Regeneration around the borough
SEE PAGE 4
Love your borough
SEE PAGE 8
Max gets hero’s welcome SEE PAGE 16
BOROUGHDIARY AUTUMN 2016 WWW.BASILDON.GOV.UK
BASILDONBOROUGHCOUNCIL
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NEWS FROM BASILDON BOROUGH COUNCIL & YOUR COMMUNITY
BUILDING THE HOMES LOVE YOUR
PEOPLE NEED The first new council homes in around 30 years are on their way. In an ambitious programme Basildon Council is turning under-used sites, which are at risk of anti-social behaviour and disrepair, into high-quality affordable housing for local families. Preliminary work started in the summer on the first development of 11 affordable homes in Laindon and Wickford. At Victoria Road, Laindon, four two-bedroom houses are being built on what was previously an under-used garage site. At Rettendon Gardens, Wickford, three two-bedroom houses are being built on what was previously a vacant garage site. And on Quendon Road, Basildon, four two-bedroom houses are being built on land which
previously housed a disused former Essex County Council children’s centre.
“the council is providing fantastic opportunites for families...” The first 11 new homes will be complete and available for rent in 2017. These developments are paving the way for a programme of new-build schemes to expand the availability of much-needed housing for families in need in the borough.
BOROUGH
Plans have already been submitted for further developments in Basildon and Wickford, as the council’s ambitious house-building programme gains pace. They would see the construction of 39 affordable homes, 20 two-bed homes at Roundacre, in Lee Chapel North, six in Kershaws Close, Wickford Park, and four in Thackeray Row, Wickford Park. Additionally, nine of the proposed new homes in Roman Way will also be affordable. That makes 50 homes so far under the New Homes scheme, on which preliminary work has either begun or whose planning application is under consideration. Continued on page 2...
Crowds enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at the Love your Borough community event, Basildon Town Centre. Read more on pages 8 & 9.
Artist impression of new housing development at Quendon Road, Basildon
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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
News
Mayor’s Column
Building the homes people need, contd from page 1 Cllr Anthony Hedley, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “I am delighted that the council is spearheading regeneration and providing fantastic opportunities for families who are currently struggling to find affordable homes in the borough. These developments underpin the council’s commitment to addressing this issue for local people.
Did you know...?
All set for a full autumn agenda ahead…
It has been a very busy first few months for me as Mayor of the borough. I have had the great privilege of representing the borough at numerous events over the summer, both within the borough and elsewhere in the county. Besides opening a show home for property developer Redrow, attending the Basildon Model Railway exhibition and opening new shops in Basildon, Pitsea and Wickford, I have visited care homes, had several engagements with young people, and have met with the community young and old. One such event was a new youth mentoring programme “Focus to Achieve”; an inspiring event held in Pitsea, where it was such a delight to meet with youngsters looking to better themselves in life. Another engagement was meeting the young footballers from the team Supreme Youth, who represented the borough at a football tournament in our twin town of Heiligenhaus in Germany.
AUTUMN 2016
• You can swap your council property. If you need to move into a home that is a more suitable size for your needs, you can use the Homeswapper or the Mutual Exchange schemes. Please visit the council’s website www.basildon.gov.uk/mutualex change for further details • ‘Swap and Move’, part of the Government’s Home Swap Direct, is an online scheme which allows mutual housing exchange and helps tenants in social housing to identify other social tenants who wish to exchange
their property. This could be a swap between two residents or can facilitate up to a five way move into more suitable sized properties or just to areas that suit their needs. Find out more at www.swapandmove. co.uk • You can get information online about housing options without having to visit the council office. Go to www.basildon.gov.uk/housingservices • In 2017 there will be an additional system called Wizard where you will be able to submit information online and receive specific information tailored to your particular needs • The council provides financial incentives to tenants wishing to move to smaller properties, releasing larger family homes. Find out more about downsizing at www.basildon.gov.uk/housing/downsizing Look out for more information in the next edition of Borough Diary.
Basildon Centre turns into new Community Hub The transformation of the ground floor of the Basildon Centre into a new public services zone called the Community Hub is taking place this autumn.
The Community Hub will house a wide range of public sector agencies and services to offer residents a more efficient service under one roof. As well as council services such as housing, council tax, leisure, environmental and benefits support, the Community Hub will also host DWP’s Jobcentre Plus and employment advice, as well as the Citizens Advice Bureau. The library, run by Essex County Council, is already in the Basildon Centre. The new look for the centre will also include a more spacious layout and modernised self-service area where residents can pay bills, look for jobs, complete online applications and access help with job search.
Not only will residents benefit from a better, more joined-up experience thanks to the changes, but the arrangement will also cost local taxpayers less. We apologise for this short period of disruption during the construction works, which are expected to continue to November 2016. Services will continue as normal where possible.
Artist impression of proposed ground floor layout, November 2016
Don’t lose your right to vote
With that in mind ‘the begging bowl’ is very much out across the borough, and besides making a donation myself, I have asked all Basildon Borough Councillors to consider making a contribution to these two very good charity causes. To date about £2,500 has been fundraised; but the target is to reach at least £7,500 to each individual cause. I am sure that the people of Basildon, Billericay and Wickford will help me achieve that, pounds or pennies will all help.
Voter registration forms have been dropping through letterboxes across the borough and you are urged to respond as soon as possible, to make your voice heard in the Essex County Council elections in May 2017. Registering is straight forward - you can register online, by free phone, text or by post.
If anyone can organise a fundraising event, I will make myself available to publicise the efforts. To find out more or make a donation, please email: cllrdavid. harrison@outlook.com or telephone the Mayor’s office on 01268 206736, during normal office hours. I look forward to your responses.
Cllr David Harrison, Mayor of Basildon
Have your say in the May 2017 elections Fill out your electoral registration form or lose the right to vote. That’s the message from Basildon Council this autumn.
Canvassers will be visiting properties that have not responded between 1 October and 1 November, to get a response and assist people in completing the form where necessary. Each canvasser will have a Basildon Borough Council ID badge for identification.
If you haven’t received your form, you can contact Basildon Council’s Electoral Registration’s Officer; telephone 01268 207959 or alternatively email: elections@basildon.gov.uk.
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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Local Plan consultation update Leader’s View The biggest ever consultation on the council’s Local Plan for Basildon saw more than 21,000 individual comments submitted by 3,800 people. The Local Plan sets out local planning policies and identifies how land is to be used and what will be built where. Every planning authority must agree a Local Plan and together they provide the framework for development across England. The views of local people are vital in shaping a local plan and helping determine how their community develops. Basildon Council held an eight-week consultation from January to March
Many properties around the borough were built in the 1950s, 60s and 70s and over time and without proper care and attention, garden walls and other walls at the edge of a property can deteriorate substantially. Property owners should ensure that their walls are safe. Should your wall collapse and cause personal injury or damage another’s property, you could face legal action.
An independent audit report conducted by EY for 2015-16 has confirmed that Basildon Council is a financially well-managed organisation, with a clear focus on securing value for money. The auditors considered that the council has put in place secure arrangements to guarantee economical yet efficient and effective use of its resources for the past financial year. EY further concluded that the council had a robust approach to ensure that it is financially sustainable. Cllr Stuart Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Resources, said “Like all councils, Basildon faces
News
The council is now preparing the next stage of the Local Plan taking into account the comments that have been made. The council will consider a further version and agree a publication version for formal public consultation before the plan is submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government early in 2017.
Is your garden and boundary wall safe? All residents who have a garden wall are being urged to check that it is safe and sound.
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2016. A special edition of Borough Diary was produced, ten public exhibitions across the borough were attended by more than 2,500 people and meetings were held with local councils, businesses and special interest groups.
Tenants should raise any issues or concerns about garden or boundary walls with their landlord. If your landlord is Basildon Council, please use the council’s website, www.basildon.gov.uk (click on housing repairs) or call 01268 533333 and select option 2. If you would like to find out more advice on what to look for when checking your wall go to www. gov.uk/guidance/your-garden-walls-better-to-besafe.
Basildon Council is financially wellmanaged, say independent auditors
The Battle of the Somme exhibition, held in Wickford Memorial Park was fantastic, many people turned up to see the history of the World War One battle, it was an exceptional day. At the same time as carrying out engagements, every effort has to be put into my fundraising efforts for my chosen charities, Wagtail Children’s Ward at Basildon Hospital, and Lukes the counselling service for children and young people at St Luke’s Hospice.
The information you provide will enable us to send a separate individual registration form to determine who is eligible and needs to register. Those who are eligible can also register online, please visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Residents can have their details excluded from the open register. This will mean their details cannot be bought by individuals and commercial organisations.
AUTUMN 2016
significant financial challenges as government funding is further reduced. This report shows that Basildon Council is well-placed to manage those challenges”. “It does not mean that it will be easy - there will be difficult decisions that will need to be made - but I do think it confirms that we have the right focus and are well-placed to achieve the best possible outcome for our residents and businesses.” If you would like to view the full report and statement of accounts, please visit the council’s website www.basildon.gov.uk/councilfinances/annualfinancialreports.
Have your say on new MP areas The Boundary Commission for England has opened its initial proposals for new constituency boundaries to public consultation.
the borough, make comments, see what others have said and to find out more details please visit: www.bce2018.org.uk.
Parliament has decided to reduce the number of constituencies in the UK from 650 to 600 and ensure that the number of electors in each constituency is more equal.
You can also attend a public hearing to give your views. Hearings will be held in Chelmsford on 31 October and 1 November 2016. You can book a slot using the website.
To view proposals and how they would affect
The consultation closes on 5 December 2016.
A strong plan, to create strong economic growth, for a stronger borough... Regular readers will know that our priority at the council is to create opportunities and improve lives. We have a clear plan to achieve it through our work to regenerate our town centres and high streets, to grow the local economy and create job opportunities for local people, and to improve the environment and the things that matter to you as residents. But talk is pretty cheap. What matters is that we can point to real evidence that we deliver on our promises. And over the summer, we made some really exciting progress. The opening of the new Range superstore at Pitsea, creating 80 new jobs, marked the end of the first phase of our ambitious regeneration plans for the area. I was delighted to get the spade out to formally mark the start of work on site that will see a new health centre at Wickford. Anybody who’s walked through Basildon town centre recently will have noticed the hoardings around St Martin’s Square - the start of our major regeneration work in the town centre. By the time it’s finished, St Martin’s Square will be a relaxed, calm place to spend time, and will also be home to a fantastic new town market, which will move across from the other side of the town centre. Which brings us neatly to education and skills. The space the market currently occupies will be used to create a state of the art new campus for South Essex College, with more than £35m of investment going into a facility that will benefit younger generations for decades to come. Increasingly businesses are getting wise to the benefits Basildon has to offer and we are getting regular enquiries from businesses who are interested in establishing themselves here. We are paying attention to your local environment and making Basildon a better place to live. We have installed improved equipment in eight play spaces in parks across the borough over the summer, and we are doing all of this while we are managing the transition to a future without government funding for the council. In five years’ time we will need to fund all the work we do for the community through our own means - mainly business rates and council tax, which is why growing our economy and providing more homes is so important. It won’t be easy - but we are as well prepared as any council in the country to deal with these cuts in funding; our track record is good. Over the past six years, we’ve saved more than £37m without implementing the widespread cuts that other councils have. We’ve used reserves where we’ve had to, been careful with our spending and have been able to protect most services. But there will be difficult decisions ahead and some things will need to change. But, while we don’t have all the answers yet, and no doubt there will be further changes as the national picture shifts, I can reassure residents that we have a clear plan to manage our way through this to ensure that Basildon’s future remains bright.
Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council
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BOROUGHDIARY
Regeneration Making tracks to a new Wickford pavilion
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
THE BOROUGH’S FUTURE
TAKES SHAPE
Here’s a look at what’s happening around your borough
Cllr Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Arts and Leisure at Wickford Memorial Park
Park users will be delighted that work to restore the pavilion at the heart of Wickford Memorial Park to its former glory is nearing completion. Basildon Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Kevin Blake visited the centrepiece building to see work in progress. He was joined by representatives from Veolia North Thames Trust (VNTT) and construction company ISG, which is carrying out the refurbishment. Work is expected to finish in late autumn. The park is home to several football and cricket clubs. The renovation will create a combined sports and recreational centre, which will serve both existing clubs and the wider Wickford community, boosting the park’s strong community role. As well as significantly improved changing rooms, plans for the revived pavilion also include a café and a centre providing facilities for the local community. Work began after the council secured over £360,000 of grant funding from VNTT and £128,000 from Sport England. Cllr Blake, the Cabinet Member responsible for leisure and the arts, said: “It’s exciting to see how this project is breathing new life into the pavilion and enhancing the green, open space. It will make it even easier for visitors to enjoy the range of activities that the park has to offer. Basildon has a wonderful selection of parks and we are committed to making sure that residents can enjoy the outdoors whether it be for sport, recreation or relaxation. Special thanks to the Veolia North Thames Trust and Sport England for their funding support, enabling us to improve the lives of Wickford residents.”
AUTUMN 2016
New Homes Programme • A new generation of homes built by the Council has been kick-started with work on a series of developments in Basildon and Wickford. 50 homes will become available in 2017/18 at Roundacre, Basildon, Rettendon Gardens, Laindon, Quendon Road, Fryerns, Roman Way, Billericay and Victoria Road, Wickford • Basildon Council has launched a programme of house building, that will provide a range of new homes for families in the next five years
St Nicholas Mews • A development of 135 new homes is underway, 23 of which will be available for affordable rent • The new estate being built by Redrow will support the council’s aspiration to provide quality homes. The housing market is showing a high demand for homes for growing families eager to take advantage of the opportunities that Basildon’s sound economy and improving primary schools offer
Gloucester Gate & Acacia Park • 100 family homes have been built in the new development, Gloucester Gate, in addition to the 144 homes provided in Acacia Park • The Boulevard from the piazza to the new pedestrian crossing has been opened providing a direct link from Gloucester Park to the town centre • This contributes to the housing offer in Basildon to meet demand for family accommodation. Increased housing is key to the aspiration for regeneration and growing the economy of the borough
South Essex College • Work on the new South Essex College campus will begin following the market’s relocation to St Martin’s Square. The new state-of-the-art college will offer students enhanced opportunities in emerging technologies with the focus on science and maths • This is part of a substantial investment and will see the brand new college being centrally located in the town centre, with accessible links to train and bus networks
Laindon Shopping Centre Development • Swan Housing Association has begun work on the proposals for the redevelopment of Laindon Shopping Centre. Plans for the new centre drew widespread support from the public when they were presented to residents this summer
AUTUMN 2016
BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
St Martin’s Square • Design work for a remodelled St Martin’s gardens have been approved and work will start in 2017 • Complemented by a repainted bell tower, the new gardens will offer a place of relaxation and calm close to the bustling town centre • The enhanced public space will include new coordinated paving and street furniture
Beechwood Village Housing Development • A planning application is going to committee in October subject to approval, Swan Housing Association, The Homes and Community Agency and Basildon Council will begin the final phases of the regeneration of the Craylands estate and former Fryerns school site • Many of the homes have already been built. And on completion in 2024, the project will provide over 950 new homes, shops and a new community hall • Swan will be building these homes in a specialist factory using a modular housing system, with the first to be delivered on site during 2017
Regeneration Freedom House, East Square • Basildon Council acquired Freedom House and East Walk in the town centre in April, with the intention of redeveloping the area to deliver new housing and create an evening and night time economy. Plans for a mixed commercial and residential use are now being developed
Brooke House • Brooke House is a key and integral part of the wider regeneration proposals for the town centre. The aim is for a high quality refurbishment that will give Brooke House the potential to once again be a statement centrepiece in the town centre
Basildon Town Centre Market • Work has started on the relocation of the market to its new site in St Martin’s Square. The new market, which is due to open in 2017, will offer 46 modern kiosks with electricity and water and 48 pop-up stalls • The market move marks the start of the major multi-million pound redevelopment of Basildon town centre The Range Superstore, Pitsea • The opening of a national brand in the flagship store location at the heart of Pitsea, in July, crowned the upgrade of the town centre. The Pitsea store is spread over one floor and includes a family café, bringing an extra dimension to the improved shopping experience and attracting residents and visitors into the town • The Range’s occupation of the unit completes the initial stage of the regeneration of the area, which has already seen the rebuilding of the Aldi store and the creation of a new Market Square among other improvements as part of a £30m revival project by London and Cambridge Properties
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Modern homes to replace disused complex in Billericay As part of the council’s commitment to provide family homes needed within the borough, a former disused sheltered housing scheme in Billericay is being turned into modern new houses. Plans to transform the dilapidated complex in Roman Way have been brought forward with public support, after a positive public consultation event this summer. The redevelopment will provide 15 high-quality new homes, nine of which will be affordable, as part of wider regeneration works in the borough. Formal plans will be put to planning officers in November. The initial plans propose nine two-bed houses, two three-bed houses and four four-bed houses. These fifteen new homes will provide a mixture of affordable and private market properties. Subject to planning consent, construction work is anticipated to begin in April 2017 with completion in April 2018. The sheltered housing scheme was decommissioned in 2011, as it was no longer providing the standard of housing suitable for today’s housing needs. Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council said: “Redeveloping sites like Roman Way is a key example of how we are making the first move when it comes to developing and improving our housing stock for future generations.” “We are improving every part of the borough for the benefit of our residents, and improving their environment and their way of life. These are exciting proposals for high quality new homes”. If you would like to find out more information on the proposed plans, please email developmentandinvestment@basildon.gov.uk or alternatively telephone 01268 533333.
Artist impression proposed housing plans for Roman Way, Billericay
LOVE YOUR
BOROUGH
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BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Regeneration
AUTUMN 2016
A healthy move towards town’s revival
Work has begun on the eagerly awaited new health facility in Wickford town centre. Wickford residents can look forward to a new, state-ofthe-art facility for the growing population of Wickford. The facility continues Basildon Council’s regeneration of the town. Council leader Phil Turner was joined by MP Mark Francois and representatives from the NHS, Essex County Council and London Road Surgery at the first soil turn of the £2million project. The project is being led by Basildon Council, with £500,000 of funding support from Essex County Council. The new facility will include eight examination rooms and three treatment rooms and will see an increase in the number of available GPs. In addition to the consultation rooms the plans include interview and training rooms as well as modern reception and waiting areas. Apex Contractors were appointed to carry out the design and build the facility after planning permission was granted in July 2015. Completion is expected in July 2017, when the London Road Surgery, Wickford will move into the new facility, enabling it to become a training practice for the next generation of doctors. Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council said: “This fantastic facility will be the keystone in the revival of the town, building on recent regeneration projects throughout the borough. Wickford residents will benefit from the
vital public services and better health provision that this new facility will deliver. It will also be a training facility, attracting new doctors to the Wickford area.” Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford said: “This new development is really good news for Wickford, helping to provide more modern surgery facilities for patients in the future. I commend Basildon Council and the NHS for working together successfully to make this exciting addition to healthcare in Wickford possible.”
More than 650 people attended public exhibitions of the plans over two days. More than 300 people gave feedback during the consultation period - 83% said they were in support of the draft proposals, and 88% said a regenerated Laindon High Street would increase visitors to the area and encourage people in the community to the centre more often. The association’s integrated plans include a proposal to re-build a vibrant high street that will include a good mix of shops and a supermarket, improved traffic management, parking, green
Residents and traders are seeing a revival in the town. Visitors as well as residents are being attracted back to the town, with market traders reporting doubled trade since the move to Market Lane, the High Street and Time Square. The revamped Swim and Fitness Centre, which celebrates two years since it reopened in October, has seen record numbers of users.
Kelvin Rowland-Jones, Head of Commissioning for NHS England (East) said: “We are pleased to be working with our local GP practice, Basildon and Brentwood CCG, Basildon Council and Essex County Council as we move closer to the completion of this exciting development for people in Wickford, providing improved primary care facilities in the local area.” And Dr Paul Richards from London Road Surgery said: “The exciting new building is eagerly awaited by staff and patients alike. Recruitment into general practice has been difficult these last few years, with many practices, including ours, having unfilled vacancies. We are hoping that this new state-of-the-art premises will help attract keen new clinicians into the town enabling us to improve healthcare provision to Wickford patients.” The start on the new health facility comes as the latest in a series of regeneration projects the council has led in the area. The past three years have seen the modernisation
Local residents have backed plans to redevelop the Laindon Shopping Centre In a recent consultation held by Swan Housing Association on its proposed plans, 83% backed the proposals.
of the market, a revitalised High Street and a transformed Swim and Fitness Centre.
landscaping and new homes. Swan Housing has been reviewing the feedback and preparing its final masterplan for display to residents in September. It intends to submit a planning application to the council later in the autumn. A spokesperson for Swan said: “We’re delighted that local residents are lending their support to our plans for the long-awaited redevelopment of the Laindon Shopping Centre. Bringing back a vibrant High Street to Laindon is at the forefront of our vision to regenerate the centre and we’re glad that the vast majority of people who gave feedback like our proposed design for a Laindon High Street.”
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Investor event a success Council sells the benefits of doing business in Basildon More than 100 people attended an event for business investors organised by Basildon Council to raise awareness of the development opportunities and regeneration projects across the borough. The event was hosted by global commercial property firm Cushman and Wakefield at their Portman Square offices in central London. As well as providing opportunities for networking, the event featured speeches from the council’s senior management team and some of the main investors in the area.
UK business network. The project is an opportunity for us to drive investment into the Basildon area.” A further sign of commitment in the area has been shown by national house builder Redrow, which has proposals for more than 700 much-needed homes for the borough. This development has enabled more than £30 million worth of private sector investment, which will fund the new South Essex College campus in the town centre, as well as improvements to the public realm.
“Basildon is the fastest growing economy in Essex and our vision is to attract investment and create opportunities that will last for generations, making places for people to work and create homes for a growing prosperous population.”
Swan Group to open modular construction factory in Basildon Swan Housing are to open a modular construction factory in Basildon. They anticipate that, once operational, the factory will generate up to 40 new jobs and deliver over 500 new homes for Swan’s £100m landmark regeneration of the Craylands Estate in Basildon, known as Beechwood Village. Plans will see new homes constructed as a modular housing system before being delivered to site for assembly. It is anticipated that the factory will initially produce up to eight new homes per month, the first of which are due to be delivered to Beechwood in 2017. Geoff Pearce, Swan’s Executive Director of Development and Regeneration, said:
“Swan is truly committed to delivering innovation. We already have our own in-house skilled construction team and so as both the constructor and developer of the homes, we are perfectly placed to manage the process of building homes off-site efficiently and to the highest standards. We are convinced that this method will enable us to deliver modern, high quality homes that people will want to live in.” Swan is also working on its masterplan for the redevelopment of the Laindon shopping centre, bringing together retail units, proposals for a new Swan head office and new homes. The emerging plans also show Swan’s desire to work with partners to bring about a new NHS health centre for the area.
Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council speaking at the event
Basildon Council recently held its biannual landlord forum at the Wat Tyler Conference Centre. The event provided current and prospective landlords with useful property information and advice. Topics ranged from housing advice and benefits, legislation and the many pitfalls for landlords to avoid. The event was supported by a series of guest speakers and representatives from the National Landlords Association, Citizens Advice Bureau and the council’s Housing and Property Solutions teams.
The next Landlord Forum is scheduled to be held on Thursday 15 December 2016. For further information please visit www.basildon.gov.uk/propertysolutions or contact the lettings negotiation team via email: propertysolutions@ basildon.gov.uk.
Basildon Council in conjunction with Morgan Sindall Property Services launch first trainee project to be delivered by their newly developed social enterprise scheme, BasWorx A ground-breaking training programme to give trainees a foot in the door of the construction industry has been launched through a partnership between Morgan Sindall Property Services and Basildon Council. The programme combines education with hands-on work experience, bridging the gap between education and employment by directly providing people with the skills that employers in the property and construction industry are looking for. Trainees will learn technical skills, workplace behaviours and get access to training opportunities in vocational subjects such as Maths and English. The core programme will last from 6 to 9 weeks although this could be extended if further support is needed. This will ensure all recruits leave the high quality work placement, ready for the world of work.
People of all ages and backgrounds who wish to enter or retrain in the industry are welcome on the BasWorx programme.
Housing development at Beechwood Village, Basildon
Landlords get together to stay in the know
Basildon Council’s new social enterprise, BasWorx takes a step forward
The programme is being delivered by BasWorx, a new social enterprise created by Morgan Sindall.
Members of the public attend the Laindon Centre consultation
Business
Cllr Anthony Hedley, Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Community Safety, said: “This event offered an invaluable opportunity for current and prospective landlords to get up-to-date information about the rental sector, helping people to feel more confident about the letting process.”
Coffee giant Costa and multinational online retailer Amazon are already bringing significant investment to Basildon and delivering jobs for local people. This will be reinforced further when Costa opens a £38 million state-of-the-art roastery in Christopher Martin Road in early 2017, which will ship coffee beans to more than 3,000 Costa cafes in 31 countries. Christopher Rogers, Managing Director for Costa said: “Basildon is set to become the centre of our
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Through Property Solutions the council offers private sector landlords cash incentives as well as a range of other benefits, to work with the council to rent their properties on assured short-hold tenancies. It aims to increase the supply of properties to reduce the burden on temporary accommodation and provide families with good quality, long-term sustainable housing.
Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council, said: “We are passionate about our commitment to delivering regeneration and growth to Basildon.
L-R Phil Connell, Operations Manager Apex Contractors, Dr Paul Richards London Road Surgery, Mark Francois, MP Rayleigh and Wickford, Phil Turner, Basildon Council Leader, Dave Fazey, Senior Transformation Manager Basildon & Brentwood NHS CCG and Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Essex County Council
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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Under the guidance of Morgan Sindall’s qualified and experienced trade professionals, trainees will have the chance to deliver a wide range of skilled services, general repairs and maintenance. They will be able to make a pos-
itive contribution and see the results of their hard work. In addition, participants will be able to make industry contacts and gain exposure to a wide network of professionals. BasWorx has established links with employers, colleges and training providers in the borough, and aims to assist with finding suitable apprenticeships or development opportunities. The structured programme will also provide trainees with a mentor to provide one-toone support. Onsite support is complemented with skills workshops to help boost confidence and learn essential skills for job searching, CV writing and interviews. Amy Ross, Community Gateway Manager for BasWorx, said: “The long-term ambition for BasWorx is to become renowned for our dedication to providing the best possible training environment for our trainees, and to become a successful vehicle for delivering social value. Once established we aim to incorporate a wide range of work streams, taking BasWorx beyond construction, to increase our community impact. As the venture evolves we also envisage creating the structure to provide services for not just Basildon Council and Morgan Sindall but to other clients in the future.” If you are interested in finding out more about the programme, or looking for a placement please email Amy Ross at info@Basworx.org.
Amy Ross, Community Gateway Manager for Basworx at the launch event
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BOROUGHDIARY
Community
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
AUTUMN 2016
AUTUMN 2016
BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Community
Summer festival
proves popular
This summer’s Love Your Borough festival proved a hit with Basildon residents as thousands flocked to the event in the town centre for a day of fun and entertainment. Love Your Borough, organised by Basildon Council, was an opportunity to showcase talent, community spirit and the great opportunities for people across Basildon. The day was also a great chance to find out more about the town’s future, whilst offering a fun way to learn about keeping safe, healthy and active. The health marquee offered several interactive activities to promote physical activity, sport and guidance on diet and healthy lifestyles. Sixty visitors volunteered to try out exercise spin bikes in a fun time trial to win a three month pass from health centre, Everyone Active. In addition a 13 metre climbing wall was erected in St Martin’s Square, and presented a challenging climb for all ages. More than 150 people took the challenge and scaled the heights. Health and social care partner Provide completed one to one consultations with event-goers offering advice on nutrition, weight loss and how to lead a healthier lifestyle. Crowds thronged to the special marquee run by the council’s regeneration team, where visitors could hear about initial proposals for East Square and give feedback on what they would like to see in East Square and the wider town centre area. Visitors to the marquee heard about the significant improvement works over the coming years. Construction on the new market will begin soon, with the new college following the market’s relocation to St Martin’s Square. Other highlights from the day included Brazilian dance among an array of movers, including Indian and Turkish dancers, which got people of all ages tapping along. Pop-up tennis and badminton sessions were available to boost interest in these sports and was a hit with young and old alike. A range of businesses attended and supported the event, we would like to thank our event sponsors; Redrow Homes, Morgan SindallProperty Services and Leonardo. The festival also offered a variety of attractions for the whole family: • A petting farm, with a miniature pony and a miniature donkey, as well as goats, ducklings, and a host of other animals • Dramatic Team Extreme Cycling Performance • Tarot card readings • Belly dancing performances • Face painting • A henna stall offering a range of hand designs
Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council, said: “I was delighted to see so many of our residents and visitors enjoying the event, but also taking the opportunity to find out more about our great borough. I know there was wide interest in finding out about the future plans for the borough with our regeneration team. The regeneration of the town centre is a key priority of the Basildon Town Centre Masterplan as it will contribute to the transformation of the area and boost its economy.”
LOVE YOUR
BOROUGH
Local Service Directory Forget Me Not Memory Café
Every Friday 2pm–3.30pm The Memory café is a free service for anyone who has concerns about their memory or the memory of a loved one or friend. The Café is run by trained volunteers with the support of health professionals. You can come along and discuss your concerns in confidence. We have a programme of events for both carers and the cared for. We look to provide support and information within a relaxed, friendly and stigma free environment. The Forget Me Not Memory Café is an opportunity to take a break from your caring role. EVERYONE IS WELCOME. The George Hurd Centre, Audley Way, Basildon Essex SS14 2AB (01268) 465854.
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Training obedience with play as the reward. These techniques are practised by Police Forces, The British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers and also taught at Writtle College, Essex.
Puppy Socialisation, training and feeding programmes
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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Community
Housing Choice team wins national Silver Standard Award
A bright future is set for youngsters on the Focus to Achieve youth mentoring scheme A new youth mentoring project, Focus to Achieve, is inspiring young people living within the borough through a tailored coaching, mentoring and training programme.
Cllr Anthony Hedley with Mandie Skeat, Head of Housing alongside members of the Housing Choice Team
Basildon Council’s Housing Choice team, which tackles homelessness around the borough, has been awarded the highly acclaimed Silver Standard Award in the government-funded ‘Gold Standard Challenge’. The team of seventeen has continued to meet its targets, to reduce the steadily growing homelessness problem and has been recognised for their hard work and commitment. The scheme is run by the local government National Practitioner Support Service (NPSS). It calls for councils to meet the stringent requirements of 10 nationally-set challenges to ensure best practice. Basildon is only one of nine councils to be awarded the silver status, out of 326 local national authorities. Since the scheme started in 2013, eight councils have successfully achieved silver and two have achieved gold status. The team has currently completed five challenges to gain silver status and are well on their way to completing all 10 by the end of the year.
Cllr Anthony Hedley, Cabinet Member Housing and Community Safety, said: “This is a terrific achievement and I’d like to thank staff in the council’s housing team for their enthusiasm and dedication. This team does extraordinary work under high pressure to meet the demand for housing services, upholding the council’s commitment to providing quality housing options for Basildon residents. “Homelessness is an issue which affects boroughs up and down the country and the council works hard to provide housing solutions to meet the demands of this service. Our housing team goes the extra mile to demonstrate best practice, often developing new initiatives in a difficult housing market.” Tracy Hendren, National Practioner Support Service Lead said: “I am delighted that Basildon Council has now achieved silver status in the 10 Local Challenges. Basildon’s local challenge applications demonstrate their commitment to homelessness prevention and there is a clear, customer focused link between their strategic approach and their front line service delivery”.
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The scheme has been established to encourage youngsters aged from 13 to 19 years old, to identify and achieve their goals. The scheme provides fantastic career opportunities for development that includes work placements, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, talent development and improved health and wellbeing. Mayor of Basildon Cllr David Harrison recently attended an event to celebrate the success of the scheme and to launch a new programme, the TNCG 50-50-50. This aims to help young people and their parents achieve their full potential through the delivery of a combination of teaching and training sessions to 50 young people, alongside 50
parents facing the challenges of getting young people involved, and it has over 50 sessions planned for the coming year. The aim is that young people who join the workshops, will develop the right skills for a bright and successful future, presented through advice, training and workshops.
The park was transformed into a local historical interactive exhibition to mark the national celebration of the battle that took place in the upper reaches of the River Somme in France between 1 July and 18 November, 1916. The event was a spectacular show of WW1 artefacts, re-enactments, uniform exhibitions and wartime songs. Over 1,200 people of all ages, including Mayor Cllr David Harrison and Rt Hon. Mark Francois MP, joined in the celebrations.
If you are interested in participating in the next programme, which will take place from February to March 2017, please contact Yetunde Adeshile for registration details by telephone on 07956 390797 or email enquiries@ the next chosen generation.com.
If you took a tour around the borough this summer, you would see youngsters thronging to colourful new play spaces. Basildon Council worked during the year to secure funding and update eight play spaces and they were officially opened in July - just in time for summer fun. Schoolchildren were at the heart of the exciting redesign of the play spaces, and took centre stage at celebrations to mark the completion of the projects. Hundreds of pupils from local schools took part in the design consultation, and the result is bright new spaces containing attractive play frames and challenging equipment, with more resilient safety resurfacing.
Residents in Pitsea and Laindon can also look forward to further upgrade work in local playgrounds later this year. The revamp of the parks comes as part of the council’s plan for the wider regeneration of the Basildon borough, developing projects which benefit the local community and help further establish Basildon as a popular borough.
Cllr Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member responsible for leisure and the arts said: “This gives children in the borough the chance to keep active, playing in spaces designed with their feedback in mind. Now, no matter where they live, any child in the Basildon area has a nearby play space with the modern equipment, design and capacity to entertain a wide range of playtime activities.” Here’s where to find the revamped playgrounds:
The work was carried out after Basildon Council members provided an investment of £152,000 for the work. Basildon Council constantly seeks funding support which allows it to enhance facilities for our communities, and is grateful for the grants which enabled it to undertake this work. Additional external funding was secured from Veolia North Thames Trust and community organisations. Veolia North Thames Trust is a major donor, and supported the work in the Kingswood, Worthing Road, Delmores and Passingham Close play areas; but work was also undertaken in conjunction with other agencies and community groups who provided funding support, including the Great Berry and South Green Village Council, involved at Passingham Close, and the Environmental Champions who supported the Langham Crescent upgrade.
Playground at Worthing Road, Laindon
Cllr Kevin Blake with Cllr Derrick Fellowes at Great Gregorie, playground Basildon
Cllr David Harrison, Mayor of Basildon with Yetunde Adeshile and the 2016 Focus to Achieve group of participants
Pupils from Abacus School visit the newly refurbished playground in Cranfield Park, Wickford, joining deputy leader Cllr Kevin Blake and Cllr David Harrison to celebrate the reopening
Council takes Pride in diversity Basildon Council was on hand at the Essex Pride Festival to provide vital information on reporting hate crimes, its inclusion and diversity policies for the borough and other council services. The event, in Chelmsford’s central park, was a great success with over 2,800 people attending. Pride promotes Essex as an accepting and diverse county, inspires everyone to embrace equality and demonstrates that people from all walks of life can join together.
100 year-old battle bus makes the journey from the Somme, France to join the Wickford Memorial Park commemorations
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Environment A brighter look for the borough’s playgrounds scheme
Focus to Achieve was established by Yetunde Adeshile, Founder and CEO of The Next Chosen Generation Interest Company.
Exhibitors on the day included the London Transport Museum, The Red Cross, Basildon Heritage and the Royal Regiment. A mobile military museum located in the main marquee displayed uniforms that were worn on the front line and provided useful historical information. The battle was intended to hasten a victory for the Allies and was the largest battle of the First World War on the western front. More than one million men were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in human history. The event was sponsored by Co-op Funeral Care and organised by the Wickford War Memorial Association, the Civil and Military Partnership and delivered in partnership with Basildon Council.
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Mayor of Basildon Cllr Harrison said: “This is a very good project that will transform lives and many more people need to be reached.”
Basildon celebrates centenary of the Battle of the Somme 1916 An event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme was held in the summer at Wickford Memorial Park, as part of a four-year programme to commemorate World War One.
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The council recently used the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index to measure its performance on achieving LGBT equality status and has continued to ensure it remains a safe and inclusive space for all employees and users of its services.
Cllr Kevin Blake and Cllr Richard Moore alongside pupils from South Green primary school attend the opening of the Langham Cresent, playground
Local businesses lend their support to celebrate community volunteers scheme Basildon Council’s annual Volunteer Awards is to be held on Monday 10 October 2016 at the Towngate Theatre. We are proud to announce that several businesses have sponsored this year’s event and we would like to thank them in advance for their unprecedented level of financial help and support. Our sponsors include: Konica Minolta Business Solutions, International Financial Data Services, Leonardo, Land and Naval Defence Electronics, Swan Housing Association, Palmers Solicitors, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Vinci Construction UK and Redrow Homes. Look out for the event update in the next edition of the Borough Diary.
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Community Safety Basildon Community Safety Partnership Basildon’s Community Safety Partnership was established in 1990. It works with local partners to reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour within the borough New Essex Police and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, came to the Community Safety Partnership’s meeting in September and heard about the events the partnership has been involved with during 2015-16. The meeting considered the partnership’s annual report, which details action taken over the past year and outlines future plans to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the borough. Here are a look at some the events and initiatives that have taken place. Risky Behaviour information sessions are a continued success This tailored programme focuses on the growing trend of online grooming and exploitation and how to safeguard young people from the dangers and risks associated. It was successfully delivered to parents, carers and guardians across the borough. The content illustrated how young people could potentially become a victim and most critically how parents could be alert to the early warning signs and help to reduce risks with early prevention strategies and tactics. Guest speakers at the event included John Woodley, from EST (E-Safety Training), and Gavin McKenna from Reach Every Generation. Both delivered thought provoking, hard-hitting presentations, providing a real insight into the internet world and the pressures faced by young people today.
Community agency partners support Love Your Borough
Team meets the public to raise awareness
The Love Your Borough event organised by Basildon Council and supported by the Community Safety Partnership was an opportunity for the partnership’s team to engage with the local community. The aim of the event was to build community spirit and to provide a fun day of entertainment for the whole family. The day was also a chance to find out about the many initiatives that the council is providing to support the local community. Several partner agencies were also present on the day. Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Basildon Council’s Community Safety Team were on hand to talk to residents about anti-social behaviour and crime in their local area, offering crime prevention advice and leaflets and giving out materials such as property marking kits, purse bells and personal alarms.
The team aims to provide community reassurance within the borough and to build an active presence with partners in areas identified as having increased levels of crime and anti-social behaviour. The scheme is now fully operational, with a series of community engagement events, that have taken place around the borough. Partners, including Essex Police, Essex Youth Service and Neighbourhood Watch, have engaged with a number of residents, businesses and shop owners to support the regional crime stoppers campaign and to raise awareness and tackle the issue of increased gang activity, through visual campaigns, social media activity and scheduled workshops. A new programme of engagement is being planned until March 2017, with key areas being selected just a few days before to allow partners to be responsive to local trends and look at quick intervention methods that will have an immediate impact in the areas that need it most. Look out for further dates planned in the next edition of Borough Diary.
National J9 anti abuse campaign gets support Basildon Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team, in partnership with Basildon’s Love your Borough community event the CSP, launched a borough wide
BASILDON COMMUNITY
SAFETY PARTNERSHIP
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
AUTUMN 2016
Schoolchildren in attendance admitted that the sessions were very useful: “It has opened my eyes to a lot more than I thought I knew. It was probably the most interesting thing and important thing I have attended” “Extremely informative and engaging. I think both speakers opened the eyes, ears and minds to all in the room. Thank you Basildon CSP for bringing this together” “Well informed, fantastic guest speakers” “This was far more in-depth than I expected andsessions as a result, a lot more than Schoolchildren in attendance admitted that the wereI learnt very useful: anticipated” “It has opened my eyes to a lot more than I thought I knew. It was probably the There is useful information and support available from agencies and local services most interesting thing and important thing I have attended” that will raise awareness and understanding of the very real risks young people “Extremely informative and engaging. I think both speakers opened the eyes, ears face. Please visit the council’s website for more information www.basildon.gov. and minds to all in the room. Thank you Basildon CSP for bringing this together” uk/community “Well informed, fantastic guest speakers” Basildon’s Community Safety team is planning further sessions to be held in “This was please far more in-depth I expected as anext result, I learnt a lot more than 2017-18, look out forthan upcoming datesand in the edition. anticipated” There is useful information and support available from agencies and local services that will raise awareness and understanding of the very real risks young people face. Please visit the council’s website for more information www.basildon.gov.uk/ community Basildon’s Community Safety team is planning further sessions to be held in 201718, please look out for upcoming dates in the next edition.
Gavin McKenna from Reach Every Nation, delivers a session at the Basildon Centre
initiative on behalf of victims of domestic abuse The J9 Initiative, is a nationwide scheme started in memory of Janine Mundy, who was killed by her estranged husband in Camborne, Cornwall in 2003. It encourages victims to come forward and receive help, through a private discussion by specially trained staff. They will receive information and support to help them and be assessed on a case by case basis. The information guide helps people to spot the behavioural traits of domestic abuse and establish whether a pattern of behaviour from one partner to another has escalated over time, or is in danger of doing so. The government’s definition of domestic violence and abuse is any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. Amongst other things, this can include psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. Domestic abuse affects millions of people across the country and currently claims the life of two women per week. One incident of domestic abuse is reported to the police every minute. Cllr Terri Sargent, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environment said: “It’s important to raise awareness for victims of domestic abuse across the borough as it can be wide-ranging and affect victims and their families in
terrible ways for years to come. “If you or your family are a victim of abuse and are living in fear in your own home, we would encourage you to come to the Basildon Centre or the Job Centre. Let a member of staff know that you are there to find out about the J9 Initiative as soon as possible. The staff are trained to deal with this discreetly and confidentially, and you will be given the help that you need, along with the organisations to contact.” For further information about J9, please contact the Anti-Social Behaviour Team on 01268 533333.
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Twenty-seven primary schools from across the borough showcased their talent when they took part in a ceremony to recognise excellence. The Recognition of Excellence awards, held by the Basildon Excellence Panel (BEP) and hosted by former government schools inspector Sir Mike Tomlinson, showed how the schools have improved dramatically in the past four years. The event was attended by head teachers, staff and pupils, local businesses and Basildon Council representatives. Sir Mike took the opportunity to emphasise the thriving education scene in Basildon. Almost all Basildon primary schools are judged as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, primary pupils are performing better than ever, and the achievement gap with other parts of Essex and nationally has halved. He congratulated schools for their massive contribution to the progress. He added: “The BEP Recognition of Excellence ceremony is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the successes of the primary schools in Basildon.”
Business events and seminars Basildon Council’s Economic Development team is offering a range of workshops and events to benefit local businesses, free to attend if you operate within the borough.
Business Finances: The essentials Tuesday 15 November 2016 9am - 12noon The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon This seminar explores money management, how cash is generated, understanding profits, and the critical importance of money essentials. It is for business owners to get a better appreciation of how to grow your business and how to get the most from your finance team whether they are in house or outsourced. If you want to grow your business then this event is one that should not be missed.
A company which specialises in helping young people to pursue careers in sports and leisure will be moving its headquarters to the Green Centre in Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea.
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Education
Pupils shine at school excellence awards BEP - a partnership between the schools in Basildon and other organisations - was set up in 2014 with support from Basildon Council to improve educational results for primary school pupils. Much of the progress has been achieved by schools working together to share skills and learn from what is working well. Each BEP school submitted an area of work it felt had contributed to improved outcomes for pupils. Sharing this at the ceremony provided an opportunity for schools to further build networks. Bala Mahendran, the Chief Executive of Basildon Council, and Clare Kershaw, Director of Commissioning: Education and Lifelong Learning at Essex County Council, joined Sir Mike and Patrick White of Basildon Education Services Trust (BEST) in presenting certificates of recognition. The event also featured performances by pupils, including dancers from Laindon Park Primary School, a choir consisting of pupils from Ghyllgrove Junior, Eversley and Maple Grove schools and violinists from Fairhouse Junior School. Speaking after the ceremony, Councillor Terri Sargent,
Cybercrime prevention: How safe is your business? Wednesday 23 November 2016 8am -10am Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH
Creative Sports and Leisure Ltd (CSL) is a subsidiary of PROCAT, Basildon offers apprentiships and work based learning specifically in active leisure and well being driven by the skills needs of businesses. As part of the relocation, the centre will also become a base for the company’s training programme for young people wishing to work in the leisure indus-
responsible for community, said: “The event was truly inspiring and recognised the hard work and commitment of all our teaching staff in driving up the performance of Basildon primary schools. Our schools really embody the meaning of working in partnership and sharing their skills and knowledge to achieve the best outcomes for our children.”
School pupils perform at the Basildon Excellence Panel Awards Ceremony
Business workshop with Pro-Actions. Learn the essential skills on how to grow your business
Tuesday 24 January 2017 9am - 12noon The Basildon Centre Palmers Solicitors are hosting a series of St Martin’s Square, Basildon interactive business education events. The This seminar will help you to underfocus will be to provide decision makers with a greater understanding of the risks of cybercrime to their businesses and an introduction to the necessary training and required investment in IT, insurance and personnel systems so that employers can start to reduce those risks. This event promises to deliver advice on practical, protective and preventative measures to reduce that risk and help you to cope if the worst should happen. The panel will include industry experts and representatives from City of London Police, Barclays and Cyber Strategies Limited. For further information and how to register please contact Kevin Wright. Email: kevin.wright@basildon.gov.uk.
Leisure careers company moves to Wat Tyler Centre Cllr Terri Sargent, at the launch of the J9 campaign
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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
try. The company expects to have 280 learners in the southern region over the next 12 months. Dut to expanding its provision, CSL saw Wat Tyler as an ideal location which could provide training rooms as well as outdoor space with ample opportunities for learning. With meeting rooms and conferencing facilities, the Wat Tyler Centre and the Green Centre together offer a high quality environment for business use. For more information call 01268 550088 or email info@wattylercountrypark.org.uk.
stand how to write a clear and effective business plan, and is a must for your continued business growth and success. You will gain a clearer understanding of the business planning process, how to set clear and obtainable goals, mapping out your long term objectives and essentially how to review and implement successful business strategies.
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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Services
Councillor Surgeries Billericay East Cllr Dadds, Cllr Schrader, Cllr Sullivan Last Saturday of the month between 10.30am and 12 noon in the Library, High Street, Billericay. No appointment necessary Billericay West Cllr Hedley, Cllr Turner, Cllr Lawrence Last Saturday of the month between 10.30am and 12 noon in the Library, High Street, Billericay. No appointment necessary Burstead Cllr Baggott, Cllr Blake, Cllr Moore Last Saturday of the month between 10am and 12 noon in different streets in Billericay Crouch Cllr Allen & Cllr Sargent First Saturday of the month between 9.30am and 10.30am at Noak Bridge Village Hall, Coppice Lane, Noak Bridge. Third Saturday of the month between 9am and 10am at Steeple View Memorial Hall, Willowfields Fryerns Cllr Brown Call for details: 07791 109436 Cllr Davies Call for details: 01268 459285 Cllr Sheppard Fourth Saturday of the month between 1.30pm and 3.30pm at the Fryerns Li-
brary, Whitmore Way, Basildon Laindon Park Cllr Barnes Call for details: 07427 356812 Cllr Ellis First Saturday of month Basildon Library, Basildon Centre 10.00am until 12 noon Cllr Green First Saturday of the month between 9am and 11am at Laindon Library, 5-7 New Century Road, Laindon Langdon Hills Cllr Allport-Hodge First Saturday of the month between 12 noon and 1pm at the Langdon Hills Women’s Institute Hall, Samuel Road, Langdon Hills Cllr Hillier Call for details: 01268 490201 Lee Chapel North Cllr Bennett Call for details: 01277 626236 Cllr Ferguson Call for details: 07817 311373 Cllr Gordon Call for details: 07817 865202 Nethermayne Cllr Hodge Call for details: 07842 086712 Cllr Smith Third Saturday of the month between 12 noon and 1pm at the Kingswood Playgroup Centre, Clay Hill Road, Kingswood Cllr Fellowes Call for details: 07788 298007
Crunch Times The crunch service is a mobile waste disposal facility that tours the borough. Residents can use it to dispose of bulkier items of rubbish. Locations marked with a G can also be used for the disposal of green waste. The crunch service is not suitable for paints, oils or other waste liquids. The crunch is from 9am to 12 noon at each site, unless otherwise stated. Further details are available at basildon. gov.uk/recycling 8 October 2016 Wickford - Kershaws Close SS12 0LJ Pitsea - Kenneth Road - Layby SS13 2AT 9-10.30 Pitsea - Chevers Pawen SS13 3EJ 10.30-12 Langdon Hills - Triangle shops SS16 6HF 15 October 2016 Wickford - Keats Way SS12 0BP Vange - Gordon Road SS14 1PR Pitsea - Northlands Park SS13 3LW 9 -10.30 Pitsea - Felmores End SS13 1PN 10.30-12 Laindon Link - Monastery Drive SS15 5FD 22 October 2016 Billericay - Hannikins Farm CM12 0EZ Kingswood - Playgroup Centre SS16 5AD
St Martin’s Cllr Burton-Sampson, Cllr Buxton George Hurd Centre between 12 noon and 1.00pm on Saturday 15 October and Saturday 17 December Barstable Community Centre between 11am and 12 noon on Saturday 19 November Pitsea South East Cllr Arnold Call for details: 07510 385744 Cllr Carrion Call for details: 07908 439441 Cllr Ward Call for details: 07908 439441 Pitsea North West Cllr Callaghan Cllr Callaghan invites residents to contact him directly on 07908 698743 to make an appointment that is suitable for them. He will undertake home visits and meet with residents at any place in Pitsea. He is also available before and after Pitsea Community Panel Meetings. Cllr Canham Last Saturday of the month at Chalvedon Community Social Club, Pitsea. Cllr Clancy. First Saturday of the month between 12.30pm and 1.30pm The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre.
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Vange Cllr Block, Cllr McGeorge Second Saturday of the month from 11am Vange Library, Pitsea Wickford Castledon Cllr Ball, First Saturday in the month at the Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford between 10am and 12 noon Cllr D Morris Call for details: 01268 457488 Wickford North Cllr Holliman First Saturday of the month at the Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford between 10am and 12 noon Cllr C Morris Call for details: 01268 457488 Cllr Mowe Call for details: 01268 463564 Wickford Park Cllr Harrison First Saturday of the month at the Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford between 10am and 12 noon Cllr Jackman Call for details: 07762 888775
Let’s keep open spaces great Fly tipping blights the lives and environments of anyone unlucky enough to be in the area when thoughtless people dump rubbish where it is not supposed to be. Fly tipping should be stopped and challenged wherever it occurs for Basildon to continue to be a pleasant place to live for all of its residents and as such £200 spot fines are being introduced from September 2016 to clamp down on this anti-social behaviour.
Fly Tipping - the facts • Fly tipping is a criminal offence, that can carry a heavy fine, or even a prison sentence
Fryerns - Downey Close SS14 2NF 9-10.30 Craylands - Jordan Way SS14 3QL 10.30 -12
• It can be dangerous to your health, land pollution and the environment and generates significant costs to remove
29 October 2016 Ramsden Bellhouse - Village Hall CM11 1RH Wickford - Alderney Gardens SS11 7JP Fryerns - Frypa Hall SS14 3RQ
• The council provides local waste disposal sites and recycling centres where you can safely dispose of unwanted items, please visit www.basildon.gov.uk/recycling
5 November 2016 Laindon - Basildon Drive SS15 5QW Vange - Redgrave Road SS16 4DB 9-10.30 Vange - Southview Drive SS13 3RQ 10.30-12 Wickford - The Wick Country Park SS12 9GP 12 November 2016 Billericay - Little Burstead CM12 9SY Wickford - Kershaws Close SS12 0LJ Laindon - Five Links SS15 5TZ Pitsea - Parkhurst Road SS13 3DL 9-10.30 19 November 2016 Billericay - Radford Crescent CM12 0BW Wickford - Rettendon View SS11 8HU 9-11.00 Vange - Gordon Road SS14 1PR Lee Chapel North - SS15 5HG
• The police and authorised officers have the power to stop, search and seize vehicles used or suspected of being used for fly tipping
In figures • Basildon Council currently spends on average £70,000 per year on fly tipping • Over 80% of fly tipping reports to the council are for household waste; if you are caught this could result in a fixed on the spot fine, from 19 September 2016, the fixed penalty notices will be £200 • Bulky items to dispose of can be booked for a special collection; 5 items for £10 through the council’s street care services team • The council takes fly tipping seriously and will prosecute rogue traders, the penalty is up to £50,000, a 12 month sentence and a criminal record What you should do There are several measures you should take if you come across a fly tipping site: • Never touch or attempt to remove the waste as it may contain dangerous or toxic chemicals and hazardous substances. Do not disturb the site as there may be evidence that can help to identify the fly tippers • If you see someone fly tipping try to make a note of the person’s appearance, how many people are involved, vehicle registration details and a description of what has been tipped, if it is safe to do so •
All householders can ensure their bulk waste is collected and disposed of properly by booking a special collection. For information on fly tipping, or details of waste collections, please visit the council’s website www.basildon. gov.uk/streetscene, or contact the street care services team telephone: 01268 533333
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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
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Sports
Barleylands takes the reins for riding school The new Barleylands Equestrian Centre held its grand opening in the summer – and is even bigger and better than the previous one. The Barleylands Equestrian Centre has opened its door and the owners are delighted that the new venue will offer more space to allow better opportunities and facilities for riders. The former Longwood Equestrian Centre relocated to its larger home as part of the regeneration programme for Basildon. Basildon Council worked with the centre’s owners to find new premises, and the riding school has since transferred to Whites Farm in Barleylands, Billericay. The new site is situated in a central location, accessible for residents in Basildon, Wickford and Billericay. Construction work to create modern new facilities has completed, and the new centre is now eager to welcome both old and new visitors. The new site offers room to provide a range of teaching, showground and stable management
facilities, for those involved in horse riding, as well as for spectators and the community to enjoy. These include an indoor arena with viewing area, teaching rooms, 4 maneges and an outdoor riding instruction area. Additionally, riding for the disabled. The centre covers 48.62 acres, with 44 stables housing the school’s horses as well as offering stabling management for local horse owners plus a winter hack track of 1,784m and a summer hack track of 4,804m. Centre Manager Ian Lewington commented: “We are delighted to be open for business in these modern premises. The location will be good as it will be more accessible to all parts of the borough and I think this will be a great opportunity to attract more people into horse riding, which is a great outdoor activity. The stabling will provide housing for our own horses and for other horse owners around the area. As a centre for a popular activity this will complement what Barleylands offers to the community.”
The new Barleylands Equestrian Centre has opened
Autumn Events for your calendar
Firework Displays around the borough
Holocaust Commemoration
Saturday 5 November 2016 Gates open from 5.30 pm till 9.00pm Lake Meadows Firework event, Radford Way Billericay, CM12 0AQ A spectacular evening of entertainment for the whole family, with live comedy, bonfire lighting, a torchlight procession, DJs and a funfair. Tickets can be purchased online or from local newsagents, for full information please visit: www.billericayfireworks.co.uk
The Basildon Centre Friday 27 January 2017 11am A one-minute silence to commemorate those lost in the holocaust 11.05 am Signing of the book of remembrance, which is first signed by the Mayor and then open to members of the public
Saturday 5 November 2016 Wickford Memorial Park event, Whist Ave, Wickford, SS11 8LN Saturday 5 November 2016 Holy Cross Firework Event Holy Cross recreational ground, Church Road, Basildon, Essex SS14 2HP Save the date - Basildon Christmas Lights Switch On Saturday 12 November 2016 Basildon Town Centre
Holocaust Memorial Day
Sunday 29 January 2017 10am till 1pm With special guest speaker, holocaust survivor Leslie Kleinman Choir & light refreshments available. There are limited places, for bookings please contact Shamrika Sydes telephone 01268 207975 or email shamrika.sydes@ basildon.gov.uk before Monday 28 November 2016
The Towngate Theatre presents Sleeping Beauty The countdown to the Christmas Pantomime has well and truly begun at the Towngate Theatre. This year
Towngate proudly presents the magical fairy-tale of Sleeping Beauty. Following the record breaking success of the spectacular 2015/16 panto Jack And The Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty promises to be even bigger and better than ever before
Sleeping Beauty will be running from Wednesday 30 November 2016 till Tuesday 3 January 2017. Tickets range from £14.50 - £22.50 and there are fantastic discounts for family tickets, school bookings and groups of 10+. We’ve already got limited availability on some performances, so book early to avoid disappointment. For tickets, please call the Box Office on 01268 465465 or visit: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk The theatre are thrilled to confirm that Simon Fielding and Sophie Ladds will be returning to the stage as the lovable Jangles and the evil Maleficent. Towngate Theatre pantomimes have received five-star reviews from the leading national theatre publication, The Stage, for two years running. It features stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dazzling dancers and a fantastic full live band at every performance; this truly promises to be a breath-taking show that is definitely not to be missed.
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BOROUGHDIARY
Sports Max gets hero’s welcome at Basildon Sporting Village A hero’s welcome awaited double Olympic champion, Max Whitlock when he came back to Basildon Sporting Village after his Rio triumph. Hundreds of fans were at the venue to greet Max, team-mate Brinn Bevan and their coach Scott Hann, when they returned to their club, which is based at Basildon Sporting Village. As the venue, built by Basildon Council and well supported by the local community, hosts Max’s South Essex Gymnastics Club, Basildon can feel particular pride in Max’s extraordinary achievement. Max and Brinn train with coach Scott Hann, the Director of Coaching at the club, which has been based at the world-class sports centre since 2011.
AUTUMN 2016
Leader of the Council, Phil Turner, said: “What a fantastic performance from Max. I know this comes after exceptional commitment and hard work, so I would like to say on behalf of the council and Basildon, well done Max for a deserved success! I am sure I speak for everyone in Basildon when I say we can be truly proud of this young man’s achievements.” Max was honoured on his return from Rio with a civic reception, hosted by the Mayor of Basildon, which was attended by invited guests including those involved in Max’s sporting career. Earlier this year, the council recognised Max’s achievements when it gave him Freedom of the Borough.
L-R Cllr Phil Turner, Roy Short Gym Club Chairman, Max Whitlock, Brinn Bevan Mayor David Harrison, and Coach Scott Hann
Inspiring new sports talent Max’s achievements are already inspiring new sporting talent. Interest in membership of the South Essex Gymnastics Club has soared and Basildon Sporting Village is also seeing a surge in interest.
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Personality of the Year, and the Sport for Confidence programme, which provides access to sport for people with learning difficulties, was the winner of the Services to Disability Sport category.
BOROUGHDIARY NEWS FROM BASILDON BOROUGH COUNCIL & YOUR COMMUNITY
To comment on stories in this edition of the Borough Diary, or to make suggestions, please write to: Marketing and Communications, Borough Diary, Basildon Borough Council, The Basildon Centre, St. Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL, or email cmc@basildon.gov.uk
About the Borough Diary: This newspaper is produced by the Corporate Communications Team at Basildon Borough Council. It is published four times a year and delivered free to almost 80,000 homes in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford.
Basildon can be proud of its huge pool of sporting talent, which is recognised every year in the Active Basildon Sports Awards. This year the awards will take place in October and will recognise the new crop of aspiring sports stars, clubs and those who support them.
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The Sports Personality of the Year 2015 was Arran Weston, a badminton player at the Badminton Academy, who trains at Basildon Sporting Village and is rising through the national rankings. And last year’s Young Sports Personality of the Year certainly lived up to his aspirations – Brinn Bevan shared in the success of Team GB in Rio with 4th place in the Gymnastics Team event, just missing out on a medal.
Other formats: To receive or download the electronic version of this newspaper via email, or to download the spoken word version, please visit www.basildon.gov.uk/boroughdiary. For translations, or to receive the Borough Diary in an alternative format, please call 01268 208198.
Other winners last year included Joe Brazier, a local wheelchair racer currently ranked 2nd in the country and sixth in the world, winner of Disabled Sports
Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle your Borough Diary after reading. Basildon Borough Council, The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL. Website: www.basildon.gov.uk Telephone: 01268 533333 Email: customerservices@basildon.gov.uk Chief Executive: Bala Mahendran Leader: Councillor Phil Turner
Arran Weston, last year’s winner of the Sports Personality of the Year 2015