More local services to move to Basildon Centre
Christmas & New Year Events SEE PAGE 2
SEE PAGE 4
Education & Business
SEE PAGE 10
BOROUGHDIARY WINTER 2015
WWW.BASILDON.GOV.UK
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NEWS FROM BASILDON BOROUGH COUNCIL & YOUR COMMUNITY
PLAN TO GROW
LOCAL JOBS Costa just the start, says council as new plan targets economic growth MORE businesses will be encouraged into the borough after a four-year plan to cement the area as the strongest economy in Essex were approved by the borough council.
the local economy, improving open spaces and the local environment, regenerating town centres, helping communities to take control of their local services and keeping the area safe and healthy.
The council’s effort to promote the area to businesses has already played a part in Costa Coffee’s decision to locate one of only two UK coffeeroasting centres at the former Visteon site; a £36million investment which will create jobs for local people. And, under the council’s new four-year strategy for the borough which sets out what services will be prioritised and how taxpayer money will be spent until 2020 more efforts will be made to ensure the borough continues to be the most economically vibrant area of the county.
Improving open spaces and community safety were the top two priorities of residents in the annual community survey run each year by the council, while the targets around a stronger economy and giving more powers to communities (for example, handing over the running of local community halls to local people) are part of the council’s strategy to invest into the area’s infrastructure as it prepares to operate with less than half the funding it had five years ago.
Alongside the focus on generating new businesses in the area and boosting the local economy, there will also be a push on regeneration; modernising town centres and high streets in the same vein as the recent refurbishment of Pitsea and Wickford High Street. Footfall in Wickford has already risen following the refurbishment of the high street area, and the Wickford Swim & Fitness Centre has smashed all its visitor targets in its first year or so of operations.
Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council, said: “The four-year plan sets the Council’s over-arching priorities, and with less funding available, it’s even more important that we have clear, targeted plans. “Those priorities are driven from a mixture of resident priorities on their local services which we analyse following an annual resident survey and the political priorities of the council’s decisionmaking Cabinet, which is where our focus on economic growth will come from.
Plans are now underway to resurrect the long-delayed Laindon centre regeneration, which has suffered years of delays due to the previous site owners going into administration, while the ambition for a first-class new college campus for South Essex College in Basildon will be part-funded through the development of land into housing at Nethermayne.
“We also have to be realistic, the funding the council gets is now around half of what it was five years ago, and we have to tackle that too. By investing into infrastructure like modernising town centres, supporting improvements in education, and supporting local and growing businesses, our aim is to build a platform for local residents to succeed providing opportunities to learn new skills and get into employment. That, in turn, will help people become more independent.”
The plans are among five key promises the council is making to residents over the next five years growing
For a full overview of all the modernisation plans for town centres across the borough, turn to pages 8&9.
LIGHT FANTASTIC: CHRISTMAS ARRIVES IN BASILDON. SEE PAGE 3
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NEWS
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
My View
BOROUGHDIARY
WINTER 2015
More local services to move to Basildon Centre
Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE
I am delighted to hear of the official launch recently at the brand new, purpose-designed Costa roastery at Christopher Martin Road in Basildon; the former Visteon automotive plant. It brought back some sharp memories for me, back in 2009 I was Basildon Council’s cabinet member for resources when the Visteon plant closed with the loss of 370 jobs and we, as a council, had to hold a special information day at the local Holiday Inn with Jobcentre Plus to provide benefit and redundancy support for those workers made redundant. Christopher Rodgers, the Chief Executive of Costa, explained to me the plans for the £36million new roastery. It will operate in conjunction with Costa’s existing plant in Lambeth, reinforcing their British heritage and its ongoing commitment to locating its roasting operations in the UK. Costa’s Lambeth roastery is currently roasting coffee 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. The new roastery in Basildon which will be a state of the art facility will help to meet expected demand in 2020 and beyond. Basildon looks set to be the hub of Costa’s national and international business. Unprocessed coffee beans from Rainforest Alliance certified growers are shipped from Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala and Vietnam to Tilbury Docks in Essex, before being transported to Costa’s Lambeth roastery. Costa’s new roastery in Basildon, 14 miles from Tilbury Docks, will be strategically important, enhancing operational efficiency as well as roasting capacity. Costa’s current roastery capacity is 11,000 tonnes but the new roastery alone will have the ability to produce 45,000 tonnes helping to supply the 464 million cups of coffee Costa customers consumed last year. At the end of June this year the council’s planning committee unanimously agreed to grant planning permission for the new roaster, and Costa has taken bold steps to move this along quickly as the recent ‘ground-breaking’ event showed. Building a strong economy and enticing businesses to Basildon is a long-term project. But this is certainly a terrific step in the right direction.
Jobcentre to become latest addition to more efficient public services hub THE BOROUGH’S Jobcentre is to move into the Basildon Centre as part of plans to deliver a more efficient, joined-up service to local residents. The change will mean that residents will be able to access a comprehensive range of local services from different agencies in one place including council tax, housing, benefits and leisure/environment services (Basildon Council), the town library (Essex County Council), and employment services (DWP). The move will also save hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ cash, as the publiclyfunded agencies will be sharing accommodation generating a rental income for the council as they rent out part of the building to DWP, while
saving money for the DWP as they leave Regent’s House. Around 150 DWP staff will move into the Basildon Centre, many of them on the ground floor in the Jobcentre, but others operating on other floors of the building. For residents regularly using the Basildon Centre, this will mean some disruption throughout 2016 as building works are carried out to create the new Jobcentre in the main reception area. But work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016 and the new Jobcentre is expected to open around October/November time. Basildon Council Chief Executive Bala Mahendran said: “This is the future of local services becoming a
reality, and is a good example of what residents can expect to see more of in the future. “Putting all these services in one place, where agencies can talk to each other and work together around what customers need when they use our respective services, is simply common sense, and will mean that people don’t have to worry about which agency does what they just turn up, and get the support they need. “At the same time, it will generate really significant savings for the council, which will generate income from renting out space, and the DWP will also save money on a more financially beneficial lease with us.”
WINTER 2015
BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Helping you Stay Well this Winter The NHS has launched a new campaign ‘Stay Well this Winter’; kicking off with a national flu programme for children aged 2-6, and those over 65 to get vaccinated. Seasonal flu is one of the biggest causes of short-term illness in the UK and generally 15–20% of the population get flu each year. Flu is highly contagious and affects people of all ages, with even healthy people suffering debilitating symptoms. The optimum time to be vaccinated against seasonal flu is in the autumn, providing maximum protection before the start of the flu season.
Christmas kicks off in Basildon The town centre lit up this month as Basildon’s Christmas lights were officially switched on during a day packed with events and festive fun.
GB) this was followed by a magnificent fireworks display which was a fantastic way to end the event after a full day of spectacle and surprise.
The event was hosted by BBC Essex presenters Ian Wyatt and Steve Scrutton. A Christmas Parade, led by the cast of the Towngate Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk as well as Father Christmas, entertained festival-goers, with a special surprise appearance which wowed town centre crowds at the start of proceedings.
Cllr Terri Sargent, Cabinet member for environment and community, said: “The Basildon Christmas Festival is a wonderful annual event, which really celebrates our community spirit. I am pleased that Basildon Council were able to be involved and support it, which is a great opportunity for residents to turn up, support our town centre businesses and enjoy great music, fun and fireworks.”
Ben and Holly from “Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom” were also in attendance adding to the excitement. The lights were Here are some useful flu tips switched on by major stars; Max you should know about: Whitlock (2015 World Champion • Get vaccinated; influenza is the Pommel Horse) and Brinn Bevan only respiratory virus preventable (World Champion 2015 Team Silver by vaccination
All entertainment was supplied by Essex Entertainment Awards, and organised in partnership with Eastgate Shopping Centre and Basildon Town Centre Management.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water • Use a sanitizer; keep one nearby and use often to prevent the spreading of germs • Don’t touch your face; this is the easiest way for germs to get into your body
• Smile; studies show that smiling can help boost your immune system
Basildon Customer Service Centre
Public Consultation Your Say on council spending
Have your say on how much the council spends on its services for residents, and the level of council tax it should set for the forthcoming year 2016 - 2017. Each year we have to set a budget to determine how much we will spend on services for residents and businesses, the overall size of the budget is determined by the amount of money received through council tax and central government grants. The amount spent on individual services is influenced by a combination of statutory requirements, demands placed on services, and our strategic priorities. In recent years
the amount of money available has been decreasing and yet at the same time, the demands for council services has been increasing. To take part in our online survey which is available from the 1 December until 31 December 2015 on the council’s website; please visit: www.basildon.gov.uk; or if you would prefer to request the survey in an alternative printed format please telephone: 01268 207869 quoting reference; Budget Consultation. Please take a few minutes to tell us your view on the proposal to set the rate of council tax and about the council services you value the most. The consultation closes on the 31 December 2015.
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My View
Cllr Don Morris, Mayor of Basildon
WHERE HAS HALF
A YEAR GONE…
I became Mayor of this Borough in May and it has been a journey I never expected to take. The last six months have been busy, educational, joyful and above all rewarding; attending community events, meeting residents and serving the borough as a whole. I have heard the good, the bad and the ugly about the borough, but what I have experienced is one where people are generous of heart and neighbours and communities look out for one another. Basildon Borough is a place to be proud of. As Mayor, I have the honour of choosing charities to raise funds for during my year in office. My charities this year are the Scouts, Girl Guides, Mind and La Danse Fantastique. If you wish to make a contribution to any of my chosen charities, please contact the office on 01268 294354 to discuss how you can make a contribution.
• Eat Right; eating nutritious healthy balanced meals can strengthen your immune system
The Stay Well this Winter Campaign can help you prepare for winter. For more information please visit: www. nhs.uk/staywell
NEWS
Max Whitlock and Brinn Bevan turn on lights
Looking ahead to the next six months in office, my hope is to be given the opportunity to visit a number of schools in the area. I believe that the future of the area lies in the hands of our children, by providing them with the necessary and relevant skills and qualifications we can produce skilled employees who want to work in the borough for the borough. We need to do more to help and develop our children to become the shining examples. As we fast approach Christmas it is time to take stock of the past twelve months. For some this can be a lonely time of year, so if there is someone in your community or neighbourhood who is elderly or alone, please take some time to visit them as this can make a real difference. We must also remember those in our armed forces that serve our great nation and may not be home for Christmas. I wish them and all of you a very Happy Christmas and may the New Year bring you a year full of happiness and good health.
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BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
WINTER 2015
We’ve provided a round-up of events to keep the family busy over the festive period Audiences across Britain have adored this fabulous, feel good tale of love, loss and hope performed by a multi-talented cast who not only act, dance and sing but also play all the instruments live on stage! Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the smash-hit show on its fifth and final UK tour. This critically acclaimed musical will have you laughing, crying and cheering for more!
A SALUTE TO THE 1940s WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY @ 2.30PM
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK ON NOW UNTIL SUNDAY 3 JANUARY 2016 IT’S PANTO TIME...OH NO IT ISN’T… OH YES IT IS! Christmas isn’t Christmas without a trip to the pantomime. This festive season, the Towngate Theatre are presenting the GIANT tale of Jack And The Beanstalk! Basildon’s favourite panto stars, SIMON FIELDING and SOPHIE LADDS, return to the stage as lovable Simple Simon and evil Desdemona, and they are joined by Philip Catchpole in the title role of Jack, Catherine Hayworth as Princess Jill, Nick Barclay as Dame Trott, Natalie Winsor as Fairy Nuff and Emlyn Glanmôr-Harris as King Eamonn. Featuring stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dazzling dancers and a fantastic full live band at every performance - this is a breathtaking show that is not to be missed! It’s only on until Sunday 3 January 2016 - so book your tickets now and make your Christmas complete.
MISS NIGHTINGALE THE MUSICAL WEDNESDAY 13 - SATURDAY 16 JANUARY @ 7.30PM SATURDAY 16 JANUARY MATINEE @ 2.30PM Banish your post-Christmas blues with a trip to the theatre! Come spend an evening at the Towngate and be entertained by the delightful Miss Nightingale. Sex, scandal and showbiz 1940s style. Miss Nightingale the musical cleverly combines comedy with drama to bring the gay glamour of WW2 London thrillingly to life. But some secrets are even more explosive than The Blitz…
A variety show packed full of the stars who kept the nation entertained during the dark years of 2 world wars. This year they have added tributes in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of WW1. Featuring hits by all the regulars - George Formby, Vera Lynn, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, Gracie Fields, Marie Lloyd and Harry Lauder, plus recitals of the poems by Wilfred Owen. Prepare yourself for an afternoon of pure entertainment. This show will have you on your feet singing along and waving your flags with pride. It is all held together by your very own air raid warden, Warden Braithwaite. As soon as you walk into the room, you will be transported back into the 1940s with flags, posters and bunting. This is truly a memorable show and will finish in a truly patriotic finale which will have you bursting with pride.
JETHRO LIVE THURSDAY 28 JANUARY @ 7.30PM
In a small village, deep in the Black Forest, things are not all as they seem when a handsome young woodcutter marries a mysterious woman… His children don’t like her, but they also don’t like village life and chopping wood! Feisty tomboy, Gretel wants to leave the boring old forest for the excitement of the city and shy, sensitive, Hansel, well - he doesn’t want to cut down trees, he wants to paint them! Songs, dancing, games for children of all ages to get involved with and sweet giveaways - come down and join the fun…
For tickets call the Box Office on telephone 01268 465465 or visit www.towngatetheatre.co.uk. Alternatively, pop into the theatre which is located in Basildon town centre, Towngate Theatre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL.
THE PLACE, PITSEA LEISURE CENTRE, PITSEA CENTRE, BASILDON ESSEX SS13 3DU Telephone: 01268 465420
Laugh your (unwanted Christmas) socks off this January!
24/12
Every once in a while there comes along a true comedy genius, someone who rapidly gains cult status with the British public. Such is the case with Jethro!
26/12 Closed
Armed with nothing more than a microphone and delivered to you in a warm Cornish accent, Jethro has the rare ability to paint hilarious pictures in the mind of his audience. Over 4 million DVD sales pay testimony to the size and dedication of his army of followers, and their love of the unpredictable, irreverent twaddle that reduces his audience to tears of laughter night after unforgettable night!
HANSEL & GRETEL SATURDAY 30 JANUARY @ 12.30PM & 3.30PM A magical adventure for all the family! Quirky and engaging, Lantern Light’s charming re-telling of the classic fairy-tale will have you hunting for pebbles, clapping to the polka and singing along with the Forest Song!
09.00 - 13.00
25/12 Closed 27/12
09.00 - 16.00
28/12 Closed 29/12
09.00 - 16.00
30/12
09.00 - 16.00
31/12 Closed 01/01/16 Closed 02/01/16
09.00 - 18.00
03/01/16
09.00 - 16.00
BASILDON SPORTS CENTRE Will be closed from 24 December 2015 until 4 January 2016
WAT TYLER & THE GREEN CENTRE Open daily 10am - 4.30pm Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day
WINTER 2015
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS
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Local volunteers recognised Volunteering can make a real difference; and the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) estimates approximately 15.2million people in the UK participate in voluntary activities at least once a month.
with the “Tony Gunyon Cup” given to the most outstanding contender amongst 8 other winning categories.
In September, the Towngate Theatre hosted the annual Basildon Volunteer Awards; organised on behalf of Basildon Council and the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) for Basildon, Billericay and Wickford; to recognise the commitment of Basildon residents who offer their services to volunteering.
Heather: What does volunteering involve and why did you decide to start helping others?
Susan Fennelly won the “Long Serving Voluntary Award” for her work in running the Basildon Saturday Club for over 30 years. This caters for children and young people aged 8 and above with special education needs. Susan was also awarded
Heather Wood, Community Development Officer spoke to Susan about her work and what it means to the community.
“The Saturday Club was established to allow children to come every week to a safe, playful and caring environment to meet others and enjoy themselves. It is intended to be a fun time for all members, but also to give respite time for the parents and carers, many of whom have other children so they need to spend time with them as well, or just need the relief of a few quiet hours to themselves. Heather: What sort of children do you care for?
“We have children with all sorts of special needs they come together regardless of their different ages, backgrounds and needs and they have fun. Heather: You also manage the Saturday club, so how does that work?
rewarding. I was very proud to receive the 2015 Volunteer Award, but this isn’t about me. It’s showing recognition for all the years help by our group of volunteers, the enjoyment it gave to everyone we took away
on holidays and the break it gave to all the parents”. If you wish to volunteer or find out more information please contact Heather Wood at the Basildon Council Community Involvement Team; telephone number: (01268) 294513.
“I have around 8 other volunteers who help and I have to arrange to have at least 4 in each weekend to look after the children. Although Basildon Council rent the hall to us, we also do fund raising. This has involved charity meals at a local restaurant, we have quiz and race nights, we raise funds through the charity car park and we also had one mum who did a sponsored walk over the O2 in London and raised over £250.” Heather: What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering? “What I would say is ‘to give it a go’ - it is extremely
Dance pioneer gets council’s highest award the award. said:
‘Moira has worked tirelessly with her team to make La Danse Fantastique a terrific project across the borough. Her dream was to open up the world of music and dance to all young people, including those with physical problems, sensory impairments or learning difficulties. It was Cllr Don Morris with Moira Brock and Cllr Danny Lawrence the first school of A dance pioneer has been awarded its type in the area to welcome one of the council’s highest honours af- children with special needs. Now well ter establishing one of the area’s most established, the carefully structured school is run by capable, qualified staff successful performing arts schools. able to provide classes in all the arts, Moira Brock, the founder of Basildon’s providing students with the tools they La Danse Fantastique, was awarded the need to reach their goals and achieve Alf Dove Award at a ceremony held at their dreams. I am particularly proud the Towngate Theatre. to be asked to be one of La Danse The Alf Dove Award was established Fantastique’s patrons, and Moira is an to mark the 43 year’s service of Alf inspiration worthy of this award.’ Dove and his significant contribuAt La Danse Fantastique every student tion as a Councillor when he retired is encouraged and guided through in 1999; along with Freedom of the the nationally accredited dancing and Borough and Honorary Alderman it is performing examinations. Since its the highest award the council can offer. creation in 1994 the school has grown Alongside her talented team Moira and now has students of all ages and teaches ballet, modern, tap, musical abilities. Recently students, who have theatre, drama and singing to children graduated from the school are now of all ages and mixed abilities. developing a professional career in the The Deputy Mayor Cllr Danny performing arts. Lawrence, who nominated Moira for
Mandie Skeat (Head of Housing Services) and Cllr Mayor Don Morris with Susan Fennelly
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WINTER SERVICES
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Housing campaign gets results Basildon Council’s campaign against housing fraud has resulted in a significant increase in referrals ensuring taxpayers get maximum value for money as fraudsters are kept from making money out of council homes intended for the vulnerable. The Housing Fraud Amnesty Campaign, which took place from 28 September until 6 November, was aimed at tenants who are sub-letting their council property or not occupying it as their own home. It offered the chance to voluntarily hand in their keys and avoid further prosecution. The council set up a dedicated confidential telephone line, and an email address for anyone to report suspected cases of tenancy fraud. This was supported with advertising on local buses and newspapers. As a result, the councils has seen a significant rise in the number of website referrals, having doubled since the advertising campaign started in September; all leads will now be followed up and investigated further.
Tenancy fraud in the UK is recognised as the second largest area of annual fraud loss in local government, valued at £845 million in 2014. Council leader Phil Turner said: “This campaign will tackle housing fraud in the interests of supporting those in genuine need and ensuring we deliver value for money. The campaign is seen as a major offensive on housing fraud with extra resources being made available to investigate and prosecute”. For more details, or to report any cases of suspected housing fraud please visit: www.basildon.gov.uk/fraud
BOROUGHDIARY
WINTER 2015
EAT WELL BUT STAY WELL THIS CHRISTMAS As we all unwrap the turkey this Christmas (and 75% of us around the UK will), it’s worth remembering that a few basic food safety rules might just keep you from spending New year in bed with a bug. According to the Food Standards Agency, one in five of us will get food poisoning from the Christmas turkey - probably from eating it after it should have been thrown away although there are also issues around washing the turkey before cooking it, unknowingly spreading germs across the kitchen surfaces. Likewise, we all tend to eat out more at this time of year - parties, family gatherings and other events - so local restaurants are booming. Whether you’re buying food to cook or eating out, the council can help you stay well this Christmas. Working with the FSA, our health teams inspect all local food outlets and give them a Food Hygiene Rating. Each business is given their hygiene rating when it is inspected by a food safety officer from Basildon Council. Food officers will inspect a local business and check how well it is meeting the law by looking at; how
hygienically the food is handled how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored; the condition of the buildings - the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities; how the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe. At the end of the inspection, the business is given one of six ratings from 0-5. The top rating of ‘5’ means that the business was found to have ‘very good’ hygiene standards. Whether you’re eating out or ordering in, you can always check the food hygiene ratings of the restaurant by looking out for the green and black sticker in the window. Or check online by visiting: www.basildon.gov. uk choose business then food safety services.
WINTER 2015
BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Recycle more
this Christmas The festive season generates additional waste for most households, so it is useful to know how to make the most of your recycling collections, and how the forthcoming holidays affect your collection services.
Basildon Council has produced a leaflet to show the collection times over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. This recycling leaflet is delivered alongside your edition of the winter Borough Diary. The leaflet contains information about collection dates following bank holidays, as well as the 2016 collection calendar, so keep it handy for a quick reference guide throughout the year. All recycling services will continue to run during the Christmas period and collection crews will be working hard to keep disruption to a minimum. If you have not received your leaflet with this newspaper please email recycling@basildon.gov.uk, so one can be sent out to you directly. To check service changes, please visit
www.basildon.gov.uk/recycling click on ‘Where I live’.
WINTER SERVICES
12 Days of Recycling this Christmas
1 and
Packaging all wrapped up Here is a quick reminder about what to do with all your Christmas wrapping and packaging over the festive period; Cardboard can be placed inside or with your pink sack Non-foil wrapping paper can go in the pink sack. Other wrapping paper should be placed in your black sack. Plastic bottles, bottle tops and plastic packaging can go in the pink sack Please see your leaflet for more details or go to: www.basildon.gov.uk/ recycling
You can recycle all of your leftover Christmas food in your green bin using your grey kitchen caddy
decorations cannot be recycled, 2 Christmas please use your black sack packaging for toys and games can go 3 Most in your pink sack
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Christmas cards can go in your pink sack
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Don’t forget to recycle all of your empty bottles and jars in your orange box
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You can recycle your real Christmas trees alongside your garden and food waste in January
7 Christmas turkey bones can be put in your food waste bin 8
Artificial trees cannot be recycled. Please use a black sack
9 All cardboard can be recycled alongside your pink sacks All electrical items including Christmas tree lights 10 can be recycled at Barleylands recycling centre 11
All of your vegetable peelings can go in your food waste bin
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Please remember polystyrene is NOT recyclable. Please remove from cardboard boxes and place in black sacks
Basildon Borough Citizens Advice Help to deal with your household finances available from the Citizens Advice Bureau The months before and after Christmas can be particularly tough with extra expenses over the festive period putting pressure on household budgets. If you are facing debts don’t panic. We know that’s easy to say and understand it can be harder to do, but with the right help there are ways to get on top of your outstanding bills. The earlier you get help with debt and financial problems the easier it is, as debts can pile up very quickly. We are here to help and there are often a range of options available. Letting your creditors know if you are unable to pay them is key, as they should consider reasonable repayment plans and may be able to offer you more time to pay. If you are uncertain how to create a sustainable and realistic household budget, including offers to your creditors, the Citizens Advice Bureau is here to help. The Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, confidential, non-judgemental and independent advice, we can help work out costs and negotiate with your creditors, and may be able to help you get debt-free by looking at appropriate options available for you. You can contact the Basildon CAB on 0344 477 0808 from a landline, or 0300 456 2595 from a mobile. We are also holding drop in sessions in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford. Our opening times can be found on our website, please visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk. In addition you can access our webchat & email service on our public facing website www.citizensadvice. org.uk from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
WINTER 2015
Building a future for young people Development at Nethermayne has caused significant public debate - but will also bring real benefits to the borough
Artist’s impression: 3D perspective of college
The development of over 700 new homes at Dry Street has been subject to months of public debate and controversy. But it will also bring unprecedented improvements to the borough’s education and economy. There has been a huge amount of public debate over Dry Street in recent months with heated public meetings, all-night council meetings and vocal arguments on both sides of the debate. Outline permission was granted in 2013 for the new housing, which will be built on land at Nethermayne. But as follow-up applications have been filed with the council, the debate has risen again as to the benefits of such a large development. New housing always causes a level of discomfort, but like all boroughs, Basildon has to meet housing targets set nationally standing still simply isn’t an option. Instead, the focus locally has been to get the best out of the proposals, negotiating with
developers to inject money into the local economy, and to help fund other vital projects that will help create opportunities for those who live here in the future.
development of housing at Dry Street which is enabling the college to build a state-of-the-art campus which will provide fantastically improved education opportunities for young people locally.
The biggest benefit of the development is the new lease of life it will give to South Essex College which, in return for giving up some of its existing land at Dry Street, will get a £35million, state-of-the-art campus in the heart of the town centre.
“The council will never ignore the voices of those who have been opposed to the development. But at the same time, it is our job to look at the wider interests of the community - and I would challenge anybody to say, hand on heart, that young people won’t get a better future in Basildon as a direct result of this project.
In line with the council’s plans to ensure there are opportunities to succeed within the borough, the college is already preparing a new curriculum based on meeting the demands of local employers, with a science and tech focus to reflect the growing number of companies in that field.This should improve young people’s ability to access well paid local jobs. As part of the new college, state-of-the-art science labs will be built in addition to health and social care classrooms, business suites, an indoor sports hall and even a dog-grooming parlour. Courses will be offered up to degree level to enable more students to study higher education courses locally. The college will also be providing high end IT training to give young people and adults the specialist programming skills that local employers need. A new multi-purpose sports hall will house facilities for indoor cricket, football, basketball and badminton – which will also be available to the community and local sports groups during the evenings and weekends. Council Leader Phil Turner said: “It is only the
“From the council’s perspective, taking more housing into the borough was never a choice - that’s what people sometimes forget. In a country with a growing population, every single borough in the UK has to demonstrate how it is going to meet housing needs for people. Our priority - and it has always been the same - has been to ensure that if we need to accommodate new housing, that the borough squeezes the best possible deal from it. “And I genuinely think that if we had to give up some of our countryside land for housing, then we couldn’t ask for a better trade-off than a facility that will provide better education to thousands of local students for years and years to come.”
Square deal A new multi-million pound re-development investment plan is in progress to regenerate the heart of the town centre into a modern retail, housing and leisure development. The new proposals are likely to include a new state of the art shopping units, outdoor leisure space and high quality apartments for residents. The council, in association with several partners, is looking to provide a high quality town centre which will attract more visitors, and increase footfall and the fortunes of local retailers. It is hoping this will turn Basildon into a thriving high quality retail and leisure town centre which encourages people to stay and enjoy high quality shops, cafes and restaurants during the day well in to the evening.
A new £35million college campus in the town centre will be more accessible, easier to reach, and will bring student spending into the town centre to boost the local economy New courses at the college will be designed to meet the needs of local employers - creating a feeder of talent straight from Basildon’s education system into the local economy Students will be able to choose from an array of new science and tech-based courses as the college - including a rooftop astronomy centre A new sixth form will be provided, giving students the ability to develop and build their skills under one roof The college will raise the aspirations of our young people who will be keen to learn in such an inspirational and high quality environment Such significant investment in the town centre should act as a catalyst for regeneration to help lift the town centre as a place to shop and meet. Investment will be made into the infrastructure around Dry Street, ensuring good quality local facilities, parks and open spaces for residents Around £5million will be pumped into the new market square, creating a modern environment which works in tandem with a busier centre and the new college site
REGENERATION
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Langdon Hills shops open after regeneration
Development of East Square is back on the table bit of news for Basildon. We are starting to see businesses choosing to come to Basildon and with our investments and partnership working, town centres and the skills of local people will be greatly improved. “Our regeneration plans are now underway in several areas – we’ve completed Phase One of Pitsea and Wickford, with more work to follow. We’re working on bringing a fantastic new college facility to Basildon town centre, and we’ve finally got some movement on the long-overdue retail and residential project at Laindon Town Centre, following Swan Housing Association’s acquisition earlier this year”.
Residents will be delighted that the eagerly awaited new Triangle shopping parade has reopened. The brand new centre, which has replaced shops destroyed by fire, was redeveloped by Basildon Council, and contains an exciting mix of shops, including McColl’s which has returned to the parade, as well as Domino’s Pizza. The new scheme provides two additional shops, and almost 20 new parking spaces to encourage shoppers. There are also five new flats which will be available for rent. An official opening event took place with McColl’s at the end of November which was attended by Stephen Metcalfe MP, the Mayor and members of the public, excited to see the new facilities first hand. Leader of Basildon Council, Phil Turner, said: “Residents in Langdon Hills have been without these shops for a while, but what they have now is far better than what was here before. We have made sure that when we redeveloped it, this complex was a better replacement, which fits with our commitment to rejuvenate high streets and town centres.”
This follows announcements from several businesses that have chosen to relocate to the borough; with Costa Coffee confirming they are bringing hundreds of new jobs and a £36 million investment to the former Ford Visteon site, as well as online delivery giant Amazon announcing it will be locating a distribution facility with another 200 jobs in the borough. East Square
Council Leader Phil Turner said: “This is a great
Around the borough…
the Station Lane scheme bringing in a mix of homes and new, modern shopping units.
Laindon centre gets back on track
The next steps will be for the detailed aspects of the planning proposal to be filed to the council for approval, allowing the college to progress with plans to move to its new site in 2016.
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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Angela Donahue, Principal at the college, said: “The college won’t just be in the heart of the town centre we also want to be in the hearts and minds of the community and we look forward to playing a leading role in the prosperity of Basildon for generations to come.”
NETHERMAYNE: THE BENEFITS
Artist Impression – Birds eye view of college campus
WINTER 2015
Pitsea before regeneration
Pitsea - next phase being tabled, supermarket discussions continue
The second phase of improvements to Pitsea will be tabled early next year as the council looks to build on the regeneration which has seen the introduction of a new market, supermarkets, shops, parking and a transformed centre at the heart of the town. Five years of development have given people in the area an improved choice of supermarkets and other shopping. The opening of an Aldi store in 2014 was complemented by a move of the market into a more prominent position, with improved parking. While there is still some uncertainty about who will occupy the large supermarket, the property has been passed to Morrison’s, and discussions are ongoing between them and the developer (London & Cambridge) to either agree a date to move in or find an alternative occupier. The £30million plans are a continuation of the council’s commitment to revitalise and transform the heart of Pitsea for everyone - shoppers, traders and local businesses, old and new. It is a central part of what has been a vision for Pitsea emerging over the last five years. The regeneration has been accelerating since a £14million development plan began in the town centre in 2010 with work on
The long-awaited redevelopment of Laindon Centre is back on track, with developers due to begin consulting residents in the early new year on plans to finally breathe new life in to the area. The Swan Group, which purchased the site in May, has already removed more than 30 tonnes of rubbish and addressed the issue of pigeons on site, and has cut back trees to open up the view to the centre from the High Road, to the relief of residents. They are now drawing up a consultation programme to engage local residents in developing new proposals for the site – with a view to creating a more community-focussed town centre. The responses from this consultation will influence the development of a comprehensive proposal for Laindon which is likely to emerge in the summer of next year.
Nevendon Road to seek approval in New Year At the core of the council’s plans is the ambition to revitalise town centres and shopping hubs, and Nevendon Road, Wickford, is in line for a facelift. In September the council approved a £2million redevelopment of housing and shopping in the Nevendon Estate. This will include an upgrade of the local parade of shops and parking area, improvements to the public areas of the estate, a financial contribution to improve local community facilities and the construction of at least 10 homes for affordable rent. Following a consultation period with shop leaseholders and residents, planning approval for the scheme will be sought early in the New Year, with work due to begin next September.
New Triangle Shops
Wickford health centre moves closer The centrepiece to the rejuvenation of Wickford, the £2million new state of the art health facility in Market Road, has come a step closer. The council is in the process of securing a building contractor, with construction work due to start at the site next spring. We will keep residents informed when building work is due to start. On completion, the London Road Surgery will move into the new building, enabling it to become a training practice for the next generation of doctors. The development, funded with a £500,000 contribution from Essex County Council will include 11 examination and consultation rooms and modern reception and waiting areas and will raise expectations of better health provision.
Artist impression: new health facility
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SKILLS & EDUCATION
BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
CREATING OPPORTUNITY THROUGH EDUCATION
Part of the council’s commitment to creating opportunity locally is about ensuring access to good quality education - making sure feed opportunities to local people to take advantage of new jobs being created. Over these pages, we take a look at education news in Basildon.
Basildon leads the way Wherever you live in the borough, if you have a child in primary education, you can be sure the school they attend is rated good or outstanding according to a recent Ofsted report. In the past year, primary schools in the borough have been commended for their work in improving attainment levels. Pupils aged five to seven and Year 6 pupils, aged 11, have shown higher scores in the national Key stage 1 and 2 SATs attainment tests compared with last year, according to figures released by Ofsted. Scores improved by 5 per cent in SATs for 11 year-olds, rising to 77 per cent attaining Level 4 in reading, writing and maths, up from 72.6 last year. This has closed the gap with the Essex and national averages. The number of pupils reaching Level 5 in reading rose to 42 per cent, against 38.9 per cent in 2014.
School goes into top gear to win Ford Challenge
a clear winner. The challenge asked students to design, test and manufacture a small vehicle. The winning team from Beauchamps School won the main prize for proposing the most original and creative ideas for their challenge. Beauchamps School students spent weeks designing and building their designs with science teacher Mr Barnett. They also had the support of Ford Higher Level Engineering Apprentices who visited them in school to help them prepare for the competition. Dunton Technical Centre site manager Mark Harvey outlined to students and their teachers the huge opportunities open to young people who study STEM subjects, in the field of automotive engineering. The students saw first-hand the testing and designing of seatbelts and how cars are able to run in extreme weather conditions. During the challenge, a judging panel of Ford staff and engineers assessed each vehicle in a number of categories, including braking, design, aesthetics of car and best portfolio. Student, Joshua Hudson said: “I really enjoyed the day. This experience has further inspired me to consider a career in engineering”.
in stores across the country to prove it. Six Year 8 students took on the Ryman National Enterprise Challenge this year and won. The challenge the team faced was to design a unique bag that could be retailed in Ryman’s stores and on their website and then make a Dragon’s Den style pitch to a panel of three industry experts. The team were supported through the challenge by Applied Learning Co-ordinator for Business at the school, Richard Merry, who mentored them through their product development, presentation practice and prototype manufacturing. The challenge, OCR exam board, aims to improve the enterprise and employability skills of young people from across the UK. The judges were so impressed with not only the product, but the team’s pitch including their understanding of finances, materials and marketing, that they were put through to the final round. This involved the team repeating their pitch in front of a three thousand strong crowd including Rymans owner and Dragons Den star, Theo Paphitis.
Bob Hodge from the school, said: “ Beauchamps High School is enthusiastic and committed to promoting STEM subjects and careers in these fields. Beauchamps was originally one of the pilot schools and continues to be a lead participant in the project that links in with Essex County Council’s Employability Skills Management Team and local organisations”. Ford Challenge final winners
Students from Basildon were among 50 Essex schoolchildren who took part in the Ford Challenge at the local Dunton Technology Centre. Out of five schools taking part, a team from Beauchamps High School came out
Attainment rises The improvements reflect the work of the Basildon Excellence Panel (BEP), which was set up with council support to improve educational results for primary school pupils. This is part of the council’s commitment to improving educational attainment and job prospects. The BEP works by encouraging Basildon town’s 32 authority-run schools and three independent academies to work together and share expertise, with successful schools supporting underperforming neighbours. A number of schools which had been judged by Ofsted to require improvement received additional support from the Leadership project, funded by Essex County Council. Before the creation of the BEP in 2014, seven Basildon primary schools were rated as inadequate by Ofsted and a further 14 were regarded as requiring improvement. In just 18 months, all schools have been upgraded to good or outstanding. Just eight require improvement. The pioneering model adopted by Basildon could be spread to the rest of the country. Already there are plans to extend the scheme to Harlow and Tendering and the prospect of extending the blueprint to secondary schools is also being considered.
Reading scheme success Schools taking part in the Reading Partners scheme initiative have all seen increased confidence and ability in reading among students. Volunteers are always welcome, and if you would like to join the scheme and help a child with their reading, please email sam.terrell@basildon.gov.uk or call 01268 294057
Beauchamps students get a taste of the Dragon’s den Beauchamps High School students demonstrate entrepreneurial flair – and they have their winning product
WINTER 2015
Dragon’s Den final winners
Your Futures 15 Event - A success
To widen prospects for young people, the council holds an annual careers fair for 15 - 19-year olds. The Your Futures 15 event offered advice and guidance on careers and next steps into education, training or work. This year’s event proved as popular as ever. More than 40 exhibitors took part, ranging from prominent Basildon employers such as Selex ES, Case New Holland and Ford to colleges, sixth forms and training providers. One
aim
of
the
event
was
to
inspire school leavers and those who currently find themselves out of work or looking for educational opportunities. Exhibitors were on hand to provide advice, and the evening saw a number of prospective future apprentices signed up for interview.
Cllr Terri Sargent said: “It was wonderful to see such a large turnout of young people who want to find out about career options for their future. This regular event underlines the council’s ambition to help young people
into careers, training or work; with such a wide range of organisations exhibiting, a lot of people will have been given information to start them on whichever path they choose.” Connie Stalker, Year 11 student at Beauchamp’s High School said: “This event was really useful in giving me an insight into college courses and next steps for my intended career in media and art.” Noel Kelleway, Director of Rickard Luckin Chartered Accountants, said:“Well done to Basil-
WINTER 2015
SKILLS & EDUCATION
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Basildon Borough, where Inspire Business Event - 2016 apprentices learn on the job Job creation and work opportunities are high on the council’s list of objectives. Over the past 3 years, the council has been working with partners in education and industry to enhance employability as well as job creation. A key aspect of this is the focus on creating apprenticeships. The council leads the way, with 20 apprentices training at the Basildon Centre and other locations. It is also keen to encourage local businesses to develop apprenticeships. An aspect of its best practice is during the tender process for council contract services. As an example, the council will include in the specification for bids for its repairs contract the provision for two apprentices. The contract is due for renewal in March, and two young people will be getting hands on
experience and mentoring. Businesses have been vocal following the recession about the need to improve the skills base in engineering and technology sectors. In conjunction with businesses, higher education providers here are developing courses and training which will produce the apprentices industries will need tomorrow. Cllr Terri Sargent, Cabinet Member for Community said: “The council recognises the key role of vocational training in business and increasing the potential for apprenticeships is one of our priorities. I encourage young people to apply”. As part of this ambition, we will be holding an apprenticeship fair in the spring. The event will be held at Woodlands School, Basildon; more details to follow.
Businesses in Basildon continue to
play their part in educational success Basildon schools are forging closer links with the business world thanks to the strong alliance between educators and local employers to improve future work prospects for young people. In 2011, The Basildon Business Education Consortium (BBEC) was set up in response to high levels of youth unemployment and the lack of opportunities for local young people. Its purpose is for local businesses to meet with primary and secondary schools, colleges and 6th form staff to help raise the aspirations of youngsters whilst engaging to improve attainment levels and employability skills. BBEC, along with other agencies has focused on the need to raise standards to ensure that pupils moving from year 6 to secondary education are better equipped to cope with the demands at this level. “Education is the greatest passport to social mobility and each of us has a duty to try to ensure that all pupils fulfil their individual academic
potential” said Noel Kelleway. BBEC newly elected Chairman, Paul Rolison, is determined to carry on the successful links between education and business. Recently taking up post from Noel Kelleway ex-chairman, who served for seven years and was a valuable contributor to its success. Mr Kelleway recently stood down from the post due to his imminent retirement next year. Mr Rolison who consults on IT Strategy and Cyber Security said: “Businesses can bring an element to our children’s education that schools have always struggled with, a clearer understanding of the business world, its opportunities and why time spent in school is so relevant to their future working life. BBEC will continue to build such relationships but only with more support from the business world”. For further information about the BBEC initiative, please e-mail: Sam.Terrell@basildon.gov.uk.
The Inspire business event to be held in February 2016, will bring together entrepreneurs and innovators to explore and discuss opportunities for collaboration, networking, sharing of successes and showcasing best practice innovation and creative ideas. The event driven by the South Essex Innovation Programme in
THE INNOVATION PROGRAMME As a business, it is important to realise that innovation is not only about designing a new product or service to sell, but can also focus on existing processes and practices to improve efficiency, find new customers, cut down on waste and increase profits. Basildon Council’s Innovation Programme provides flexible and tailored innovation-led support to commercialise ideas for new products, services and processes. A key feature of the programme is to establish an Innovation Hub in Basildon, which will act as a multi-functional dynamic facility to increase productivity and business growth, and can support entrepreneurs, SME’s and business start-ups. See: www.basildon.gov.uk/business/ innovation
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PORTAL Seeking new premises within the Borough or wish to expand your existing business operations. Use Basildon Council’s new commercial property tool, which captures the latest commercial properties that are available across Basildon, Billericay and Wickford. With content populated by commercial property agents, the portal will provide an excellent, regularly updated resource with which to target your requirements. For further detail, or to register your business requirements, visit: www.basildon.gov.uk/commercialproperty
START UP LOANS Located in an area brimming with entrepreneurial spirit, it is not surprising that starting a business is viewed as a viable option - and one that can be challenging and rewarding. The Basildon ED team continually work alongside local and national partners to identify appropriate support for your business.
15 don Council for organising events like this. We support these events to represent our institutes, and the engagement of the visitors this year was the best ever.”
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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
One such scheme is the ‘Start-Up Loans’ programme, targeted at new enterprises or those businesses that have been trading for less than 24 months. It is a government funded scheme to provide advice, loans and mentoring to start-up businesses. Do you have a great business idea, or Paul Rolison BBEC Chairman
Noel Kelleway BBEC Ex-Chairman
partnership with Basildon Council, will have a broad theme, ranging from technology and innovation, finance ideas for your business, exploring international opportunities to skills and young enterprise, not to mention a series of dedicated booster workshops. For further details please check www.basildon. gov.uk/business
have you been trading for less than 24 months? Are you looking for finance and support to help develop your business? If you answered yes, then a government-backed Start up Loan could help. Please visit: www.startuploans.co.uk for full details of the initiative.
BUSINESS EVENTS Basildon Council has its own Economic Development Team which works closely with the Basildon Business Group (BBG) to identify the type of support that local businesses would benefit from. As a result, a number of free business workshops are delivered throughout the year. All events provide a great opportunity to develop skills and forge key business relationships. Perhaps you want to sharpen your skills in a particular business area, or maybe you are seeking new opportunities to connect with other businesses in the Borough. Whatever it is you are looking for, we hope to have it covered through the programme of events - specifically designed with local businesses in mind. To access details on the range of events that are available and free to attend, visit http://www.basildon. gov.uk/business/events Events coming up in 2016 Thursday 21 January 2016 9am to 12:30pm Business Workshop with Pro-actions - Marketing secrets revealed including an introduction to social media. Marketing is not about spending large sums of money for little return. Instead learn the key secrets to get your message across and make your business grow. Tuesday 8 March 2016 9am to 12:30pm Business Workshop with Pro-actions Marketing and maximising your social media and website. Get the right message out there, on-line and spread far and wide. All events will take place at The Basildon Centre, St Martins Square, Basildon SS14 1DL and are FREE for businesses based in the Borough to attend.
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HAVE YOUR SAY
BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
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 www.basildon.gov.uk/ recycling 12 December Barstable - Barstable Club Long Riding SS14 1PD Bowers Gifford - Westlake Path off Pound Road SS13 2HN Langdon Hills - Valence Way junction with Debden Green SS16 6LF Pitsea - Winifred Road SS13 3JQ 19 December Billericay - Carvers Wood CM11 2TJ
Councillor Surgeries Billericay East
Laindon Park
Cllr Dadds, Cllr Schrader, Cllr Sullivan
Cllr Barnes Call for details: 07427 356812
Last Saturday of the month (except December) between 10.30am and 12 noon in the Library, High Street, Billericay - no appointment necessary.
Cllr Ellis
Billericay West Cllr Hedley, Cllr Turner, Cllr Lawrence Last Saturday of the month (except December) between 10.30am and 12 noon in the Library, High Street, Billericay. No appointment necessary.
Billericay - Little Burstead Car Park CM12 9SY Craylands - Jordan Way SS14 3QL Langdon Hills - Triangle Shops SS16 6HF 30 January 2016 Billericay - David’s Walk CM11 2EZ Billericay Radford Crescent Car Park CM12 0BW Crays Hill Recreation Ground CM11 2YA Ramsden Bellhouse - Village Hall CM11 1RH 6 February 2016 Billericay Hannikins Farm CM12 0EZ Fryerns Frypa Hall SS14 3RQ Laindon Five Links Somercotes Next to Shops SS15 5UD Wickford Kershaws Close SS12 OLJ 13 February 2016 Fryerns Ghyllgrove SS14 2TT Laindon - King Edward Road SS15 6JG Laindon - Little Oxcroft Service Road SS15 6NP Vange - Barge PH 9am -11am SS16 4SY Ryedene 11am -12 noon SS16 4ND Pippin Court 11am -12 noon SS11 8JW 20 February 2016 Laindon Link - Monastery Drive SS15 5FD Laindon West - Thornton Way/Sparkbridge Parking Area SS15 6QQ
Cllr Baggott, Cllr Blake, Cllr Moore Last Saturday of the month Street Surgery 10am -12 noon
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 9.00am and 10.00am at Steeple View Memorial Hall, Willowfields.
Cllr Canham Chalvedon Community Social Club, 1 Chalvedon Square, Pitsea Sat 12 Dec 10.15am to 12.00pm 07415 309446
Lee Chapel North Cllr Bennett Call for details: 01277 626236
Cllr Clancy First Saturday of the month from 12.30pm-1.30pm, Room 6, The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre
Cllr Ferguson, Cllr Malsbury The last Saturday in the month at Laindon Community Centre, Aston Road, Laindon from 11am to 1pm
Vange Cllr McGeorge Call for details: 07545 237217
Nethermayne
Cllr Taylor Call for details: 01268 419153
Cllr Hodge Call for details: 07842 086712 The third Saturday of the month from midday until 1pm at the Kingswood Playgroup Centre, Clay Hill Road, Kingswood, Basildon SS16 5AD. Cllr Williams 07853 221169
Wickford Castledon Cllr Ball First Saturday in every month (except January) at the Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford from 10am to 12 noon. Cllr D Morris Call for details: 01268 457488
St Martin’s Wickford North
Cllr Rackley
Cllr Holliman First Saturday in every month (except January) at the Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford from 10am to 12 noon
Cllr Sheppard
First Monday and every third Tuesday of the month from 2pm to 3pm at the Basildon Community Resource Centre, 1 The Gore, Basildon, SS14 2EA.
Fourth Saturday of the month from 1pm - 3pm at the Fryerns Library, Whitmore Way, Basildon
Pitsea South East
Cllr Mowe Call for details: 01268 463564
Fryerns Cllr Brown Call for details: 07791 109436 Cllr Davies Call for details: 01268 459285
Cllr C Morris Contact for details: 01268 457488
Cllr Arnold Call for details: 07510 385744
27 February 2016 Northlands Park SS13 3LW
Cllr Allport-Hodge
Wickford The Wick Country Park SS12 9GP
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 Buxton Call for details: 07900 154418
Langdon Hills
Steeple view Kings Crescent SS15 4AW
Cllr Scarola Call for details: 07984 943349
Cllr Smith
Wickford - Keats Way opp. No.3 garage area SS12 OBP
Steeplehall 10.30am - 12noon SS13 3HP
First Saturday of every month in Basildon Library, The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s square from 10am - 12 noon
Burstead
Pitsea - Kenneth Road - Layby SS13 2AT
Pitsea Chevers Pawen 9.00am - 10.30am
WINTER 2015
First Saturday of the month from 12 noon until 1pm at the Langdon Hills Women’s Institute Hall, Samuel Road, Langdon Hills, Basildon, Essex SS16 6EZ. Cllr Hillier Call for details: 01268 490201
Cllr McGurran Call for details: 07710 613928
Wickford Park
Cllr Ward Call for details: 07908 439441
Cllr Harrison
Pitsea North West Cllr Callaghan
First Saturday in every month (except January) at the Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford from 10am to 12 noon. Cllr Jackman Call for details: 07762 888775
WINTER 2015
BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
NEWS
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Remembrance Day is marked by poppies at the A127 Basildon sign The Mayor, Cllr Don Morris, and Councillors, alongside local school children were at the heart of a special commemorative event in November to mark the significance of Remembrance Day also known as Armistice Day held annually on November 11.
scatter the famous Flanders poppy seeds at the Basildon landmark. It is envisaged the seeds will germinate across the winter months and bloom in full next spring. It is hoped this will create a lasting memorial for the people of the borough to the fallen of the First World War.
Poppy day is a British tradition that dates back to the 1920s and marks the end of the First World War. Basildon Council in partnership with the Civil & Military Partnership Board invited local schools in the project, which saw pupils from Noak Bridge primary school and Laindon Park school gather together with representatives of community and faith groups, to
Cllr Terri Sargent, said: “It was delightful to see these youngsters participating in this memorable event to mark the 100-year anniversary of World War One. The flowering red poppies will be a spectacular sight visible from the A127 for years to come. They will be a lasting reminder of the debt we owe to servicemen and women who gave their lives in world conflicts.”
New initiative to reduce knife crime in Basildon In response to a number of knife crime incidents; residents, community groups and Basildon Council have come together to unite against crime. A series of events in November highlighted the dangers of knife crime and the positive steps taken to highlight awareness. A march, under the slogan of ‘”Say No to knife crime” and a “Knife Amnesty” to reduce the number of knives in our community with a secure ‘knife amnesty bin’ was held in Pitsea. The event was organised by the Community Safety Partnership and supported by Basildon Council’s Community Involvement Team.
Councillors with students celebrate at the Basildon sign and community representatives
EXPLORE INTERNATIONAL MARKETS Our international business support offer is aimed at assisting local SMEs to grow and create a sustainable future for the local economy and the community. The multi-million pound overseas market for goods and services can be a lucrative option for UK business owners to explore. Basildon Council has successfully established relationships with overseas partners, particularly India and China, and our expert team can help you identify opportunities within your business to internationalise your products or services. You may wish to consider uncovering the potential
for your business to trade in overseas markets like India, China, Middle East or Europe. There are tailor made services available for you to explore these opportunities, most of which are free for Basildon based businesses to access, including guidance on doing business in target countries, market exploration and trade missions. If you are a business owner or manager interested to know more please register your interest by e-mail: Business_Assist@basildon. gov.uk, or call our dedicated International Officer, Karthik Durgaprasad on: 01268 207988.
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BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
WINTER 2015
WINTER 2015
BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Warm up with a winter walk Within the borough there are many open spaces, reserves and woodlands that are ideal for residents who are keen for some fresh air, exercise or a Christmas and New Year walk to take a break from all the festivities. Here is a selection of what is available locally.
Nevendon Bushes Local Nature Reserve
Mill Meadows Local Nature Reserve
The woodland provides a wonderful green oasis for local people to enjoy and is a haven for woodland wildlife, including Woodpeckers and Sparrow hawks as well as many Warblers, such as Blackcaps, Whitethroats and Willow Warblers.
Old meadows, rich in wild flowers and other wildlife have almost disappeared from the landscape, especially in the densely populated southeast of England where surviving farms produce arable crops. Yet, within a quarter mile of Billericay town centre lies this 90-acre site that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The views, across the valley to nearby Norsey Wood or east over the borough and beyond are spectacular. Basildon Council acquired the meadows in 1991 and declared them a Local Nature Reserve. The main footpath starts from the Scout Hall, Greens Farm Lane, and follows the main ridge across to the Southend Road (A129) for about 600 metres. The meadows have been kept open by cattle grazing which has also enabled the unique mixture of plants and animals that flourish here. Scrub is encroaching in parts and over the main ridge young oak woodland and bracken dominate. Badgers, stoats and foxes are regular throughout the reserve and there is an impressive bird list too. Mill Meadows Nature Reserve, Greens Farm Lane, Billericay, Essex CM11 2YX. Open every day - open access.
A 15 acre ancient woodland in the middle of Felmores Estate in Basildon, Nevendon Bushes is one of the last remaining fragments of old woodland within the urban area of Basildon. Full of woodland wildlife, wild service tree and wood anemones.
The woodland is thought to be ancient. Evidence of the wood’s long history comes from the old wood bank bordering the eastern edge and the presence of the Wild Service tree. A large pond towards the centre of the wood is home to a wide range of aquatic life, including Newts, Frogs and Water Scorpions.
are attractive to warblers and lots of dead trees within the wooded sections ensure that green and great-spotted woodpeckers are common. Ponds and damp ditches are used by frogs which are themselves hunted by grass snakes.
The footpath from Eastfield Road gives the option of a circular route within the reserve. Visitors may wish to take the path westwards along the raised embankment and exit the reserve at either Miles Grey Road (via the footbridge across the A127) or Coppice Lane. Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Eastfield Road, Noak Bridge Essex SS15 5GT. Open all year round
Norsey Wood Local Nature Reserve Norsey Woods has been designated an ancient monument and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Its association with 400 years of our history and the richness of its wildlife make this 165-acre site unique.
In 1976 the site was purchased by Basildon Council which saved it from being used for housing development. Norsey Wood is visited by about 60,000 people a year. Some people visit just to walk or to exercise their dogs. Other people come to study the wildlife or the history of the site. Schools and colleges also make educational visits. Norsey Wood has a wide variety of plants and animal life. The wood is helping to conserve biodiversity by providing suitable homes for some threatened and rare species like the dormouse and pipistrelle bat. The woodland is divided by rides or pathways many of which are thought to date back to Iron Age times. The earliest written evidence for the rides is a map of 1593. They have been described as the oldest known woodland rides which still exist. Car park entrance is in Outwood Common Road. The nature reserve is open daily. For more information please see: www.basildon.gov.uk then choose leisure, then countryside.
Access to the woodland can be gained from Bartlow End, and an easy access trail will help visitors enjoy the woodland. Nevendon Bushes, Burnt Mills Road, Basildon, Essex. Open every day - open access
Noak Bridge Local Nature Reserve An area of mixed habitats covering 20-acres, Noak Bridge Nature Reserve is excellent for dragonflies and damselflies, butterflies and visiting warblers. There are also several ponds, open flower, rich grasslands and developing woodland. The grassland is colourful with a wide variety of wayside flowers. The scrubby areas
FRIENDS OF SWANMEAD PARK Residents surrounding Swanmead Park are being asked if they would like to get involved in creating a “Friends of Swanmead Park” group. Possible aims of the group could be organising community events, trying out different sports, doing litter picks and listening to carols in the park. You don’t need to have any qualifications just passion for the area you live in and the community. This is your green space and your opportunity to determine its use. Anybody that is interested please e-mail: suzanne.barwell@ basildon.gov.uk or phone 07983 392245
GRANTS TO ORGANISATIONS Basildon Council’s Grants to Organisation fund makes awards between £100 and £2000 to voluntary and community organisations in the Borough who provide benefits to its residents. In the previous funding round, a total of £5,860 was awarded to four community organisations, delivering services to Basildon residents. Round 2 of Grants to Organisations closed on Friday
27 November 2015, whilst round 3 will be closing at 5.15pm, Friday, 29 January 2016. If you need support with your funding application or would like further information on the Grants to Organisation fund, you can contact the Community Involvement Team on 01268 294303 or e-mail: communityinvolvement@ basildon.gov.uk
TENANT AND LEASEHOLDERS CONFERENCE The first Tenant and Leaseholder took place at the Basildon Holiday Inn in October which provided attendees with the opportunity to join in a local conversation about how the council can improve its housing services. With over one hundred residents and council staff in attendance a variety of workshops were held which gave residents the opportunity to share their views on the new housing repairs contract, how environmental improvements can make estates better places to live and the incentives that are available to tenants who wish to downsize, by moving to a smaller property.
Norsey Wood Nature Reserve
Feedback from those at the event said: “they found it informative, interesting and enjoyable and many said that they would really welcome another event in the future”. If you would like to know more about any of the topics mentioned, please contact the Community Involvement Team on 01268 468050 or by e-mail: communityinvolvement@basildon.gov. uk
VANGE LIBRARY Vange Library has opened on Fridays as the new “Vange Community HUB” to run an entire day of community projects. In partnership with local agencies they will be hosting a number of workshops to facilitate a range of activities to improve life and employability skills. If you are interested you can drop into the library to find out more. Vange Community HUB is partly run by volunteers, namely the Vange Back2Work club. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Suzanne Barwell, Community Involvement team or please phone: 07983392245.
Community Safety Partnership Combat Crime this Christmas
Drink wise this Christmas
The Partnership wants to advise you on how to stay safe by making responsible decisions over the festive period. Revellers are being encouraged to drink responsibly during the Christmas and New Year season to ensure safety. Keep yourself safe by following these few simple tips: •
Don’t start too soon - Drinking before you leave the house could ruin your night before it has even started and makes you consume more alcohol than intended.
partners with the opportunity to focus activity in a specific geographical location, highlighted as experiencing higher levels of crime and or anti-social behaviour. The CSAZ group will look to develop an action plan to be delivered in partnership, responding to issues raised by both professionals and local people living and working in the area.
Partnership Inspector Neil Carman, Chair of the Group said: “The Pitsea North West area has received a lot of • Pace yourself - Know your limit negative press in the past few months (Men- 3-4 units, Women 2-3 units) due to a number of high profile Opt for singles rather than doubles incidents, but the overall picture isn’t or a small glass of wine rather than a entirely negative. The area is full large and alternate an alcoholic drink of enthusiastic, community minded with a soft drink. residents who are already working hard to improve their local area and • Make food a part of your evening we will work with them to further - eat before you go out, do not develop their projects and create drink on an empty stomach. sustainable activity with a lasting • Be prepared - book a taxi before effect”. you go out and keep the fare If you have any issues or concerns or separate from your purse/wallet, would like to volunteer to support do not drink and drive. the group, then please contact the • Look out for your friends - if Community Safety Team on 01268 someone you know has consumed 294512 or please get in touch with us too much alcohol make sure they via Facebook or Twitter. get home safely and that some one can monitor them once they Volunteers Needed are home.
Active Citizens
• Stay in control - Slow down or stop drinking if you start to feel you are not in control.
Essex Police are always looking for volunteers from local communities to assist neighbourhood officers with crime reduction initiatives such • Be aware - Do not leave your drink unattended or accept drinks as leafleting and handing out crime prevention advice and materials in from someone that you don’t areas where there may have been a know. rise in a particular crime type. You • Think before you drink: - Do will not have any police powers, and not consume alcohol if you’re you will always be accompanied by pregnant. Do not drink alcohol officers and PCSO’s and will help to if you’re taking medication, ask reassure residents in these areas. If your doctor first. you are interested in volunteering you will need to be aged 18 years Pitsea North West CSAZ old and over, and able to commit a Every few months, the minimum of 6 hours per month. For Community Safety Partnership further information please contact: takes the opportunity to work with Inspector Carman on 101. different communities around the borough to address safety issues. This SOS Bus gives us the chance to focus activity The SOS bus located at Festival on areas of concern around crime Leisure Park, Basildon helps and anti-social behaviour. vulnerable people on site, and relies on volunteer support. If you are Pitsea North-West has been selected interested in volunteering, please as the new Community Safety Action contact John Bastin on telephone: Zone (CSAZ) area. A CSAZ provides
07530 265892. No experience is necessary and full training will be given.
Victim Support Victim Support run a tea bar at Basildon Magistrates Court, every weekday morning from 08.30am till 12.00 midday serving court users and staff. We are looking for new volunteers to join our friendly team helping us cover a rota of shifts. The typical commitment is one morning a week with occasional stand in for holidays by prior arrangement if time permits. If you are interested in joining our team please contact: essex.volun-
teering@victimsupport.org.uk by quoting Magistrates Tea Bar volunteering opportunity or telephone our office on 01277 357562 to find out more information and discuss this role further.
Pitsea North West CSAZ The CSAZ group will look to deliver community projects in the area and will need the support of local residents. If you are interested in volunteering or have ideas for community projects, please contact the Community Safety Team on telephone: 01268 294512 for more information.
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SPORT
BOROUGHDIARY
NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY
WINTER 2015
Basildon celebrates the sporting
heroes who make a difference The event saw a number of local sporting heroes nominated by their peers for an award before a judging panel of sporting experts. Former elite athlete and Olympian, Eamonn Martin, joined the Mayor of Basildon, Cllr Don Morris, among others, including category sponsors, to present prizes. The winner of the Sports Personality of the Year was Arran Weston, a badminton player at The Badminton Academy, who trains at Basildon Sporting Village and is currently ranked number 1 in Essex and is rising through the ranks nationally. Final Winners of the Sports Awards, 2015
Other winners included:
Talent, commitment and determination were all spotlighted as local sporting heroes were celebrated at The Active Basildon Sports Awards 2015.
• Joe Brazier, a local wheelchair racer currently ranked 2nd in the country and 6th in the world, winner of Disabled Sports Personality of the Year
A host of hopeful finalists, from elite athletes to volunteers, attended the ceremony, which recognised individuals and groups across the borough who have made an exceptional contribution to sport in Basildon. It was the second annual awards ceremony to be run by Active Basildon in conjunction with Basildon Council, and was even bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event.
• Brinn Bevan, a European medal winning gymnast, winner of Young Sports Personality of the Year and Samuel Bennett, currently ranked number 1 in the UK for U15 80m hurdles received a Special Merit in this category
We have exceptional sporting talent in the area, but it is the time that volunteers and those who support sport in the borough give freely that makes the impressive successes of our sports men and women possible. This event gave deserved recognition of everyone’s dedication.
• The Sport for Confidence programme, which provides access to sport for people with learning difficulties, was the winner of this year’s “services to disability sport category”. The two youngest shortlisted nominees were gymnasts Ellie Petroiu, 9, and Elise Adeyemo, 10, who train with South Essex Gymnastics Club, at Basildon Sporting Village. They are both medal winners in national competitions this year, along
Arran Weston, 20, Sports Personality of the Year, 2015
with a range of local clubs including Basildon Athletics Club and Basildon Rugby Club. Family and friends of shortlisted nominees joined guests at the event, which was held at the Towngate Theatre, in October. They were also joined by representatives of category sponsors Create Development Ltd, Everyone Active and Creative Sport and Leisure. Cllr Don Morris, Mayor of Basildon, said: “It was great to see so many athletes from the Borough who are competing at such a high level, along with a wide range of sports clubs that are developing the sporting landscape of Basildon. The response to this year’s awards was excellent and has built on the success of last year’s event”.
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: Michelle Daniel, Editor, Borough Diary, Basildon Borough Council, The Basildon Centre, St. Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL, or email michelle.daniel@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. Advertise in the Borough Diary: To advertise or enquire about rates and deadlines, call 01268 206930. Basildon Council accepts no responsibility for the content of any advertisement published in the Borough Diary and the inclusion of any advertisement does not imply approval or recommendation by the council of either the terms of any offer or service contained in it or of the advertiser. Other formats: To receive 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 294590. 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 Switchboard: 01268 533333 Email: mailroom@basildon.gov.uk Chief Executive: Bala Mahendran Leader: Councillor Phil Turner