Borough Diary - Winter 2017

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Let’s talk turkey!

SEE PAGE 8

Volunteer Awards

WINTER 2017 WWW.BASILDON.GOV.UK

Pride Teams in action

SEE PAGE 11

BASILDONBOROUGHCOUNCIL

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@BASILDONCOUNCIL

BOROUGHDIARY NEWS FROM BASILDON BOROUGH COUNCIL & YOUR COMMUNITY

ICE-SKATING RINK TAKES CENTRE STAGE THIS CHRISTMAS A free ice-skating rink takes centre stage in Basildon this Christmas with a chance for residents to get their skates on until Christmas Eve! The annual Christmas festivities kicked off in Basildon Town Centre on Saturday 18 November with real reindeer, Jack Frost on stilts, a juggling elf, and face painting along with Basildon Market festive stalls. BBC Essex presenters Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt compered live entertainment in East Square which featured talented local singers and choirs. Then the Christmas lights went on for the first time with a helping hand from special guests Father Christmas, the Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Harrison, and the cast of Aladdin, from the Towngate Theatre Panto. The ice-skating rink in Basildon Town Square, which has been booked by Basildon Market, offers free sessions lasting 20 minutes. Ice-skates are provided and penguin aids are available for young children to use as support. The Christmas celebration event was hosted by Basildon Council in partnership with Basildon Town Centre Management and Eastgate Shopping Centre, with support from Basildon Market and BBC Essex, and sponsored by Redrow Homes. A Christmas food court by the ice-rink will be open between 9.30am and 5.30pm daily until early January. The ice-skating rink will remain open until Christmas Eve, Sunday 24 December. Normal operating hours are 10am to 4pm.

Photography Steve O’Connell

Photography Steve O’Connell

Clare Kentish Photography


NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

2 BOROUGHDIARY

News

Mayor’s Column

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas As we approach Christmas, and the end of another year, it’s time for me to reflect on my time as Mayor since May this year. I have met up with many people across the borough who do so much good work for our community – both young and old. The engagements have come “thick and fast” - some long – some short, but all have been enjoyable. We have a cosmopolitan borough, and I have had the pleasure of meeting people of all races and religions, from many different countries, and have always been very well received and welcomed. Through my “Be Child Cancer Aware” charity, I have met up with families whose children are either suffering or recovering from different types of children’s cancers. To talk to them, and see how they cope and support each other is a truly humbling experience. I have also had the opportunity to visit schools across the borough, and talk to students about my charities, but also about local government and democracy. I believe that it is important that our young people should be aware how councils such as Basildon operate. I have had the opportunity to meet – and participate with – Army, Air, and Sea Cadets who are a credit to our borough (see photo below). At the same time I have continued with my role as a Councillor representing my Wickford constituents. I hope that Christmas is enjoyed across the borough and that our thoughts will be with those less fortunate than ourselves.

Cllr David Harrison, Mayor of Basildon

WINTER 2017

Community groups handed grants to support older people

The Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Harrison with Shotgate Wednesday Club organiser, Rita Smeaton, and other members

Eight community groups which act as a lifeline to older people have been awarded grants from Basildon Council totalling £3,656.90. Organisations across the borough can apply to the Grants to Older Peoples Groups Fund for up to £500 to help cover rent or annual hire costs to support their activity. Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Harrison, attended the Shotgate Wednesday Club to congratulate members on their successful application. Nearby Spencers Court

Senior Citizens Club and the Wickford Community Centre Over 55’s Club have also been awarded grants of £500. In Billericay, the Good Companions social club for over 50’s has been handed £374.90 to cover its annual hire costs. The Midweek Break meeting group for over 60’s and the South Green Thursday Club both successfully applied for £500 grants. Elsewhere in the borough, Langdon Hills Estate Residents Association has been awarded £282

to cover the annual hire costs of its tea and coffee club for older residents. The weekly Langdon Hills Over 60’s Club has been handed £500 from the Grants to Older Peoples Groups Fund. Cllr Harrison said: “These social groups provide companionship and friendship to older people across the borough who may otherwise feel lonely and isolated. They allow their members to maintain a level of independence and I am delighted we can support them in carrying out such vital work in the community. “I would encourage any clubs or groups out there who would like help with their rental costs to apply for grant funding from Basildon Council so they can continue to act as a social lifeline.” Applications are assessed in line with a range of eligibility criteria and their contribution to the aims of Basildon Council’s Corporate Plan. The Grants to Older Peoples Groups Fund is now open to applications again for the second time this financial year. Contact the Community Involvement Team at Basildon Council on 01268 208224 or download a form at www.basildon.gov.uk/grants to apply before 5.15pm on Friday 26 January 2018.

Council recognised for its care of stray dogs Basildon Council has been recognised by the RSPCA again for its contribution to improving animal welfare. The Animal Control Team have been awarded the prestigious Gold Stray Dog Footprint 2017 for going above and beyond statutory service requirements. They were assessed on mechanisms and policies in place to ensure the welfare of stray dogs, provide staff training, and promote responsible dog ownership. Their win was celebrated at the RSPCA’s Community Animal Welfare Footprint Awards, which took place at RICS Parliament Square in London on Tuesday 28 November. Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Basil-

don Council’s Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, said: “The Footprints are the only awards that recognise the hard work of local authorities, social housing providers and public sector bodies in relation to animal welfare so it is fantastic that our Animal Control Team have been rewarded for their efforts once again. “The team should be very proud of their achievement and it was an honour to join them as they collected the Gold Stray Footprint award on behalf of Basildon Council at the ceremony.” Advice for owners of stray or lost dogs is available at: http://www.basildon.gov. uk/article/4911/Animal-Control-Licensing-and-Welfare

Animal Control Officer Sarah Moran with stray dog Woody who was dumped in a terrible condition on the Cranes Farm Road Industrial Estate


WINTER 2017

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

BOROUGHDIARY 3

News

Sale of first home to borough’s key workers Sempra Homes has completed the first sale of a shared ownership home to a borough key worker. New owners, Anna and Miroslav, who were renting in the borough, moved into their new home with their baby daughter on Tuesday 31 October, 2017. Anna, who works at the hospital as a specialist screening practitioner, said: “We are so happy with our first new home and look forward to living here and raising our family. The location is ideal for us as it is close to the hospital where we work. We are so grateful for the opportunity to purchase such a lovely home for shared ownership, which we would not have been able to afford to purchase for outright sale on the open market.” As part of its shared ownership new homes delivery programme, Sempra will support Basildon Council with its ambition to give priority to the borough’s key workers to access housing. Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Basildon Council’s Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, said: “New housing for health workers, teachers and other public servants is a high priority and I am delighted to welcome Anna and her family to their new home. Sempra Homes was established to deliver a range of new homes across the borough and I am delighted that they are delivering schemes to local key workers and residents through their shared ownership programme.”

Melanie Keys, manager of Sempra Homes, added: “We are committed to providing quality new homes for residents and reviving local areas. We are proud to be working alongside the council with the development of shared ownership homes to help meet the varying housing needs of the borough. “Our shared ownership homes will provide opportunities to purchase a share in a home where outright purchase is not affordable. Through our shared ownership programme we are working alongside the Government’s Help to Buy scheme, enabling residents to purchase an initial 25% share of their home.” Sempra Homes plan to bring further shared ownership homes to the market in Spring 2018 with 10 new homes at the St Nicholas Mews Development in Basildon. Built by Redrow, the homes will consist of two, four-bedroom houses and eight, two-bedroom houses. This will see the final handover of homes to Sempra from this site for which 11 of the homes have been let, at Local Housing Allowance rates, to applicants from the council’s homeseeker register. All of the new homes in this final phase will be made available for shared ownership with an initial 25% share purchase. Priority for these homes will be given to borough key workers from the emergency services and education providers and to local residents. For more information visit Sempra Homes website at: www.semprahomes. co.uk

Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee and Melanie Keys, Manager of Sempra Homes

Working alongside the Government’s Help to Buy scheme, Sempra will deliver further shared ownership homes at: Roman Way, Billericay: This development will provide six, two-bed shared ownership houses. Space, Long Lynderswood, Basildon: Twenty, two-bedroom apartments will be built in close proximity to Basildon Town Centre and Basildon Hospital. Pound Lane Central, Laindon: Nine, one and two-bedroom shared ownership houses and apartments will be developed. Rayside: This development will consist of three, two-bedroom houses.

Sprinklers to be installed on Felmores estate to improve fire safety

Injunction to help council deal with unauthorised encampments

Sprinklers will be installed in all council-owned properties on the Felmores estate as part of an ongoing project to improve fire safety.

The High Court has issued an interim injunction which will help prevent unauthorised encampments at various industrial and park areas within the borough.

Basildon Council’s Housing and Community Contracts Sub-Committee agreed to award a contract for the work to Billericay-based company ProRite Ltd at a meeting on 25 October. Fire suppression systems will be installed in all 268 council-owned properties on the estate as well as in communal flat block spaces to provide protection on all fire escapes. The council will also give private homeowners the option of being included in the project in order to improve fire safety for all those living on the estate. This will represent a significant saving in comparison to private installation and will exclude preliminary costs such as supervision and scaffolding. Essex Fire and Rescue Service has approved an application from Basildon Council for grant funding of £70,000 towards the project. Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Basildon Council’s Chairman of the Policy and Resources

Committee, said: “The council understands the concerns that residents living on the Felmores estate have had for a number of years about the fire safety within their properties and within the communal stairwells. That is why significant investments were made to the cladding over the last few years. Now we are progressing to the next step which is to install sprinklers. “I am delighted that this work is getting underway and the homes across the estate will have this added layer of fire protection. The council takes this very seriously and we will always do whatever we can to improve the safety of homes across the borough. “We are also determined to support local businesses as our economy grows so it is great that we have been able to find a firm based in the borough to carry out these safety improvements, which have been recommended by Essex Fire and Rescue Service.” A significant improvement programme was agreed for the Felmores estate in 2012, which included replacing the original timber cladding with fire resistant fibre cement weatherboarding.

Since the beginning of 2016 to date, a total of 77 encampments were recorded, most of which were located in Basildon’s commercial areas. Also, since April this year, over £40,000 has been spent on the disposal of fly tipped waste following eviction of traveller encampments. The council has also seen incursions on publicly owned land in the borough. Recent examples include Rushley Park and St Nicholas Lane where significant fly-tipping cost the council thousands of pounds to clear up. Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Basildon Council’s Committee Chairman for Policy and Resources, said: “I welcome the decision from the High Court to grant our application for an injunction. “This sends the clearest message possible to anyone and everyone, that we are committed to dealing with planning illegalities and are doing everything in our power to ensure the full force of the law is used. “We are continuing to direct additional resources to enhancing our enforcement capacity to tackle these kinds of incursions, which are a blight on our neighbourhoods,

communities and businesses. “This administration were clear we wanted to extend the boundaries of the original drawings to include persistent problem areas such as Church View Road and Rushley Park. The steps taken today show our commitment to this issue and will be welcomed by borough residents, particularly those in Pitsea and Laindon who will benefit from this change. “Officers have worked around the clock to make this happen and I’m grateful to them for their hard work and persistence.” A Basildon Business Group spokesman, added: “We are grateful to Basildon Council for working with its partners to secure this injunction which we know will be welcomed by the local business community, a number of whom have been negatively affected by the regularity of the illegal encampments. “The injunction will undoubtedly have a positive impact for businesses and their staff operating in one of the key business locations in the county.” The interim injunction, which was granted earlier last month, covers industrial areas including Cranes, Pipps Hill and Burnt Mills as well as parks and amenity areas like Rushley Park and St Nicholas Lane.


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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Regeneration

WINTER 2017

Kiosks installed at new Basildon market site Kiosks have been installed at the new Basildon market site indicating a significant milestone in the project. People using the town centre in recent months may have noticed contractors carrying out groundworks to create the market in St Martin’s Square. Once complete it will offer 46 modern kiosks with electricity and water, as well as pop-up stalls. The relocation of the market is expected to be complete by next spring and will pave the way for a major redevelopment of Basildon town centre. It will be followed by works to St Martin’s Gardens and improvements to the area of the bell tower and church car park. These

works will complete the green link from the town centre to Gloucester Park via the new pedestrian crossing and boulevard. Once the market moves to its new location, this will enable South Essex College to start construction of its new state-ofthe-art college building in the vacated Market Square. The project is supported by the Homes and Communities Agency, South Essex College and Essex County Council, which has contributed £1.75m to the relocation costs. Cllr Alan Ball, Basildon Council’s Chairman of the Regeneration and Environment Committee, said: “This marks a significant milestone in our regeneration plans for the

town centre. “The work carried out in recent months has been crucial to getting us to this point where the first kiosks could be installed. Completing the groundworks has been time consuming but getting this part of the process right is essential and I am delighted we are now able to move forward with more visible progress.” Alongside the work in St Martin’s Square the market’s new service building, situated behind the Towngate Theatre, is nearing completion. The service building will house offices and storage space for the market’s pop-up stalls. Basildon Council’s Cllr Burton-Sampson; Cllr Buxton with representatives from Prestige Kiosks & Thomas Sinden

Contracts awarded for new homes in Billericay and Laindon Basildon Council has awarded build contracts for two developments from its ambitious New Homes Programme. At a recent meeting of the Housing and Community Contracts Sub-Committee councillors awarded Wickford-based Indecon Building Ltd the contract to design and build 15 houses, in Roman Way, Billericay. The homes will be built on behalf of Sempra Homes, which is the council’s wholly owned company. The scheme will comprise of nine two-bedroom houses, two three-bedroom houses and four four-bedroom houses for a mix of tenures including affordable rent, shared ownership and market sale. As part of the employment and skills offer provided for the contract, Indecon will engage with the nearby Billericay School to arrange a number of safe and controlled site tours at different phases of the construction process to demonstrate the full range of activities which will enhance the construction modules that the school already provides.

London-based Jerram Falkus Construction Ltd was awarded the contract to build nine one and two-bedroom homes which will be designated as shared ownership in Pound Lane Central, Laindon. Cllr Kerry Smith, Basildon Council’s Chairman of the Housing and Community Contracts Sub-Committee, said: “The award of these contracts marks a significant milestone in the progress of our New Homes Programme, which will provide excellent housing opportunities to our residents as well as the borough’s key workers. “It’s also excellent to see local companies competing for these contracts and giving back to the community. “We are committed to reviving locations which are at risk of falling into disrepair and redeveloping underused parcels of land, which can also help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.” Basildon Council’s New Homes Programme aims to build 584 new homes with a further 838 being built via its wholly-owned house building company, Sempra Homes Ltd. Artist impression of Roman Way, Billericay

Five new shared ownership homes approved in Vange Planning permission has been granted for five new shared ownership homes in Vange. The plans, which were submitted by Sempra Homes, Basildon Council’s house building company, were granted by the council’s planning committee. The development, which will be built on the former under-used community centre in Glenmere, Vange, will provide four, two-bedroom houses and one, three-bedroom house. All of the homes will be made available for shared ownership with priority given to borough key workers and residents. The development includes two off road parking spaces to the front of each home along with planted areas. The new homes will face onto the highway, creating an improved street scene. As part of the development pro-

cess a public consultation event was held and in response to residents’ concerns the scheme was reduced by two units to allow for additional parking. The development will include the demolition of the adjacent underutilised garage site, which is only 50% occupied, to free up more open parking spaces for residents. The development of these homes is supported by the Homes for Communities Agency for which Sempra has been allotted grant towards the building of these homes. Alternative community facilities are available at St Chads Church Hall and Gordon Hall which are located close to the site. To find out more about Sempra Homes development visit: www.semprahomes.co.uk

Artist impression of Glenmere, Vange


BOROUGHDIARY

WINTER 2017 NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

5

Regeneration

Exciting plans for Basildon Town Centre’s East Square More than 250 shoppers in Basildon Town Centre attended an information event to learn more about exciting plans to redevelop East Square. The event that was held in East Square to give visitors to the town centre an opportunity to speak to officers and architects as well as view the plans, which include a 10-screen cinema and restaurants. Cllr Alan Ball, Basildon Council’s Chairman of the Regeneration and Environment Committee, said: “This was a great opportunity to come down and find out more about these exciting plans which

will boost the local economy and provide new jobs for local people. “We received many positive comments about the plans and I would like to thank the public for their enthusiasm and support.” The proposals include a 10-screen cinema, six units allocated for restaurant use as well as new landscaping. For further information about East Square contact the council’s regeneration team at regeneration@basildon.gov.uk

Artist impression of East Square by day

Artist impression of East Square at night

Swan Housing Association delivers first modular homes to Beechwood

Swan Housing Association has delivered the first of their precision engineered modular homes, built in their new factory in Basildon, to their “Beechwood” project a couple of miles down the road. The factory, which represents a £3m investment in Basildon by Swan, will eventually deliver around 400 homes a year. Swan has labeled these homes as “NU Build” and they are precision engineered from cross laminated timber by a specialist production team, fitted out in the factory (including having the kitchens, bathrooms etc. installed) before

being transported on lorries to site. This £100m regeneration at Beechwood is being delivered by Swan in partnership with Basildon Borough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency. Now onsite, the modules are being clad and roofed - once complete, they will be indistinguishable from traditionally built homes. However, they will be greener, more sustainable (including cheaper to heat) and come with a 10 year guarantee and a minimum 60 year accredited life. They will also be stylish homes that, in the case of the 260 homes for private sale, will be customisable by the buyer.

They will be able to design their own home including choosing the layout, specification, external appearance and even adding additional rooms. Buyers will be able to use NU Living’s online configurator tool to design their new home, either from the comfort of their own home on our website, or in the stylish new marketing suite on site. John Synnuck, Swan’s Chief Executive, said: “At Swan we understand the desperate need for quality new homes. We believe that offsite construction methods will enable us to deliver these much needed homes quickly, designed to a high specification and with reduced impact on both local residents and the environment. We are excited to be early adopters in the UK of this new way of working and to see the first of our modules delivered to site is a great step towards helping us deliver more high-quality homes, more quickly!” The factory is also creating over 40 new jobs for Basildon and is currently recruiting and have a range of jobs available, from trainee, warehouse and office based roles to experienced production and engineering positions. As Swan is one of the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Best Not-For-Profit Companies to work for in

the UK, employees can expect a competitive salary, pension and excellent rewards package. Visit their website to see current vacancies and apply today www.nubuild.co.uk


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NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Education

Young people explore their next steps at Your Future 2017 Hundreds of young people attended a free drop-in event to find out more about further education and career opportunities available to them. Basildon Council organised the Your Future 2017 evening to offer advice to 15 to 19 year-olds in the borough. The event, which took place at the Towngate Theatre, was an opportunity to meet representatives from colleges, sixth forms and local companies. A total of 1,124 guests attended, including 539 young people. The event, supported by Essex Employment and Skills Board and sponsored by local companies DST and Morgan Sindall Property Services, also provided information on apprenticeships and vocational training. Workshops were available for parents. Cllr Linda Allport-Hodge, Chairman of Basildon Council’s Infrastructure, Growth and Development Committee, said: “I would like to thank all of the exhibitors who helped to make Your Future 2017 such a success. With information about becoming your own boss, starting an apprenticeship or continuing with your

education there really was something for everyone. “Basildon Council is committed to raising ambitions among young people and increasing skills, and I hope the event provided some clarity to those young people who are exploring the next steps in their future. It was fantastic to see so many parents and family members showing their support, and I am sure Your Future was beneficial to them too. “I would also like to thank our apprentices who were great ambassadors for Basildon Council and used their first-hand experience to answer questions and offer advice.”

Cllr Linda Allport-Hodge with some of Basildon Council’s apprentices

WINTER 2017

Money Matters event success A wide range of organisations came together to provide information, advice and guidance to help local residents save money and reduce their bills. Citizens Advice, Basildon Council, JobCentre Plus and The Library Service hosted the Money Matters event in the Basildon Centre. Residents dropped in to find out how they can save money on their gas and electricity bills this winter and seek pension guidance. Free legal advice was also on offer courtesy of event sponsors Palmers Solicitors. Help was available for residents struggling to understand Universal Credit and experts also gave top tips on how to avoid being the victim of a scam. Kathy Peach, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Basildon Borough, said: “The Money Matters event was really well attended and provided our residents with some great tips to make the pounds go further. “We know from our work in the community that people can find finan-

cial matters difficult so it was fantastic to get so many organisations under one roof. I would like to thank all of the exhibitors as well as our dedicated volunteers who made the event such a success.” Cllr Andrew Gordon, Basildon Council’s mental health champion, attended the event. He added: “Studies show that people struggling with debt are more likely to experience mental health problems so I am passionate about helping residents to manage their finances. “From managing your TV licence to consumer advice there were so many simple tips on offer at the Money Matters event to make a real difference to the lives of residents in our borough. People who popped by also got their hands on water saving devices, free smoke alarms and found out about some great community initiatives available to support them. “It was a privilege to support the event and meet the inspirational Citizens Advice volunteers who give up their time to help others.”


WINTER 2017

BOROUGHDIARY

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

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News

Pride Teams are hard at work cleaning up the borough

PRIDE of Basildon Borough

Basildon Council’s Pride Teams have been hard at work removing dumped litter from wooded areas, cutting back overgrown trees and deep cleansing untidy areas as part of a borough wide blitz. Earlier this year, Basildon Council’s Regeneration and Environment Committee agreed to increase the number of Pride Teams from one to three in a bid to tidy up communities. The new teams officially started their work in September and have been busy clearing

undergrowth from footpaths, enhancing shrub beds and clearing unsightly weeds ever since. One major success story involved the clearance of an area behind a row of houses in Gordon Road, Vange. The site, at the back of the Church Road field, was previously dominated by overgrown plants and littered with drugs paraphernalia. An out-of-control shrub next to the underpass in Gloucester Park has been cut back and litter has also been removed to prevent vermin which had been attracted to

the area. An area behind a block of garages in Wimbish End, Pitsea, has been cleared of weeds and tidied up to deter flytippers. In Wickford, the alleyway between Chaucer Way and Cedar Avenue can now be used by residents once again. It had previously been taken over by brambles, moss and litter. Cllr Alan Ball, Chairman of Basildon Council’s Regeneration and Environment Committee, said: “The Pride Teams are making a real difference to our communi-

ties and tackling the issues which matter the most to residents. Feedback we have received on their work so far has been very positive. “We are committed to increasing pride in our borough and understand that the cleanliness of our streets, parks and open spaces contributes to how it looks and feels.” You can report street cleaning, rubbish and waste issues such as dumped litter and trolleys by visiting www.basildon. gov.uk/street

Before: The alleyway between Chaucer Way and Cedar Avenue, Wickford, could not be used by residents

After: The Pride Teams have cleared the alleyway to restore access

Before: Litter was strewn underneath this overgrown shrub in Gloucester Park

After: The area has been cleared to deter vermin

Before: This area behind a block of garages in Wimbish End, Pitsea, was attracting flytipping

After: Overgrown greenery has been cleared by the Pride Teams to prevent waste from being dumped

Before: This grass verge in Curling Tye was in need of some serious attention from the Pride Teams

After: Out-of-control brambles and weeds have been removed to improve the appearance of the area

Before: This overgrown area behind Gordon Road, in Vange, was littered with drugs paraphernalia

After: The Pride Teams have transformed the space at the back of the Church Road field to improve security for residents

Before: Residents had complained about overgrown shrubs along this walkway in Rectory Road, Pitsea

After: The underpass now appears much more inviting thanks to the hard work of the Pride Teams


8 BOROUGHDIARY

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Christmas

Let’s talk turkey!

WINTER 2017

MAKE SURE YOUR TURKEY IS CORRECTLY THAWED AND COOKED IN ORDER TO PREVENT FOOD POISONING BACTERIA SURVIVING THE PROCESS.

Remember the turkey rules this Christmas

ALWAYS WASH HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER TOUCHING THE MEAT, RAW OR COOKED

Thawing

After cooking

Check the guidance on your turkey to ensure you have enough time to fully defrost it – it could take as much as 4 days. Frozen turkey (and other meat and poultry) must be thawed completely before cooking. Thaw the turkey in the fridge or in a cool (pest proof) area, never in a warm place. Check regularly and when thawed (no ice crystals remaining in cavity), remove all packaging. Remove giblets and neck (if present), wipe the carcass with kitchen paper and store in the refrigerator at a temperature of no more than 5ºC.

Don’t wash your turkey Washing poultry can splash bacteria from the carcass around the area and cause cross contamination from the raw meat to hands, surfaces, utensils and crockery.

Cooking Thorough cooking is essential to destroy harmful bacteria. Do not truss the legs to the body of any large turkey as it prevents even cooking right through the bird. If the bird is too large for the oven, remove the legs and roast alongside the bird, or separately. With a large bird, it is safer to cook the stuffing separately, not in the body cavity, as this will help the heat to reach all parts of the bird. Always check towards the end of the cooking time that the bird is cooked thoroughly. Test using a meat thermometer (the temperature should reach 75ºC in the centre of the thickest part of the meat), or by

inserting a skewer into the deepest part of the flesh in the leg (and breast for a large turkey). If the juices run clear, with no trace of pink (blood), then the bird is cooked. If not, return to the oven for a further 15 minutes and test again.

Cooking guidelines As a guide, allow 20 minutes per 450g / pound, plus 20 minutes up to and including 6.75kg / 15lbs. Above this allow 15 minutes per 450g / pound, plus 15 minutes. If the turkey is to be stuffed, weigh it after stuffing to calculate the cooking time. Cover the turkey loosely with foil and remove foil for the last 40 minutes for browning. Cook in a conventional oven pre-heated to 190ºC, 375ºF, Gas Mark 5. Remember, oven temperatures may vary. Fan assisted ovens cook at a higher temperature - consult the manufacturer’s handbook. For cooking times follow the instructions written on the wrapper, if there are none, use the following guide:

WEIGHT

COOKING TIME

2.5 kg / 5 lb

2 hours

4.5 kg / 10 lb

3 hrs 20 mins

6.75 kg / 15 lb 5 hours 9 kg / 20 lb

5 hrs 15 mins

11.25 kg/25 lb. 6 hrs 30 mins

If you intend to “rest” the bird after cooking ensure you have a safe place ready to put it. Have insulating material to hand to cover it, such as clean foil followed by clean towel(s) to retain the heat. Always serve the turkey as quickly as possible after cooking and resting if it is to be eaten hot. If serving cold or to store left-over meat, cover and cool as quickly as possible in a cool place then place in a refrigerator within 90 minutes. Do not allow the cooked meat to come into contact with unwashed hands, raw foods, dirty work surfaces or utensils, to prevent cross contamination of bacteria. Never “warm” the meat. If it is to be served hot again it must be thoroughly recooked. Slice thinly while cold and cook until piping hot and steaming. ‘Just warming’ can be dangerous - it may not kill bacteria. You can use previously cooked and frozen turkey to make a new meal, such as a turkey curry. This new meal can be frozen, but make sure you only reheat it once.

Look before you book! If you are planning on eating out for Christmas you can check the Food Hygiene Rating given to the restaurant after the last inspection by the Environmental Health Officer. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) helps you choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, takeaways and food shops.

Christmas opening times The Basildon Centre (for Basildon Council services) Friday 22 December 2017 Open 8:30am to 4pm (for face to face services and telephony services) Saturday 23 December 2017 9am to 1pm (for payments and assisted self-service)

Wednesday 27 December 2017 Open 8:30am to 5:30pm (5pm for face to face services, 5:30pm for telephony services)

Thursday 28 December 2017 Open 8:30am to 5:30pm (5pm for face to face services, 5:30pm Sunday 24 December 2017 Christmas Eve Closed for telephony services) Friday 29 December Monday 25 2017 Open 8:30am to December 2017 4pm (for face to face Christmas Day Closed services and telephony Tuesday 26 December services) 2017 Boxing Day Closed

Saturday 30 December 2017 - Open 9am to 1pm (for payments and assisted self-service) Sunday 31 December 2017 New Year’s Eve Closed Monday 1 January 2018 New Year’s Day Closed Tuesday 2 January 2018 Return to normal opening times 8:30am to 5:30pm (5pm for face to face services, 5:30pm for telephony services)

You can search for the rating of any food business here: www.food.gov. uk/ratings Further information on food safety services from Basildon Council can be found on the website: www.basildon. gov.uk/food Food Safety information for the home is available from the Food Standards Agency at: www.food.gov. uk/news-updates/campaigns/kitchen-check And from NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk/ Livewell/homehygiene


WINTER 2017

BOROUGHDIARY

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Animal lovers reminded about responsible pet ownership The council’s licensing team are asking residents to think before rushing into buying a pet this Christmas. A new puppy or kitten is often a popular gift but the council is encouraging residents to think twice before making what could be more than a 10 year commitment. Pets can be expensive with the cost of food, veterinary bills and insurance and they also require a lot of time to take care of them properly. It is also crucial when buying puppies or kittens that checks are made to ensure they are being purchased

from a reputable breeder. Sarah Moran, Basildon Council’s Animal Control Officer, said: “The illegal pet trade is a multimillion pound industry and generally welfare is the last thing on the vendors mind. When buying a puppy or kitten make sure you see it with its mother first and observe them interacting with each other. A reputable breeder will want to know as much about you as you do about them. “It is worth considering adopting a pet from a rescue centre. Reputable centres won’t rehome new pets before Christmas as they need a

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Christmas

calm environment to settle in but you could choose one and have them home after the excitement of the festive period.” To check whether a local breeder is licensed contact the council’s Licensing Team on 01268 206925 or visit www.basildon.gov.uk/article/610/Licence-Animals-Animal-businesses To find out more about responsible pet ownership visit www.rspca.org. uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy/sales and www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice

Top tips for buying a dog

Top tips for looking after your dog this Christmas

• Always do your research on the breed of dog • Always do your research on the breeder or person selling • Never buy a dog without seeing it interact with its mother and siblings • Check vaccinations card and ask for a health check from a vet before you buy • All puppies must be sold with a microchip implanted with the breeders details registered on the microchip database • Check with your local authority, local vets and kennel club • Never buy a dog because you are concerned about its welfare.

• Keep noise and fuss to a minimum, especially if you have a young, elderly or a nervous dog • Give your dog a room or quiet space where he can go to be left alone • Don’t dress your dog up in novelty items, Christmas themed jumpers and coats are fine (when cold) but some dogs find unusual clothing distressing and uncomfortable • Make sure decorations and present wrappings and bows are kept out of the way, dogs love chewing on decorations and these can cause potentially fatal intestinal blockages • Don’t let your dog eat chocolate, caffeine, garlic, chilli, onions (found in stuffing), grapes, raisins (found in mince pies), Alcohol, macadamia nuts, bones (unless its part of their raw food diet), or corn on the cob. These are either poisonous or very dangerous. More foods/substances that are dangerous for dogs can be found online or from your vet • Never leave children alone with dogs or let them fuss or cuddle the dogs too much • Make sure your dog is well exercised and stick to their normal routine as much as possible, this includes their normal diet, too much unusual or rich foods can cause stomach upsets • Keep a number of emergency vets handy, you never know when you may need it • Make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date and he wears a collar and ID tag when out, these are both legal requirements, with lots of visitors arriving dogs can easily escape.

Activity centres to shut down over the Christmas period Basildon Council is advising residents that its activity centres will be closed to the public for three days over the Christmas period. The George Hurd Centre, Laindon Activity Centre and Pitsea Activity Centre will all be shut on 27, 28 and 29 December. They will also be closed on weekends and bank holidays over the festive period. The centres will reopen as usual on Tuesday 2 January 2018. They each offer a range of fitness and dance classes, craft activities and entertainment events for members over the age of 50. Numerous day trips are also organised for members every year.

Cllr Kerry Smith, Chairman of Basildon Council’s Housing and Community Committee, said: “We understand that our day centres act as a lifeline to hundreds of older people in the borough. They are great places to socialise, stay active and get help and advice. “Any members who may find themselves alone this festive period can seek support from the Salvation Army by calling 01268 524454.” For information about activity centre membership visit www.basildon.gov.uk/article/2728/Activity-Centres-for-over-50s

@BasildonCSP


10 BOROUGHDIARY

Community Safety

High Sheriff Visit

Walk Online Roadshows Walk Online Roadshows were once again delivered to 750 Year 5 pupils from across the borough. Developed by EST E-Safety Training the roadshows explore the online world with young people through the delivery of an interactive presentation covering safe online usage and raising awareness of the risks young people may face when using the internet whether that be through access to social media sites, popular apps or games. The content explores with young people how easily they could be targeted for exploitation, helping them learn how to recognise a risky situation and most

importantly how important it is for them to report and tell someone if they feel uncomfortable with anything that happens when they are using the internet. Delivered for the 3rd consecutive year the event continues to yield excellent feedback from pupils and teachers.

Domestic Abuse Awareness Event To coincide with Essex Domestic Abuse Awareness Week another successful event aimed at frontline professionals took place at Wat Tyler Centre on Friday 24 November. The event aimed to act as a refresher around Domestic Abuse and the services that are available to support victims locally. The programme included presentations from the National Centre for Domestic Violence, South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre, Changing Pathways and Victim Support covering topics such as the links between sexual violence and mental health, black and minority ethnic outreach service and the impact of domestic abuse on children.

A visit to the borough from the High Sheriff of Essex has been planned for Tuesday 5 December. The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. Over the years the role has evolved and a number of High Sheriffs now actively lend support and encouragement to crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and the voluntary sector. The current High Sheriff for Essex, Simon Hall is actively visiting a number of areas across the County and has a keen interest in local projects and initiatives

WINTER 2017

that aim to address social exclusion particularly with a focus on young people who are likely to be excluded or offend, assisting employment opportunities for those from non-traditional backgrounds or those with substance misuse issues and homelessness. Whilst visiting Basildon the High Sheriff will have the opportunity to attend the local Violence and Exploitation Core Group, Gang Awareness Training and the Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop that operates from the local Community Safety Hub.

Essex Police Burglary Campaign

CSP Training Events – Modern Slavery, Cuckooing and Gangs Awareness From September 2017 to March 2018 the Partnership has organised the delivery of a number of training sessions to professionals that link directly to the CSP priorities as follows: • Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking training will be delivered to around 150 professionals. Presented by the Anti-Slavery Partnership Co-ordinator for Kent and Essex Police the training provides a detailed overview of modern slavery, the signs, the local picture, the legislation that can be used to target offenders, how to report concerns and information on the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This training fills a gap that was identified by the CSP in terms of knowledge and awareness amongst agencies of this subject matter and the tools and powers available to officers. • Gang Awareness Training has been accessed by 140 professionals. Facilitated by former gang members the content is delivered using real-world experiences whilst sharing practical tools, techniques and approaches that can be adopted by delegates to adapt and use when working with vulnerable

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

young people. A comment received as part of the feedback said “I found this more relevant, interesting and engaging than 3 years of criminology lectures at university. I was highly engaged the entire day which rarely happens in training” As part of the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Violence and Vulnerability contract, Gangsline will be delivering a further four training sessions in 2018. • Cuckooing training will be taking place in the New Year. The first of its kind to be delivered by the Partnership in the borough, the training allows professionals to gain an understanding of what cuckooing is, examine the types of crimes that are perpetrated, identify the signs and indicators of abuse, identify individuals/groups who may be at risk, identify actions that can be taken to safeguard individuals and understand the reporting procedures that are in place. Cuckooing is the term used when drug dealers take over the properties of vulnerable drug users in the areas in which they are dealing, they often have multiple properties under their control.

During the winter months, burglary increases by 12.8%. Most burglars are opportunists and will look for ways to enter your home where they find an insecure point. These are just a few actions you can take to make you home more secure. Close and lock all windows and doors every time you leave your house or go to bed Make sure your door is locked properly i.e. lift the handle, turn the key and then remove the key Do not leave your keys by the front door or in view of windows but ensure they are easy to access should you need If you have a burglar alarm, use it at all times, even when you’re just popping out or zone off areas before going to bed

Secure your boundaries and ensure access to your garden is not easily obtained Secure your sheds and garages as they contain valuable items and tools that can be used to break into your home Leave lights on, or on timers to give the impression your house is occupied Don’t leave valuable items on display Mark your property and register your items free on www.immobilise.com Do not ‘check in’ on social media, as this identifies your house is empty For more information on how to keep your property secure during the winter months, visit: www.essex.police.uk/secure

There were also a number of information stands at the event from Family Mosaic, Dog’s Trust Freedom Project and Phoenix Futures. As well as the event there was an information stand in the Basildon Centre reception throughout the week.

BASILDON COMMUNITY

SAFETY PARTNERSHIP

Looking ahead into 2018 As the Partnership is nearing the end of its current strategy ‘Reducing Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in the Basildon Borough 2015 to 2018’ work is being undertaken to conduct a wider review of membership, structure, delivery mechanisms, resources and priorities in order to ensure it remains fit for purpose and is in

the best possible position to develop the future strategy. A plan is being developed to consult with residents on the identified priorities determined by the Strategic Assessment. Keep a look out for information on the CSP Twitter and Facebook pages on how you can have your say on determining the CSP’s focus going forward.

FOLLOW BASILDON COMMUNITY

SAFETY PARTNERSHIP ON TWITTER @BasildonCSP


WINTER 2017

BOROUGHDIARY 11

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Community

Community heroes honoured at Pride in Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards 2017 Community heroes who go above and beyond to improve the borough were recognised at the Pride in Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards 2017. Inspirational volunteers scooped prizes across nine categories during a packed ceremony at the Towngate Theatre in St Martin’s Square, Basildon. The winners were presented with a trophy, certificate of appreciation and prize voucher. Highly commended nominations were also named in six of the categories. The ceremony is held every year to recognise the tireless efforts of residents who give up their time to help a worthy cause. The winners of each category are put forward for the Tony Guyon Memorial Cup to be crowned overall Volunteer of

the Year. Tony was a member of Basildon Council’s Community Engagement Team who sadly passed away doing the job he loved. He dedicated a lot of his life to helping make Basildon a better borough. This year the cup, sponsored by Pinnacle PSG, went to Neil Hart. As a founding member of the Vange Community Group, Neil was responsible for securing £345,000 in funding for a new community centre on Kent View Road Recreation Ground. Stella Calkin won the Lifetime Achievement category. She has volunteered for Citizen’s Advice Bureau since 1963. Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Harrison, said: “It was humbling to meet volunteers from across the borough who give

their free time and expertise to help worthwhile causes, often at a personal cost. These awards recognise what they do. “All volunteers are community heroes and we celebrate their tireless efforts. The fact that our borough has so many people dedicated to improving the lives of others is something we are very proud of. “This year’s Volunteer of the Year has given up countless hours to secure stability for the community and enhance his local neighbourhood, something which Basildon Council actively encourages. Vange Community Centre has gone from strength to strength thanks to Neil Hart’s commitment and his efforts really Neil Hart, Volunteer of the Year going to collect his do deserve to be recognised.” award

Local Service Directory TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ON:

Congratulations to all our winners! Here they are with the Deputy Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Burton-Sampson and the Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Harrison

Sunshine Award (11-21yrs) Hollie Smith Community Star (over 18yrs) Neil Hart Inspirational Role Model Aston Avery Volunteer Fundraiser Tracy Whitt Volunteer Project Basildon Emergency Night Shelter Project

01268 208198

Long Service Award John Snoding Voluntary Group of the Year St Andrew’s Holy Cross Food Ministry Team Lifetime Achievement Stella Calkin Tony Guyon Cup (Volunteer of the Year) Neil Hart

cmc@basildon.gov.uk basildonboroughcouncil

Award-winning volunteers praised ahead of Basildon Emergency Night Shelter relaunch Volunteers from the successful Basildon Emergency Night Shelter were praised ahead of its relaunch this winter. The programme, which provides a safe and warm place for guests to sleep, won the Volunteer Project category at the Pride in Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards 2017. The shelter, which last year helped 52 homeless people, is due to start again on Saturday 2 December. It will run for five nights each week until Saturday 31 March 2018. Its return coincides with the end of Basildon Council’s ‘Change the way you give’ campaign where the council teamed up with

“Volunteers were central to the effective delivery of an emergency shelter programme during the winter 2016-17. They provided support to 52 guests who were given comfort and hospitality, aid and advice. “The volunteers came from all walks of life and ranged in age from 18 up. We had university students, doctors, nurses, midwives, care works, lawyers, chefs, retired, street pastors, and members of the clergy.” To find out more information about volunteering with the project visit: www.bbwcvs.org.uk or contact the Basildon Billericay and Wickford Council for Voluntary Service (BBWCVS) @basildoncouncil on 01268 294124.

homelessness charity St Mungo’s to raise awareness about how to help people sleeping rough in Basildon Town Centre. The campaign, which was supported by Basildon Town Centre Management (BTCM) and Eastgate Shopping Centre, encouraged people to donate directly to St Mungo’s to help the underlying causes of homelessness instead of handing out spare change to rough sleepers and beggars. Commenting after the Pride in Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards 2017, Phyl Mclaren, Chair of the Basildon Homelessness Working Group, said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition.

Volunteers from the Basildon Emergency Night Shelter


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BOROUGHDIARY

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

WINTER 2017

Community

Universal Credit started in Basildon last month. How will this affect you and your family? What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a single payment for people who are looking for work or on a low income. It is being rolled out across the country and is live in certain parts of Basildon.

Universal Credit will replace the following benefits: • Housing Benefit • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Income Support • Child Tax Credit • Working Tax Credit

Universal Credit is calculated as a basic allowance for a single person or a couple plus additional amounts for: • Each child or young person you are responsible for (with extra amounts if they are disabled) • Child care costs • If you have a ‘limited capability for

work’ (This means that you are unable to work due to an illness or a disability) • If you have regular and substantial caring responsibilities for a severely disabled person

managed online.

What happens if I am already receiving Housing Benefit?

charity, or housing association, and receive care or support as part of your rent then you may be able to claim Housing Benefit. Please speak to your landlord for more advice.

• Housing costs (mortgage interest payments and rent payments if you are unemployed)

You do not need to do anything if you are already receiving any of the six benefits listed above, and you will be informed when you need to make a claim for Universal Credit.

Universal Credit is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions, and unlike the benefits it replaces, it is paid monthly in arrears.

Should I claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit? How do I make a claim for Universal Depending on where you live in Basildon Credit?

Universal Credit has been designed so that it is payable whether you are working or not. If you are on a low income and are moving in and out of work Universal Credit will remain in payment and be adjusted to suit your new financial circumstances. As your income increases your Universal Credit amount decreases until you no longer need it. You will get the full amount possible if your household has no other income and has less than £6,000 savings. There will be no award if your savings are over £16,000. Universal Credit is paid once a month and paid direct into a bank account. Your claim and your account will be accessed and

you may not be able to claim Housing Benefit, and will need to make a claim for Universal Credit. You will be still able to claim Housing Benefit if;

• You are a Pensioner - Universal Credit is a working age benefit and you will be able to claim Housing Benefit if you have reached state pension age

Council Tax Support If you are liable to pay Council Tax then you will still be able to claim Council Tax Support from the Council www.basildon.gov.uk/support

You can find out whether you are eligible and how to claim at www.gov.uk/universal-credit Universal Credit is claimed and maintained online. There is a helpline which is available. You should contact the helpline if: • You have any questions

• You have three or more children • Your circumstances change and you are Families with three or more children will already receiving Universal Credit still be able to make a claim for Housing Universal Credit Helpline: 0345 600 0723 Benefit until November 2018. For more help and advice please visit • You are living in supported www.basildon.gov.uk/universalcredit accommodation - If you rent from a

Safety around the home How to prevent damp and mould Over the next year we will be running a series of articles highlighting some handy tips on safety around the home. We will focus on a number of subjects including gas safety, fire safety, electrical safety, energy efficiency, slips, trips and falls and asbestos in the home. In the autumn edition we talked about garden wall safety. With the cold and wet winter nights upon us we are now focusing on how to prevent damp and mould. The council is providing a pack to help tenants prevent damp and condensation and deal with mould growth in the home. A booklet and hygrometers, which measure water vapour in the atmosphere, are also set to be handed out to tenants to help them identify and manage damp and condensation. Damp can cause mould on walls and furniture and make timber window frames rot if not treated. It can also increase the risk of respiratory illness. Cllr Kerry Smith, Chairman of

the Housing and Community Committee, said: “We are committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of our residents. Damp and mould is not something people enjoy living with and in some cases, constant dampness inside a house can lead to serious illness and breathing diseases. “I am pleased we are able to provide our tenants with kits to deal with low levels of mould as well as supply in depth advice about what tenants can do to prevent damp and condensation becoming a much bigger problem.”

Five top tips to prevent damp and mould This is a short term solution for getting rid of the moisture and damp in the air, inside the house. in the home: Tip one: Ventilate the house Mould spores don’t like fresh air and even though it may be cold outside, you can start by getting some fresh air into the house. If your bathroom has mould, this is an indication of bad ventilation inside the bathroom and you should always open the windows after having a bath or shower, to allow the damp air to dissipate out the window, and not to condense on the colder wall surface. If your windows have trickle vents, open them and avoid drying washing on radiators without the proper ventilation. Tip two: Invest in a good mould cleaner Do not use bleach to kill damp on the wall as it will only work when you try and clean mould and mildew from tiles or other non-absorbent surfaces. If you use bleach to clean damp and mould on a wall, it will create more damp because the water in the bleach will be sucked into the wall, giving the damp the water it needs to start growing again. Use a fungicidal wash which carries a Health and Safety Executive ‘approval number’ and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Tip three: Rent or buy a dehumidifier

Once again, it should only be used when you have had work done to stop the cause of the ingress. Tip four: Invest in new fabrics and clothes If your home has been suffering from the kind of things we are talking about here then it’s likely that your carpets, bedding and soft furnishings have inherited a bad odour.

There are various cleaning companies who can at least try and rescue beds and sofas etc., but in many cases, the damp eats away at the fibres in the fabric and it’s often best to throw it all away and buy new. Tip five: Seal tiles and grouting Mould growing in bathrooms, wet rooms, kitchens and utility rooms is a very common occurrence, often because showering, or drying clothes etc, produces moisture, after all that’s what happens when you dry a wet towel, the radiator will make the water in the towel evaporate into the air but sometimes that water settles on a cold wall and that’s when the mould appears. To prevent this happening on your home, spray the walls with a dedicated antimicrobial treatment and then seal the grouting lines around the tiles with two coats of grout sealer. Find out more about this issue at www. basildon.gov.uk


WINTER 2017

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Appeal for volunteers to help ‘drive away loneliness’ among older people in Basildon Contact the Elderly, the charity solely dedicated to tackling loneliness and isolation among older people, is urgently appealing for volunteers living in the Basildon area. We’re looking for volunteers to spare just a few hours each month to either host a tea party or coordinate the local group - and enjoy a cuppa and a cake themselves! The charity aims to relieve the acute loneliness of isolated older people, aged 75 and above, who live alone, by organising free monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for small groups within local communities – providing a regular and vital friendship link every month. Each older guest is collected from their home by a volunteer driver, and taken to a host’s home, where they join a small group for tea, chat and companionship. Contact the Elderly’s East of England Support Officer, Georgina Sells, said: “The charity is committed to offering a lifeline of friendship to the oldest and loneliest people. Anyone who can spare a couple of hours one Sunday a month and a capacity for drinking tea, is eligible to volunteer! It’s not a big commitment, and our volunteers genuinely get as much out of the experience as our older guests, so I’m calling for anyone who is interested in giving something back

to their community to please get in touch with me as soon as possible.” Basildon residents interested in volunteering for Contact the Elderly as a host or coordinator can contact Georgina Sells, East of England Support Officer on 0207 078 8998 or email georgina. sells@contact-the-elderly.org.uk

BOROUGHDIARY 13

Community

New Generations for Vange Being ready to start school is key to young children getting the best start in life. New Generations is an exciting initiative where people from all walks of Vange life are working together to make sure their children get that best start. We need more people who live or work in Vange to come up with ideas that will solve some of the issues local people have said are important to the next generation of children being ready for school. So, whether you have a great idea you want to put into action, or time you can give to help others put theirs into action, we want to hear from you, and the good news is, there is funding available to make those ideas happen. Contact us by email via communityinvolvement@ basildon.gov.uk or by calling 01268 208224.

Eva, Dorris and Connie enjoying tea and cake and each others company at a tea party


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BOROUGHDIARY

Services

Councillor surgeries Councillor surgeries are open to members of the public who want to obtain information and advice, make a complaint or enquire about services that the council provides.

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

10.30am and 12 noon in the Library, High Street, Billericay no appointment necessary. Burstead Cllr Blake - Street Surgery will be held on the last Saturday of the month 10am-12 noon

Billericay East Cllr Dadds- Last Saturday of the month between 10.30am and 12 noon in the Library, High Street, Billericay - no appointment necessary.

Cllr Baggott- Last Saturday of the month 10am-12 noon in different streets in Billericay

Cllr Schrader - Last Saturday of the month (except Dec) between 10.30am and 12 noon in the Library, High Street, Billericay - no appointment necessary.

Crouch Cllr Sargent - First Saturday of the month between 9.30am and 10.30am at Noak Bridge Village Hall, Coppice Lane, and the third Saturday of the month between 9.00am and 10.00am at Steepleview Hall, Willowfield (off Osier Drive) Laindon SS15 4EQ.

Cllr Sullivan - Last Saturday of the month (except Dec) between 10.30am and 12 noon in the Library, High Street, Billericay - no appointment necessary. Billericay West Cllr Turner - Last Saturday of the month (except Dec) between 10.30am and 12 noon in the Library, High Street, Billericay - no appointment necessary. Cllr Lawrence - Last Saturday of the month (except Dec) between 10.30am and 12 noon in the Library, High Street, Billericay - no appointment necessary. Cllr Hedley - Last Saturday of the month (except Dec) between

Cllr Moore - Street Surgery will be held on the last Saturday of the month 10am-12 noon

Cllr Allen- First Saturday of the month between 9.30am and 10.30am at Noak Bridge Village Hall, Coppice Lane, and the third Saturday of the month between 9.00am and 10.00am at Steepleview Hall, Willowfield (off Osier Drive) Laindon SS15 4EQ. Fryerns Cllr Brown- contact for details: 07791 109436 Cllr Davies - contact for details: 01268 459285

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. The ‘Crunch’ will accept: all large household waste from domestic premises such as furniture, TVs and electrical appliances. The crunch service is not suitable for paints, oils or other waste liquids.

Further details are available at www. basildon.gov.uk/crunch

9 December

9am-12noon Billericay - Carvers Wood CM11 2TJ 9am-12noon Bowers Gifford - Westlake Park off Pound Lane, adj pet store SS13 2HN 9am-12noon Langdon Hills - Delmores, near to The Hyde SS16 6LL 9am-12noon Pitsea - Winifred Road SS13 3JQ

16 December

9am-12noon Billericay - Little Burstead Car Park CM12 9SY 9am-10.30am Chalvedon - Mill Green Layby near car park SS13 3PB 10.30am-12noon Chalvedon - Travers Way (Middle) SS13 3LX 9am-10.30am Craylands – Jordan Way SS14 3QL 10.30am-12noon Fryerns – Downey Close SS14 2NF

Cllr Sheppard - Every fourth Saturday of the month from 1.30pm - 3.30pm at the Fryerns Library, Whitmore Way, Basildon. Laindon Park Cllr Ellis - contact for details 07712 706892 Cllr Green - contact for details 07903 480549 Cllr Barnes - contact for details 07427 356812 Langdon Hills Cllr Allport-Hodge - contact for details 07711 937619 Cllr Hiller- contact for details 01268 490201 Lee Chapel North Cllr Ferguson - If you wish to speak to Cllr Ferguson, he can be contacted on 07817 311373, or write c/o Basildon Borough Council Cllr Bennett - contact for details 01277 626236 Cllr Gordon - contact for details 07817 865202 Nethermayne Cllr Smith - The third Saturday of the month from midday until 1pm at the Kingswood Playgroup Centre, Clay Hill Road, Kingswood, Basildon SS16 5AD. Please call 01268 661812 for details Cllr Hodge - contact for details

27 January

9am-12noon Billericay - Radford Crescent – Car Park CM12 0BW 9am-12noon Wickford - Bruce Grove outside Shotgate Community Centre SS11 8QZ 9am-12noon Crays Hill Recreation Ground CM11 2YA 9am-10.30am Kingswood – Playgroup Centre opp shops SS16 5AD 10.30am-12noon Barstable Club Long Riding SS14 1PD

3 February

9am-12noon Billericay - Hannikins Farm CM12 0EZ 9am-12noon Wickford - Kershaws Close SS12 0LJ 9am-10.30am Laindon - Little Oxcroft Service Road SS15 6NP 10.30am-12noon Laindon - Somercotes next to shops SS15 5UD 9am-12noon Pitsea Mount - Brackendale Avenue SS13 3JX

10 February

9am-12noon Noak Bridge – Coppice Lane SS15 4JS 9am-12noon Laindon – King Edward Community Centre car park SS15 6JG 9am-10.30am Pitsea – Northlands Park SS13 3LW 10.30am-12noon Pitsea – Felmores End SS13 1PN

07842 086712

for details.

Cllr Fellowes - contact for details 07788 298007

Vange Cllr Block – surgeries by appointment. Please email kayte.block@ members.basildon.gov.uk

St Martin’s Cllr Burton-Sampson - surgeries by appointment. Email david.burton-sampson@members.basildon.gov.uk or contact 07480 339823 Cllr Buxton - surgeries by appointment. Email andrew. buxton@members.basildon.gov. uk or contact 07900 154418 Pitsea South East Cllr Arnold - contact for details 07510 385744 Cllr Carrion - contact for details 07908 439441 Cllr Ward - contact for details 07908 439441 Pitsea North West Cllr Callaghan – by appointment on Thursdays. Please email gavin. callaghan@members.basildon. gov.uk Cllr Canham- To be held on the last Saturday of every month (except Dec) at Chalvedon Community Social Club, 1 Chalvedon Square, Pitsea, SS13 3QX Cllr Clancy - The first Saturday of every month (except January) from 12.30pm-1.30pm, The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre. Please contact 07563 748334

9am-10.30am Luncies – Rippleside SS14 1SE 10.30am-12noon Beech Road SS14 1SU

17 February

9am-12noon Wickford - Keats Way opp. No. 3 Garage area SS12 0BP 9am-12noon Laindon West – Thornton Way/Sparkbridge Parking Area SS15 6QQ 9am-10.30am Pitsea – Kenneth Road (layby) SS13 2AT 10.30am-12noon Chalvedon – Plumleys SS13 1NQ 9am-10.30am Fryerns – Ghyllgrove, opp The Upway SS14 2JU 10.30am-12noon Fryerns – Frypa Hall SS14 3RQ

24 February

9am-12noon Wickford – The Wick Country Park SS12 9GP 9am-10.30am Pitsea - Chevers Pawen SS13 3EJ 10.30am-12noon Pitsea – Elm Green SS13 3HP 9am-10.30am Laindon West – Dunton Caravan Park CM13 3SX 10.30am-12noon Steeple View – Kings Crescent SS15 4AW 9am-12noon Ramsden Bellhouse – Village Hall CM11 1RH

3 March

WINTER 2017

9am-11am Wickford – Rettendon View SS11 8HU 11am-12noon Wickford – Pippin Court

Cllr McGeorge – surgeries by appointment. Please email melissa.mcgeorge@members. basildon.gov.uk Wickford Castledon Cllr Ball - The first Saturday in every month (except January) at the Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford from 10am to 12 noon. Cllr D Morris – contact for details 01268 457488 Wickford North Cllr Holliman- The last Saturday of the month (except Dec & Jan) - 10.00am-12.00noon at Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford. Cllr C Morris - contact for details 01268 457488 Cllr Mowe - contact for details 01268 463564 Wickford Park Cllr Harrison - The first Saturday in every month (except January) at the Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford from 10am to 12 noon. Cllr Jackman- contact for details: 07762 888775

SS11 8JW 9am-12noon Billericay – David’s Walk CM11 2EZ 9am-10.30am Vange – Redgrave Road SS16 4DB 10.30am-12noon Vange – Southview Road opp dentist SS13 3RQ 9am-12noon Langdon Hills – Triangle

Shops SS16 6HF

10 March

9am-12noon Lee Chapel North – rear of Plough & Tractor pub SS15 5HG 9am-12noon Pitsea Mount – Brackendale Avenue SS13 3JX 9am-12noon Vange – Gordon Road (layby near Helpeston) SS14 1PR 9am-12noon Billericay – Carvers Wood CM11 2TJ

17 March

9am-12noon Billericay - Little Burstead Car Park CM12 9SY 9am-12noon Wickford – Keats Way opp No.3 garage area SS12 0BP 9am-12noon Langdon Hills – Delmores, near to The Hyde SS16 6LL

24 March

9am-12noon Billericay - Radford Crescent – Car Park CM12 0BW 9am-12noon Wickford – Alderney Gardens (rear of shops) SS11 7JP 9am-11am Vange – Barge Pub SS16 4SY 11am-12noon Vange – Ryedene Close SS16 4ND


WINTER 2017

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

COUNCIL COMMITTEE DATES JANUARY - MARCH 2018 Council committee meetings are open to the public and held in the Basildon Centre. Dates and times are correct at time of publication but may be changed. To see the agendas and reports for council committee meetings please visit www.basildon.gov.uk/meetings 9 January

7pm – Planning Committee

11 January

7pm – Policy and Resources Committee

16 January

7pm – Regeneration and Environment Committee

16 January

7pm – Infrastructure, Growth and Development Committee

17 January

7pm – Licensing Committee

23 January

7pm - Planning Committee

25 January

7pm – Policy and Resources Committee

30 January

7pm – Audit and Risk Committee

6 February

7pm – Planning Committee

8 February

7.30pm – Council

20 February

7pm – Planning Committee

27 February

7pm – Housing and Community Committee

28 February

7pm – Regeneration and Environment Committee

6 March

7pm – Planning Committee

7 March

7pm – Infrastructure, Growth and Development Committee

13 March

7pm – Joint Standards Committee

13 March

7pm – Infrastructure, Growth and Development Committee

14 March

7pm – Licensing Committee

15 March

7pm – Policy and Resources Committee

20 March

7pm – Planning Committee

21 March

7pm – Audit and Risk Committee

22 March

7.30pm – Council

BOROUGHDIARY

15

Events

Holocaust Memorial Exhibition Basildon Council in partnership with members of the Jewish community, will help mark Holocaust Memorial Day with a special exhibition in January 2018. The Yad Vashem Exhibition called ‘No Child’s Play’ tells the story of survival - the struggle of the children of the Holocaust to hold on to life. It describes their attempts to maintain their childhood and youth by creating for themselves a different reality from that which surrounded them. In many cases, it was the children who gave their parents the encouragement and hope to continue their desperate daily fight for survival. You can visit the exhibition in the foyer of the Towngate Theatre from Tuesday 9 January to Friday 12 January 2018 from 10.30am top 12.30pm or 2pm to 4pm.

January 2018 to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, held every year on the date of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. A book of remembrance will also be available for visitors to sign on the day and a Holocaust Memorial Display. www.basildon.gov.uk/events

Holocaust Memorial Day to be honoured in Basildon A one minute silence will also be held by council staff and visitors to the Basildon Centre on Friday 26

Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Harrison signing the book of remembrance in January 2017


16 BOROUGHDIARY

NEWS FROM BASILDON COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Sport

WINTER 2017

Basildon celebrates its sporting talent The Active Basildon Sports Awards 2017 celebrated the talent, commitment and determination of local sporting heroes at an awards ceremony held at Reids in Billericay on Wednesday 15 November. The event, which was run by Active Basildon and supported by Basildon Council, recognised the achievements of elite athletes and the dedication of volunteers who have made an exceptional contribution to sport within the borough over the past year. The winner of this year’s Young Sports Personality of the Year was Sam Bennett, who has had a fantastic year and was selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas as the athletics Boys Team Captain, where he won Gold in the 110m U18 hurdles and silver in the 4x200m relay. To round this off, Sam then went on to win Gold at the England Championships in Bedford, with a phenomenal PB of 12.76 secs, ranking him No. 1 in the UK and 6th of all time. Other winners included:

• • • •

Gemma Prescott, winner of Disabled Sports Personality of the Year, a Paralympic Thrower, who competes in the F32 Club Throw and trains at Basildon Sporting Village. Gemma won a Bronze medal at the IPC World Para Athletics Championships in July, with a throw of 19.97m Donna Robinson, winner of the Services to Disability Sport category, an Essex All Together Ambassador who works tirelessly to promote and support inclusive activities for people with and without learning disabilities Billericay Parkrun, winner of the Changing Lives through Sport and Physical Activity award, was launched this year and already attracts more than 200 participants each week Mark Gordon, winner of this year’s Unsung Hero award, who has succeeded in making FC Redwing one of the largest youth football clubs in the area and, more importantly, given children from all backgrounds the opportunity to play football.

Category Winner Sport Disabled Sports Personality Young Sports Personality Unsung Hero Young Volunteer Community Club Coach of the Year Education Champion Changing Lives Services to Disability Sport Special Recognition Awards

Gemma Prescott Sam Bennett Mark Gordon Daisy Collier Essex Royals Football Club Lesley Davis-Eyre Lee Chapel Primary School Billericay Parkrun Donna Robinson Darren Chaplin Scott Hann Max Whitlock

Paralympic Thrower Athletics Football Ju Jitsu Football Gymnastics Various Running Various Duathlete Gymnastics Gymnastics

This year also saw three Special Recognition Awards presented. Darren Chaplin, an international duathlete, was recognised for his selfless actions during the World Championships in Canada where he sacrificed his position in the race to give first aid to a seriously injured American athlete, losing any chance of medal success. Scott Hann, Director of Coaching at South Essex Gymnastics Club, and international gymnast, Max Whitlock, were also awarded for their services to sport in Basildon. Cllr David Harrison, the Mayor of Basildon, said: “It was truly an honour to hear the stories of our local sporting talent. These committed athletes and selfless volunteers give up their time, energy and resources to do something they’re incredibly passionate about, whether it’s achieving a new personal best or encouraging local people to get involved in sport in the borough. Congratulations to each of the winners and to everyone involved in getting the borough active”. Steve Mitchell, Chair of Active Basildon added: “I was proud and humble to com-

pere the 4th annual Active Basildon Sports Awards. It was fantastic to meet so many dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic local people who drive their families, friends, peers and other residents in the Borough to take part in sport and physical activity. On behalf of the Active Basildon Board, we congratulate all those who were crowned winners and all those who were acknowledged for their contributions”.

Steve Mitchell, Chair of Active Basildon with Special Recognition Award winner, Darren Chaplin

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: The Communications Team, 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 Communications Team at Basildon 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 208198. 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 208198. 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 Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee - Councillor Gavin Callaghan Managing Director - Scott Logan

The Active Basildon Sports Awards 2017 winners with the Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Harrison


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