun and interesting.

June 09

Meet the Doctor! Peer into the TARDIS

Fans of Doctor Who can meet the man himself well, one of them - and his famous time machine, the TARDIS, at this year’s Basfest. Colin Baker was the sixth actor to play the Doctor on TV, between 1984 to 1986. In fact, he was battling evil aliens while current Time Lord David Tennant was still at school. The sixth Doctor was loud and brash, and is best remembered for his colourful outfit. During his years aboard the TARDIS he had battles with some of the programme’s most terrifying villains and monsters including Cybermen, Sontarans, the Master, the Daleks and their creator Davros all of whom have recently returned to battle with the current Doctor, David Tennant. The TARDIS will be landing here as part of a special exhibition for Basildon’s 60th birthday. It will give you the chance to see the way the district has changed over the past six decades - and offer some exciting glimpses into the future too. Colin will be joining us at Basfest 2009 on Sunday 5 July.

Weapons of Sound

This is not the average stage act. Using everyday industrial and domestic items commonly used around the home, the group transform pots and pans and much else besides into musical instruments, producing a unique, vibrant sound and live performance. In 16 years, the group has performed over 2,000 gigs in theatres, music festivals, national stadiums and street carnivals and have played in front of Prince Charles.

June 09

Summer Party • live rock, pop and soul • mix of amateur music, dance and novelty acts • something wonderful for the whole family

Events Arena

Programme of Events Community Stage Saturday 4 July

Sunday 5 July

Saturday 4 July

Sunday 5 July

11:50-12:20

Illuminate Dance Beats

11:40-12:00

Essex Fire safety display

12:30-13:10

Essex Dog display team

12:10-12:40

Sapphire School dance

13:20-13:50

Essex Fire and Ambulance display

12:55-13:25

High Kicks Dance School

14:00-15:00

Kayzar Dance

13.35-13.50

Think Bikes

14:00-15:00

Kayzar Dance

15:10-15:25

Think Bikes

15:35-16:05

Positive Futures, street dance

16:15-16:45

Kismet, belly dancing

12:00-12:10 Sea Cadets/Army Cadets opening march

12:00-12:05 Gateway FM comperes opening

15:10-15:50

Essex Dogs Display Team

12:15-12:55 Weapons of Sound

12:05-12:35 Essex Youth Roadshow

15:50-16:00

Meet the Dogs, Essex Dogs

12:35-12:50 J2K

16:10-16:40

High Kicks Dance School

13:00-13:15 Matt Robinson, solo singer 13:20-13:45 Sitara, Turkish dancers

12:55-13:15 Waridi, children’s African dance

13:50-14:10 Hip Hop, dance crew

13:20-13:30 Loren Sheppard, Smiths2 Pop Idol Challenge winner

14:15-14:30 Justine Singer, singer

13:30-13:40 Gospel choir

14:35-15:20 Fashion show, national costumes

13:50-14:10 Out of the Shadows, sister group of Diversity

15:20-15:40 Gidha Dancers, Indian dance 15:45-16:05 Frititi 16:05-16:20 Lauren Ashleigh, singer 16:25-16:55 Nostalgia, steel band 17:10-17:40 Kuda Bux, Luke’s Battle of the Bands winner

14:20-14:40 Bhangra dancers 14:45-15:05 Dhol dummers 15:10-15:25 Cara Lea Dawson, St Luke’s Voice for Hospice winner 15:25-15:55 Kasimasai, Congolese band 16:05-16:25 Revi, Polish group 16:25-16:35 Gateway FM comperes games 16:35-17:05 The Most, band 17:10-17:25 Signature and local young people

Main Stage Saturday 4 July

Sunday 5 July

13:00-14:45 March of the Mods

13:00-14:45 The Bohemians

14:45-15:45 Funk Affair, Louise Pollock

14:45-15.45 Elliot Henshaw Band with Annabell Williams

16:00-17:45 Luminar 18:00-19:30 Hugh Cornwell, from The Stranglers

15:45-17.45 Luminar 18:00-19:30 Jimmy James and the Vagabonds

June 09

FINANCIAL HELP GOES ONLINE Council leads the way with new Internet service Basildon Council is leading the way with an innovative new service to help some of the district’s poorest residents. A new online claims process is now up and running for Housing Benefits and Council Tax Benefit, which can be accessed through the Council’s website. The Council already offers a paperless claims process over the telephone during office hours, but the new online form can be accessed 24 hours a day. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Phil Turner, welcomed the innovation, “At a time when people need it more than ever we are providing a user-friendly claims process for honest, hard working residents,” he said. “This ensures the service isn’t abused by fraudsters who mistakenly think they can slip through the net.”

Vulnerable residents will be able to make a claim when it suits them, making the service even more accessible to those who need it most during challenging financial times. The service can be accessed at www.basildon.gov. uk/benefits The online process uses technology to check for errors in the claim, highlight missing information and ensures claimants only complete the relevant sections. This makes the claim process quicker and easier. Claims are still processed and checked to the highest standards to prevent cheats abusing a system designed to be another lifeline for those in genuine financial difficulty. This is one of a number of projects Basildon Council has undertaken to support the community during the current financial downturn.

New register office for Basildon babies Families with a proud history in Basildon can now ensure the town has a lasting place in their hearts. For the first time it is now possible to give new babies the official Basildon ‘bond’ by having their place of birth registered in this area. A new register office has opened in the Basildon Centre in St Martin’s Square where mums and dads can register their children, rather than having to travel to Burghstead Lodge in Billericay. One of the first couples to register their baby was Adam and Claire Smith from Laindon. Claire said. “It was an enormous help. Having a baby for the first time means you have to get used to juggling things and this was one less thing to worry about. “I was also able to indulge in some much-needed retail therapy while Adam went to register Alfie.” Adam added: “The staff at the register office were friendly and very helpful and made the whole thing trouble-free.”

The Council has also: • Introduced a Fast Track Queue in the Basildon Centre (pictured) for people bringing in documents to support their claim for benefits. • Reduced the waiting times for people to see Revenues and Benefits Advisors in the Basildon Centre. • Run a ‘Recession Busting Day’ for residents and a ‘Benefits Market Place’, the latter identifying 167 people with a potential entitlement

to benefits totalling over £350,000. • Set up a ‘Redundancy Helpline’ for employees and employers who are dealing with redundancy issues. The number is 01268 294629. • Increased resources to respond to the rise in calls to the benefits team and reduce waiting times. • Maintained processing times for new claims and changes in circumstances despite an increase in caseload.

TV garden expert blossoms in Basildon Visitors to Basildon town centre got some surprise grow-your-own tips from TV’s gardening guru, Christine Walkden. The star of BBC’s ‘Christine’s Garden’ and ‘The One Show’ offered green-fingered advice on how food and garden waste could be put to better use by growing fresh produce at home. The warm sunshine made an ideal setting for Christine’s openair workshops, drawing crowds eager for free, expert advice on how to beat the credit crunch by saving money on fruit and vegetables. Christine was joined on the day by Basildon Council’s recycling team. They were on hand to

answer composting questions, offer help and advice on green waste recycling, and demonstrate a wide range of home-composting containers. “In these tough economic times, it was no surprise to meet and talk to so many people interested in growing their own produce,” said Christine. “I had a wonderful time meeting so many people from Basildon. This was a great initiative by Basildon Council to encourage more people to recycle and put their gardens to better use.” To obtain a reduced-price home compost bin visit www. recyclenow.com/compost or call 0845 076 0223.

Claire and Adam Smith with their new baby, Alfie

The Essex County Council facility is a mini register office. It also offers many of the services of a full office including recording births and deaths and dealing with general citizenship matters. The office does not perform marriage ceremonies.

Christine Walkden, star of BBC’s ‘Christine’s Garden’

NEWS IN BRIEF

New picnic beauty spot for summer A new picnic spot has been created in Wick Country Park with five new wooden benches for families to enjoy a little ‘alfresco’ dining. These are located on the grassy area close to the park’s pavilion, car park and toilet facilities. These benches were purchased by the Friends of Wick Country Park, a volunteer group that helps Basildon Council manage the beauty spot. The park offers accessible trails, ancient hedgerows, a large lake, ponds and woodland plantings.

Grants for volunteer carers The Basildon District Volunteer Carers group provides vital services for the elderly, frail and vulnerable. This year they are celebrating Basildon Council’s decision to renew funding for the next three years. The Council agreed a £25,000 core grant, to be matched by the Southwest Essex Primary Care Trust. The volunteers organise wheelchair hire, a toenail clipping service and a shopping escort service for more than 900 clients, and transport to day centres and Council-organised activities. Cllr Andrew Baggott, Cabinet Member for Community, said: “BDVC provides a fantastic service to Basildon and we are happy to be able to continue to fund their work.”

Commendation for Council Basildon Council has received a commendation at a national awards ceremony for an environmental campaign. The ‘Cigarette Litter’ campaign aimed to reduce the amount of cigarette butts and litter being dropped on the ground. The Reputation Awards 2009 are organised by LGcommunications and the Local Government Association.

June 09

Are you over 85?

Call now for your alarm FREE for a year

(for new clients only)

Basildon Careline is an emergency response service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone, regardless of age, who feels vulnerable or at risk. Free alarm for new clients over the age of 85 is a Essex County Council initiative whilst still working in partnership with St. Georges Basildon Careline.

Tel: 01268 465151 E-mail: careline@sgch.org.uk

Help at the touch of a button

June 09

Basildon ‘leads the way’ on child safety

Basildon Council is taking a leading role on child protection and safety in Essex. The Council is rolling out a number of new initiatives, and is prioritising the issue across Council services. The Leader of the Council, Tony Ball, has taken the unusual step of assuming direct responsibility of the project, and the Council has appointed its first Child Protection Officers. “Although some agencies and authorities are emphasising this is a matter for Essex County Council, at Basildon we are leading the way “ said Cllr Ball. “Although the county council is the social care authority in this

area, we recognise that Basildon Council has a clear responsibility to children, young people and families.” Basildon Council promoted the issue during the recent Child Safety Week. Cllr Ball continued: “Members of the public also have a role as the ‘eyes and ears’ in our local communities, and we would encourage all members of the public to report any concerns about a child or young person to either us or the County Council. “You may have some worries, but not be sure if they are relevant or significant enough. We would still encourage you to alert us, and allow us to take the

appropriate steps from there.” The Council has nominated two Designated Child Protection Officers to act as the first point of contact, information and advice for staff and members of the public. Paul Brace (Manager of Cultural Services) can be contacted on 01268 465452 or Pippa Brent-Isherwood (Social Inclusion Manager) is available on 01268 294829. Out of hours, the Emergency Duty Team is contactable on 01268 286622. If you are concerned about a child or young person, you can report it by contacting Paul or Pippa, or you can email safeguardingchildren@basildon. gov.uk If you are concerned about the conduct of any of our staff, you can also report it by emailing whistleblowing@basildon.gov. uk. Don’t forget that other parenting and family support services are available from your local children’s centre. For details of your nearest centre, contact Sustainable Community Services on 01268 533333 or email leisureline@ basildon.gov.uk

Young recycling champions Very soon, Basildon district residents will be getting very colourful messages on the recyling vehicles that they see Monday to Friday. Five local children who entered a competition to design a giant recycling poster for Basildon Council will have their winning entries displayed on the sides of recycling vehicles. More than 125 primary school pupils entered the challenge to create a slogan completing the sentence “Recycling is important because…”, together with artwork to support their message. The lucky winners will have their name and entry splashed across the side of a council recycling vehicle for six months. One of the winning posters

The five winners are: Abbey Savvides, 10, from Sunnymede junior school with the slogan “recycling is important because it will keep the planet safe”. Amber Osbourne, 8, from South Green junior school drew people putting their refuse and recycling in the right bins. Chloe Turbard, 7, from Sunnymede infants school, created a poster showing a family taking their recycling to a recycling site. Gary Mulldon, 10, from the Integrated Support School showed the three R’s in action – reduce, reuse, recycle. Zoe King, 9, from Grange primary school had the slogan “we should all recycle”.

June 09

Katherine Jenkins leads Basildon 60th celebrations

NEWS IN BRIEF

Club Classics lined up for Basildon’s 60th All time disco favourites Rose Royce, Imagination, Odyssey and Heatwave will be performing at Lake Meadows, Billericay to a crowd of up to 4,000 party picnickers on Friday 24 July. Working in partnership with Essex FM, under the heading of the ‘Club Classics Picnic Party’, crowds will enjoy over four hours of original ‘blast from the past’ hits, including Just an Illusion, Car Wash, Boogie Nights, Wishing on a Star and many more.

New early years centre Basildon Council has backed plans to turn the Highcliffe Community Centre in Wickford Memorial Park into a children’s centre. If the project goes ahead, the centre will provide information and advice on early years childcare and education, family support and outreach services, child and family health issues, links to Jobcentre Plus, and support for child minders. Cllr Phil Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to take an underused building and turn it into a vibrant, practical and much-needed base for the care of young children and support for their families”. Learning award for Council Basildon Council has won a prestigious ‘Customer of the Year 2009’ national industry award, following the introduction of an innovative online training system called ‘Learning Pool.’ This system will be used by staff at all levels of the organisation to learn a range of new work-based skills. This will lead to significant savings and improved customer service for residents in the district. Basildon Council’s Principal Organisational Development Advisor, Christine Shakespeare said: “This success demonstrates our drive for continual staff development which supports customer service standards.”

Singing superstar An open air concert in Billericay by singing superstar Katherine Jenkins is just one of a spectacular summer of entertainment to celebrate Basildon’s 60th birthday. Katherine will be singing light operatic favourites, a host of songs from films and theatre – and may even sing ‘Happy Birthday Basildon’ - with the backing of a full orchestra, at her special Lake Meadows concert on Saturday 25 July. Concert-goers may bring hampers, blankets and folding chairs but not tables. The event promises to be a summer evening to be remembered by the whole family. Tickets are still available but time is running out fast for this highly anticipated event. For more information, please call Towngate Theatre box office on 01268 465465.

Play in the park A special open air production of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is being performed in the glorious Wick Country Park on Saturday 1 August. One of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies is sure to be a hit. Last year’s play in the park, Treasure Island, was a spectacular success. The performance starts at 6pm and visitors are invited to arrive early with their hampers to enjoy a picnic in the park beforehand. Tickets cost £8 for adults, £5 for children, or £21 for a family ticket of two adults and two children. These are also available from the Towngate Theatre box office on 01268 465465.

Ready for teddy time

Folk festival for Wat Tyler

The Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Wat Tyler has been a family favourite in Basildon for many years, regularly attracting more than 3,000 mums, toddlers and their cuddly chums. There will be the usual bouncy castles, balloons, face painting and miniature rides, so all you need to do is bring your picnic hamper and your favourite furry friends. It’s on Thursday, 25 June from 10am to 2.30pm in the cottage meadows. Entry is free.

The district’s first Folk festival has been lined up to round off the summer of birthday celebrations. The date has been set for 1pm to 7pm on Saturday 5 September and it promises to be a great afternoon of entertainment. Tickets are £8 (£5 for concessions) and can be booked through the Towngate Theatre on 01268 465465.

Jack and the Beanstalk fee fie fo... fun Bolton-born entertainer, Simon Fielding, is thrilled to be back in Basildon for the third year running. He stars in and directs the Towngate Theatre’s new panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. Since his first visit to Basildon with Snow White – the Towngate’s first pantomime for more than 10 years – Simon has established himself as a firm favourite with local residents. “I love playing Basildon, it’s great to be back this year. It’s almost like coming home. I love the spirit of the people here, who are a joy to perform to. They’re down to earth and not afraid to laugh at themselves; they love jokes about Bas Vegas and Essex girls”. “Although I don’t write the actual script, I do have a lot of input. We always tailor the production specifically for the

Basildon audience, so there’s lots of local references that people can identify with.” The success of Snow White in 2007 was followed by an even

bigger success last year with Cinderella. More than 17,000 people saw the show, making it a record breaker for the theatre. “I’m lucky that I do what I

love and get paid for it. But the job does come with some responsibility. For many families, panto can be the one occasion in the year when all the family get together for an evening or an afternoon at the theatre. Often it will be the first time the kids have been to a theatre so it’s important we give them an experience they will enjoy and remember.” “An important ingredient of panto is to weave contemporary themes and topical jokes into a traditional story. I keep my eye on the news and topical affairs so I’m sure this year’s show will feature twitter jokes.” For more information on this year’s panto, keep visiting Basildon Council’s website at www.basildon.gov.uk/towngate or telephone 01268 465465.

June 09

Council lures anglers with a fresh catch Leisure bosses at Basildon Council haven’t spared the rod when it comes to keeping local anglers happy. Thousands of new fish have been introduced into the district’s lakes making it easier to catch a bite, whether you’re five or 95. This re-stock follows a new contract to manage Basildon Council’s fisheries which was awarded to respected local angler, Bob Burrows who runs

the Basildon Angling Centre in Whitmore Way. The first stage of the new fish stock has already been completed in Northlands Park. This included 5,000 carp between three and five inches, 1,000 carp between seven and ten inches, 40 carp weighing 13lb to 18lb, and another ten weighing more than 20lbs. A nursery will also be created for the small fish by installing a wire mesh underneath a bridge

that divides the lake. Cash will also be spent on the ‘swims’ – areas where anglers sit on the lake’s banks. “New stocks of both carp and silverfish will improve the fishing for anglers who either want a quick bite or a bigger catch,” said Councillor Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Leisure and the Arts. The other lakes in the district will continue to be re-stocked over coming weeks. Terry Simmons, Bob Burrows

£2 cycle scheme launched for healthy living

The cycling enthusiasts - getting on their bikes, getting fit and getting to enjoy the district’s open spaces

Basildon Council has launched a new healthy living drive to encourage local residents of all ages to take to the roads and pathways on two wheels.

The scheme provides 20 bicycles, which can be hired and returned to Gloucester Park by residents on a pay-as-you-go basis. The project is run in partnership

with Eastgate Shopping Centre and has been introduced to encourage more people to take physical exercise to improve their health and fitness. It is also hoped that this scheme will reduce the reliance on motor transport around Basildon’s parks and green space. A key feature of the project will be to target those residents recovering from cardiac or obesity problems, or those who need help and support to lose weight after referrals from their GPs. Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and the Arts, Councillor Kevin Blake said: “We are grateful to Eastgate Shopping Centre and our other partners who have made this project possible. The scheme is aimed at encouraging families, young people and children to stay healthy.” Eastgate Shopping Centre’s

Basildon District Council, The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL website: www.basildon.gov.uk • Switchboard • email: mailroom@basildon.gov.uk chief executive: Bala Mahendran • Leader: Councillor Tony Ball

General Manager, Hans Wustefeld said: “For a number of years Eastgate Centre has been promoting cycling as the greenest form of travel and an enjoyable recreational pursuit. “We are delighted to join forces with Basildon District Council for this exciting new initiative for the town.” Earlier this year, Basildon Council and NHS South West Essex launched a new healthy living programme called ‘GetOutThere! Basildon’, offering residents cut-price leisure activities. The new bike hire scheme will include special family sessions through the ‘GetOutThere! Basildon’ healthy living programme around mapped cycle routes that takes in picturesque parks and open spaces. For more information on this new project, managed by Basildon Council, please visit: www.getouttherebasildon.co.uk