Borough Diary WInter 2014 by Basildon Council

INSIDE:

Winter 2014

www.basildon.gov.uk

basildonboroughcouncil

@basildoncouncil

YOUR 4 - PAGE LEISURE & EVENTS GUIDE FOR BASILDON BOROUGH

Pages 7-10

TRANSFORMING OUR BOROUGH Basildon Council’s promise to transform the borough is beginning to take shape with a new Swim and Fitness Centre, market in Wickford and plans to invest £50,000 in Laindon. WICKFORD HIGH STREET IMPROVEMENTS

Visitors to Wickford may have noticed some improvements to the High Street in recent months. Basildon Council’s programme of public realm improvements in and around Wickford High Street is now nearing completion. The High Street has been given new paving, modern street lighting and landscaping to create a new town centre square, to be named Time Square after the millennium time capsule buried there in 2000. The regeneration has also seen the relocation of Wickford market on to the High Street every Friday and Saturday to encourage shoppers, new investment and to attract more retailers and shoppers to the town. WICKFORD SWIM AND FITNESS CENTRE OPENS

Meanwhile Wickford’s Swim and Fitness Centre is now open to the public after a £2.4million revamp. The investment from the council has already seen an upgrade to the 25 metre pool, with new showers and locker rooms. The two-storey extension, which features a 65-station gym, group exercise and cycling studios and dry-side changing facilities was officially opened in October by Basildon Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for leisure and arts, Cllr Kevin Blake.

The council worked with its leisure partner, Everyone Active, to transform the 1970s facility in Market Avenue into the modernised centre. Cllr Kevin Blake, deputy leader and cabinet member for leisure and arts, said: “The swim and fitness centre is now a state-ofthe-art facility and I hope many will be inspired to be more active. “I’m confident it will become a real benefit to the local community, attracting more visitors, which will provide a boost to the local economy.”

Continues on page 11 Wickford Market and (insert) new Swim and Fitness centre

STARS LIGHT UP BASILDON

Thousands flocked to Basildon town centre to see Olympic medallist and Commonwealth champion Max Whitlock turn on the Christmas lights. Max was joined on stage by Basildon Mayor Mo Larkin, the cast of this year’s Cinderella panto, as well as Peppa Pig and George for the evening light switch on which was the culmination of the day long Basildon Christmas Festival held in the town centre and Eastgate Shopping Centre. Mayor Mo Larkin with Max Whitlock (centre) with panto cast

See more photos from the day on page 11

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WINTER 2014

Mayor’s Message from Cllr Mo Larkin To comment on stories in this edition of the Borough Diary, or to make suggestions, please write to: Michelle Edwards-Norcisse, Editor, Borough Diary, Basildon Borough Council, The Basildon Centre, St. Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL, or email michelle. edwards-norcisse@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 294201. 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.

Mayor of Basildon Borough Council Christmas will soon be upon us and the festivities have already begun! However, I would like to reflect on some of the activities I was honoured to be part of this autumn. The Fireworks Spectacular in November was a fantastic fundraising event on behalf of St Luke’s Hospice, a charity I have worked closely with over the years. Congratulations to Harry Carnaby and Anita Pease for organising this event. Our volunteers do an amazing job of fundraising for many local charities. If you feel you would like to help, please contact our community involvement team on 01268 465080 or email communityinvolvement@basildon.gov. uk for further information. As we continue our WW1 Centenary commemoration, Remembrance Sunday was a humbling experience joining together to reflect and pay our respects to the men and women of the armed forces who lost their lives in service to their country. Finally, back to Christmas and the

Council Tax changes To help homeseekers CHANGES to discounts on Council Tax should reduce the number of empty homes and benefit those in need of housing. The changes, which were approved by Basildon Council’s cabinet in November, will save the council money and enable it to collect more than £400k in revenues. It will also encourage developers to bring new properties to market quicker. The plans include taking away the 10 per cent discount for second homes and reducing the six month 50 per cent discount for unoccupied and unfurnished properties to three months. Properties that are unoccupied and

in need of major work will also have the 50 per cent discount reduced from 12 months to six months. A 50 per cent premium will also be charged on properties that have been empty for longer than two years. Cllr Stuart Sullivan, cabinet member for resources, said: “Although these changes are driven by localism we support them in relation to our promises to provide residents with value for money. “The changes could create substantial savings in discounts against the council tax collection and reduce the number of empty properties in the borough which will benefit those in need of housing.”

Christmas Pink sack recycling no-no’s With so many different packaging for recycling, here’s what not to put in your pink sack this Christmas!

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• • • •

Foil wrapping paper Christmas Cards with glitter Polystyrene Medicine Blister Packs (for tablets)

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Prepared (Microwave) meal trays Meat trays (if meat is cooked in them) Aluminium coated plastic pouches and packing e.g; cat food pouches, crisp bags More information can be found on our website: http:// www.basildon.gov.uk/recycling

Basildon Mayor Mo Larkin at the Basildon Christmas Festival

switching on of the Christmas lights at the Basildon Christmas Festival – the start of the Christmas season for the borough. Once again, this was a great event to be a part of and it was wonderful to see so many of you in Basildon town centre. I would especially like to thank Olympic medallist and Commonwealth gymnast

champion, Max Whitlock, the cast of this year’s pantomime, Cinderella at the Towngate Theatre, Peppa Pig and George for all being there to help make the day one to remember. On that note, I wish you a happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous 2015.

Tips for Safe Travelling by Taxi in Basildon Borough

1. Make sure there is a Basildon Council Licence Plate on the rear of the vehicle. Similar signs will be on the side doors. 2. Every licensed driver carries an I.D. badge. Ask to see it if you are in any doubt. 3. Don’t be overcharged. Taxis have to keep to maximum fares, private hire fares are to be agreed with driver or operator. 4. Don’t ask the driver to carry more passengers than is allowed. The number permitted is shown on the Licence Plate. 5. Taxis can be hailed down in the street or found at an official rank. Private Hire vehicles must be booked in advance. For more information, call 01268 294280 or email taxi.licensing@basildon.gov.uk

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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 noon at each site, unless otherwise stated. Further details are available at basildon.gov.uk/recycling

6 December Fryerns – Ghyllgrove Billericay - Radford Crescent – Car Park Vange - Redgrave Road 9am-10.30am Southview Road opp Dentist 10.30am-noon Vange - Gordon Road Layby near Helpeston 13 December Ramsden Bellhouse Village Hall – Car Park Laindon Link Bluehouse Community Centre Pitsea - Kenneth Rd Layby Noak Bridge - Coppice Ln 24 January 2015 Kingswood - Playgroup Centre Opposite shops Steeple View - Kings Crescent SS15 4AW Laindon - Little Oxcroft Service Road SS15 6NP 21 January Ramsden Bellhouse Village Hall Car Park Lee Chapel North – Rear of Plough and Tractor Pub Fryerns - Frypa Hall 7 February Laindon - King Edward Rd Billericay - Radford Crescent – Car Park Chalvedon - Mill Green Layby near car park 14 February Wickford - Rettendon View 9am-11am 11am-noon Pippin Court Billericay - David’s Walk Barstable - Barstable Club Long Riding 21 February Crays Hill Recreation Gnds Billericay - Little Burstead Car Park Laindon – Five Links Somercotes - Next To Shops 28 February Wickford - Alderney Gardens Rear of Shops Langdon Hills - Valence Way Junction with Debden Green Craylands – Norwich Walk – Rear of shops

WINTER 2014

A FAIRER AND EASIER WAY TO APPLY for a council home RESIDENTS are being reminded about the new Homeseekers Register, which aims to help working borough families find council homes. The new scheme, which went live in October, has changed the way Basildon Council allocates places on its register making the system fairer and easier to understand for local people. The new scheme also reduces the administrative burden on the council which means its resources can be better used to serve residents. Since the system launched, the number of applications on the homeseeker register has reduced by more than 3,000. Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council, said: “It has to be remembered that the homeseeker register is not a waiting list for anyone who wants a council home. It’s a register for people who are in housing need and have no other means to get one. “People will now need to have been living in the borough for seven years or more to ensure that Basildon people get Basildon homes. “The fact is little more than 3,000 out of

approximately 5,500 on the register have applied under the new scheme demonstrates that not everyone under the previous scheme needed a home. “We recently unveiled a plan to utilise councilowned land including under-used garage sites to build new homes as well as plans to set up a house building company, which will allow us to build our own council homes, and meet the specific needs of Basildon residents. “This new scheme also ensures we are making the best use of the homes we do have and that they meet the needs of the applicant.” The previous scheme saw the register soar to approximately 5,500 with some applicants having no prospects of being housed. All existing applicants on the previous housing register were notified to reapply to the new scheme so their circumstances could be assessed in line with the new qualification criteria. Since the new scheme went live, the council has received around 3,000 applications from both existing and new applicants, of which, more

than 890 applicants so far have not passed the new qualification criteria. The changes to the scheme will also give support to those who have been affected by welfare reform, particularly the new underoccupation criteria, and will ensure the council does not allocate homes which people cannot afford. Further changes simplify the system and adopt government definitions on property size so that people are not housed in homes that are too big for them and they cannot afford. Those applying to the new homeseeker register must ensure they check the document checklist available on the Basildon Choice website once they have submitted their application to determine what documentation they need to supply to support their application as failure to do so within 28 days will result in their application being cancelled. For all information including how to apply and for document checklist is available at http://www.basildonchoice.org.uk

residents get keys to new council homes TENANTS of a brand new development in Wickford have spoken of their joy at moving into their council homes. Ricky Lazell, his partner, Judy Diamond, 29, and their 11 month-old daughter, Livia, have moved from a one-bed flat in Rettendon View to a two bed bungalow in Brock Meadow, Wickford. Mr Lazell, 26, who works for Ringway Jacobs as a highways engineer, said: “We were in a one bed 1950’s built flat and within a year we’ve upsized to this modern two-bed bungalow. “It’s really nice and we are so grateful for it, especially now we have Livia and we don’t have to use stairs anymore. “This move has already improved our lives and we love the area. It’s quiet and lovely and really close to everything we need.” Sixty-eight homes were built in Brock Meadow by Bloor Homes with 11 of the properties handed over to Basildon Council to boost its housing stock. The new homes include both bungalows and houses, and will provide a valuable resource to the council in being able to offer quality affordable bungalows to the elderly and modern new family housing. Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council, added: “Basildon Homes for Basildon people. This is a fabulous example in the quality of homes that we are going to be able to offer our residents in the future. “Our residents need homes and these are

Ricky Lazell, Judy Diamond and their daughter Livia with Basildon Council’s Chief Executive Bala Mahendran and Leader Cllr Phill Turner outside their new home

representative of what we are trying to aspire to as a council. “It’s about our residents, their lives and improving their way of life. Our residents are at the centre of this and it’s about giving them opportunities.”

Basildon Council recently approved plans to utilise derelict buildings and run down garage blocks to build around 50 modern homes. There are also plans for the council to set up its own house building firm which initially aims to build up to 100 homes.

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WINTER 2014

Triangle shops rebuild taking shape PROGRESS is being made in the rebuilding of the Triangle shops in Langdon Hills. All excavations and site clearance works are complete with pile foundations and ground beams laid. The substructure brick and block work is now being undertaken and the ground floor slab is being poured. Diamond Build, the contractors carrying out the project, have now pledged to take on an apprentice who will get the opportunity to work on the next phase whilst developing new skills in the construction trade.

The apprenticeship opportunity will be advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service website: www. apprenticeships.org.uk Cllr Stuart Sullivan, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for resources, said: “It’s good news for the people of Langdon Hills that the development is progressing well and I am also heartened to hear that Diamond Build will be taking on an apprentice. “We are providing a development that includes more shops, more parking, better design and, with homes

above, improved security. The residents will also have their own designated parking.” The works are being carried out by the council’s contractor, Diamond Build. The popular shopping parade was destroyed by fire in January 2013. The new scheme will provide six shops, an increase of two, and 25 parking spaces, an increase on the 19 previously provided. There will also be five flats with dedicated parking of their own.

Last chance to get youR Community funding bid in There’s still funding from Basildon Council’s £1million Community Investment Fund (CIF) up for grabs for community and voluntary groups, but you need to be quick as the deadline is looming. With £453,339.56 in community grants approved so

far there is ample funding still available to help groups get their big or small project off the ground. Set to close on Sunday 1 February 2015, CIF was set aside to support the council’s vision of ‘Creating Opportunity’ by enabling community and voluntary groups to deliver services that meet an unmet community need, while promoting and increasing volunteering in the borough. Registered charities, voluntary not-forprofit organisations and community groups can apply for grant funding of £2,000 upwards to deliver projects which show clear evidence of

Vange Community Group is one of the largest recipients of CIF with £180,000 funding for a new community centre

Recycling your real Christmas tree BASILDON Council will be collecting real Christmas trees from the week commencing Monday 5 January 2015 for composting. Residents who have a real tree should remove all decorations and leave it out for collection on their revised green bin collection day. Collections will be one day behind until Saturday 10 January. Collected Christmas trees can then have the opportunity of a second life as compost. Cllr Terri Sargent, cabinet member for environment and community, said: “Once Christmas is over it’s time to think about what happens to the old tree. “By offering this service we are hoping to help residents even further in cutting down

the amount of waste that goes into landfill. “Real Christmas trees can be easily composted and this is another service the council is providing to help householders recycle as much as possible.” Residents with Christmas trees with a trunk diameter of more than four inches will need to contact Streetcare for advice on how to dispose of their tree. Alternatively, trees can be taken to either Barleylands Recycling Centre or Pitsea Recycling Centre for Household Waste and put in the garden waste area. To check your collection day, visit www. basildon.gov.uk and click on ‘where I live’. Streetcare can be contacted on 01268 533333.

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being able to benefit the local community. Grants of over £100,000 will also be considered for projects which have a robust business plan and some level of part funding. These larger awards will require approval by the council’s cabinet as a key decision. Basildon Council’s cabinet member for environment and community, Cllr Terri Sargent, said: “If you are a local community group, or are thinking of setting up a local group and need funding to deliver a much needed community project, then it’s not too late to apply for funding from CIF. “If you are unsure what the criteria for funding is, or if you would like to find out more about applying for CIF, please get in touch with the council’s community involvement team, who are happy to answer your questions.” For more information on the criteria for funding or to download the guidance notes and application form visit www.basildon.gov.uk/cif. Alternatively call 01268 465080 WWW.BASILDON.GOV.UK / RECYCLING or email communityinvolvement@basildon.gov.uk

Compost your tree for FREE! If you buy a REAL Christmas tree, it’s easy to make sure it‘s recycled.

Please remove all decorations, pot and stand and leave your Christmas tree out for collection on your revised green bin collection day, commencing 6th January 2015. See calendar on p6 for more details.

Leave the tree where your wheeled bin would be collected, by 7.30am. Trees with trunks bigger than 4 inches in diameter will not be accepted. If you have a larger tree visit www.basildon.gov.uk/ recycling for more information.

Alternatively you can take your tree to either Barleylands Recycling Centre or Pitsea Recycling Centre for Household Waste and put it in the garden waste area. See P4 for opening times

For more information, www.basildon.gov.uk/recycling

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WINTER 2014

SERVICE changes this christmas Basildon Council offices will be open for business over much of the Christmas period to allow residents to access its services. The following opening times apply: •

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Basildon Centre including the Customer Service Centre: Wednesday 24 December – Closed from 4pm; Thursday 25 December and Friday 26 December – Closed; Saturday 27 December - normal opening times; Thursday 1 January 2015 – Closed; and Friday 2 January – normal opening times Barleylands Depot: Wednesday 24 December - 9am to 2.30pm; Thursday 25 December and Friday 26 December – Closed; Saturday 27 December 9am to 4pm; Sunday 28 to Tuesday 30 December - 9am to 4pm; Wednesday 31

Council Tax Cheats Beware

December - 9am to 2.30pm; Thursday 1 January 2015 - Closed; Friday 2 January 9am to 3.30pm; and Saturday 3 January onwards - 9am to 3.30pm • Towngate Theatre box office: Thursday 25 December - Closed; Friday 26 to Sunday 28 December - 11am to 5pm,10am to 5pm and 10am to 5pm respectively; Thursday 1 January Closed; Friday 2 January, Saturday 3 January and Sunday 4 January -9am to 5pm,10am to 5pm and 10am to 4pm respectively • The Place (Pitsea Leisure Centre): Wednesday 24 December – 9am to 1pm; Thursday 25 December to Saturday 27 December – Closed; Sunday 28 December – 9am to 4pm; Monday 29 to 30 December- Closed;

BASILDON Council is increasing its efforts to catch those who try to cheat their way out of paying their correct Council Tax charge. Those who fraudulently claim benefits are highly likely to find themselves in court and having to repay the money. The same approach is now being taken with Council Tax cheats. Customers have a duty to inform the council of changes that occur after a discount or exemption has been granted. They can do this

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Wednesday 31 December - Closed (functions only) ; Thursday 1 January - Closed; and Friday 2 January normal opening times Basildon Sports Centre will be closed from Wednesday 24 December to Friday 2 January. Normal hours (5pm to 10pm) resume from Monday 5 January.

For opening times for Eversley Leisure Centre, Wickford Swim and Fitness Centre and Basildon Sporting Village please call 01268 583076, 01268 765460 and 01268 722450 respectively or visit everyoneactive.com The Council’s emergency out-of-hours team will be on call throughout the Christmas period as usual on 01268 286622. For more information on opening times for other council services please visit www.basildon.gov.uk

in a variety of ways, by email, website or by phone. The penalty for failing to live up to this obligation is £70 in the first instance and £280 for every time afterwards; this can be added to their Council Tax bill. Cllr Stuart Sullivan, cabinet member for resources, said: “Council Tax fraud is not acceptable; cheats will be forced to face the consequences. Saying they didn’t realise they

The council has also produced a handy Christmas recycling guide – delivered with this edition of the Borough Diary. The leaflet contains information affected collection dates following bank holidays, as well as a 2015 collection calendar. It also contains textile stickers so you can recycle all your old clothes and shoes in a pink bag too. All recycling services will continue to run throughout the Christmas period and collection crews will be working hard to keep disruptions 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. To check service changes online visit www.basildon.gov.uk/recycling and click on ‘where I live’.

had to notify us of a change, is not a good enough reason. “Basildon Council will impose these penalties on all those who fail to tell us of their changes in circumstances.” If you would like to report a change of circumstances contact the council’s billings and benefits team on 01268 533333, email counciltaxandbenefits@basildon.gov.uk or visit www.basildon.gov.uk/counciltax

Recognising EXCEPTIONAL local heroes

Student presenters Kelly-Ann Pacey & Shea O’Toole with Stephen Metcafe MP

county council keeps street lights on for festive season A LEADING councillor has welcomed Essex County Council’s plans to switch on street lights at Christmas. The lights, which are usually off between midnight and 5am, will remain on for the early hours of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Cllr Terri Sargent, cabinet member for environment and community, said: “I am pleased the County Council has listened to residents and will be switching the lights on during these periods, which will benefit those returning from festive events such as Midnight Mass and New Year’s Eve parties.”

Ten exceptional local volunteers have been recognised for their services to the community at this year’s Play Your Part Volunteer Awards. Organised by Basildon Council, and sponsored by West and Coe funeral directors, the Play Your Part Volunteer Awards celebrates the hard work and dedication of local people who volunteer their time to help others across the borough. Margaret Helsden, a volunteer at Pitsea day centre was one of the awardees winning the Outstanding Contribution award after being nominated by a day centre staff member. Basildon Council’s cabinet member for environment and community, Cllr Terri Sargent, said: “Well done to all the nominees and winners of this year’s Play Your Part Volunteer Awards. The calibre of nominations was extremely high and resulted in a split decision for the volunteer of the year award. “George Coleman-Wood’s

dedication to volunteering stretches back over 50 years and he has spent a lifetime helping other people, even remaining an active member after suffering the tremendous personal set-back of having two heart attacks. “Sian Fisher’s story perfectly demonstrated a determination to succeed

through personal adversity. She excelled in her studies and in raising money for charity, despite balancing this with the difficult task of caring for her entire family. “We could not celebrate the works of all these exceptional winners without the help of our sponsors, so thank you very much for your continued support.”

Some of the volunteer winners with Cllr Sargent and Mayor Mo Larkin at the awards event

#DoItOnline Why wait on the line when you can do it online? • • • • •

Council Tax – Report a change in circumstances Housing – Pay your rent, request/track a repair Benefits – Apply for Housing/Council Tax, Benefit Calculator Planning – Apply for Planning permission Refuse & Recycling – Request a replacement container

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Street Scene – Report Flytipping/dumped rubbish/ abandoned vehicles. Anti social behaviour, plus more!

If you do not have access to the internet, why not pop in to the Basildon Centre and use one of our Self Service computers in reception or in your local library.

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WINTER 2014

vange csaz makes good progress A COMMUNITY safety action zone in Vange has enabled residents to feel safer and helped spruce up their area this summer. The Basildon Community Safety Partnership began work on the Vange Community Safety Action Zone (CSAZ) in June 2014 and is set to continue into 2015. In the past six months the CSAZ has enabled 200 young people in the area to improve their fitness with ‘Fit for Sport’ sessions organised by Everyone Active as well as arts and crafts activities set up by Circle Anglia South Housing. To address concerns around anti-social behavior

a new Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been promoted with the help of local Police Community Support Officers. A clean up of the estate took place in September to coincide with one of the council’s Crunch dates where three truck loads and 30 sacks of rubbish were collected. A successful Junior Warden Scheme has also been delivered in Greenstead School, which helps to promote good citizenship skills to Year Five pupils. The scheme included sessions around ASB, Hate Crime and water safety delivered by the RLNI.

A new Vange Work Club has been set up by Basildon Council, Swan Housing and Circle Anglia South Housing to support residents by providing them with skills and advice to help them get back into employment. The work club is being supported by various agencies and will provide weekly sessions on a Monday from 1pm to 4pm in Trinity Methodist Church on subjects such as CV writing and job searches. If you would like more information regarding the CSAZ or have any ideas for projects please contact Lisa Hopcroft on 01268 294804.

Crucial Crew’s back for 2015

Crucial Crew is an innovative and interactive way of delivering personal and safety education messages to Year Six children (10/11 year olds). It seeks to encourage model behaviour and good citizenship through active participation in scenarios covering bullying, weapons awareness, healthy relationships, fire safety, alcohol and smoking and anti-social behaviour. The project is being delivered for

the third consecutive year during Community Safety Partnership is February and March 2015 by aiming to deliver another successful Basildon Borough Council, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Basildon Women’s Aid and Only Cowards Carry. Each of the scenarios aims to raise awareness and provide pupils with key messages at the crucial time of their transition from primary to secondary school. Historically delivered to around 1,000 pupils each year, Basildon

COMBAT CRIME THIS CHRISTMAS

Triple Diagnosis Training As part of its strategic objective to ‘Prevent and Reduce Alcohol and Drug Related Crime’, Basildon Community Safety Partnership has commissioned ‘Action Against Violence (AVA)’ to deliver training sessions exploring the links between domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental health in January 2015. The main aim of the project will be to raise awareness to those professionals who work with and support people who have or are suffering from domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental health issues. The training sessions will look to

event with schools attending from across the Basildon borough.

explore the connections between the three and raise awareness as to how officers can work with victims to encourage disclosure and offer acceptable support for those affected by all three issues. The focus will be on non-clinical awareness training for Community Safety Practitioners (in the widest sense) and will be offered to officers across the County. Tackling mental health problems and strengthening mental health and emotional well-being of local residents has become a cross cutting priority for a number of key stakeholders and it is hoped the 60 spaces available will be utilised.

The Basildon Community Safety Partnership wants you and your family to have a happy and safe Christmas. Help combat crime by following these top safety tips:

YOUR HOME

• Keep presents out of sight. Large piles of gift wrapped goodies under the tree that are visible through a door or window are tempting to thieves. • Don’t leave empty boxes on display outside. Discarded packaging advertises all the new goods you have indoors. • Leave lights on and close the curtains. Make it look like someone is at home when you’re going out for the evening. If you have a burglar alarm, set it. • If you’re going on holiday over the festive period, ask a friend, relative or neighbour to keep an eye on your house.

YOUR CAR

• Don’t leave presents in full view on the back seat when out shopping. These can be tempting to thieves. Lock them away out of sight in the boot. • Never leave your keys in the ignition whilst your vehicle is unattended, even for a few minutes whilst defrosting the windows. • NEVER drink and drive

YOUR PROPERTY

• Make sure all valuable property is marked. You can get a property marking kit from your local police station • Register bike frame numbers, mobile phone IMEI numbers and other identifying details on ‘Immobilise’ - the free, national property registration scheme (www.immobilise.com) • Make it difficult for criminals to operate - do not buy stolen property

To report a crime to your local police, call 101. In an emergency, you should always call 999.

You can also keep up to date with the latest partnership news and events by visiting our Twitter page at @BasildonCSP

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WINTER 2014

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Christmas survival guide: everything you need to know It’s Christmas Eve and you’ve got lots to do, grab some last minute presents, make the Christmas dinner preparations, think of how to entertain the kids … the list is endless. When the day finally arrives what can you do to make it run smoothly. Read our Christmas survival guide – it might even help!

While out shopping don’t get carried away with all the special offers, you’re more than likely going to end up buying presents for people that will end up on the ‘unwanted’ Christmas wish list.

To avoid the temper tantrums get the children to write down their Christmas wish list of all the presents they could ever hope and dream for, so at least they won’t be disappointed if they don’t get everything they want.

If cooking Christmas dinner try to plan ahead and don’t leave everything to the last minute, start early and don’t be afraid to ask for help with things like the washing up, or preparing the meal or why not get your guests to bring along a dish or a beverage.

One more thing about preparing your Christmas meal; now is not the time to test your wine connoisseur skills as this will surely end up not going to plan.. late dinner, too spicy, under or overcooked or no dinner at all …

Don’t forget to organise an activity for the children before it’s too late and all mayhem breaks loose!

If you are feeling under pressure run away and hide for a bit, go for a stroll around the block or take the dog for a walk.

Most of all just remember there is no such thing as the perfect family Christmas and if none of the above applies to you, or if you wish to escape the mayhem book a holiday away to avoid the drama and send everybody a postcard!

WINTER 2014

6 week course - Thursdays 4-5pm. Course costs £18 which will also cover the cost of an induction. For information on booking a session and start dates please visit: www.basildon.gov.uk/teengym The Place Pitsea Leisure Centre Northlands Pavement, Pitsea, Basildon, Essex, SS13 3DU T: 01268 465420 e: pitsealeisurecentre@basildon.gov.uk : twitter.com/pitsealeisurece : /pitsealeisurecentre

What’s on...

A handy guide to some of the events coming up in the borough. Don’t miss out on tickets to see your favourite shows at the Towngate Theatre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL Event

Date & Time

Price

Opera Brava Christmas Extravaganza - a glittering Christmas celebration of festive musical gems

Fri 19 December 2014 7.30pm

Tickets from £17.50 - £27.50 Concessions £2 off

The Ghost Train - Arnold Ridley’s classic comedy thriller set in an isolated railway station, starring Jeffrey Holland (Hi-De-Hi)

Mon 2, Tues 3, Wed 4 March 2015

Tickets £17.50

Mon 9 & Tues 10 March 2015

Adults £18.50 Concessions £16.50, Family (4) £65

Thurs 12 February 2015

Tickets £26 Restricted view £20

Chinese New Year Extravaganza

7.30pm

Barbara Dickson In Concert

7.45pm

For more shows at the Towngate visit our What’s on page at www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Event Wickford Country Park Yuletide Ramble – Winter walk

Date & Time

Price

Sun 14 December 2014

FREE event

2pm

A friendly walk looking at bird life and other interesting features led by the park Ranger. * The walk is mainly aimed at adults, children are also welcome. http://www.friendsofthewickcountrypark.co.uk/

Date & Time

Cottage and Candle

A look around Blunts Cottage, finding out how people used to live

Brickmaking

Make a Tudor brick

Originally intended as a guide to boating on the Thames, Jerome’s ripping yarn of youthful friendship, mischief and folly celebrates the very essence of Britishness inspiring many of our comic legends from Morecambe and Wise to Monty Python.

Price

Half term events: Christmas 22nd, 23rd, 29th 30th December 2014 Using nets & trays to catch creatures in the pond.

If you fancy a night out with a difference why not come along to the Towngate to see the classical tale ‘Three Men in a Boat’.

Tickets from £17.50 to £23.50 with £2 off the ticket price for concessions. Buy tickets online visit the Towngate website on www.towngatetheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01268 465 465.

Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, SS16 4UH Sessions must be booked in advance by calling 01268 550088

Pond dipping

Monday 9 to Tuesday 10 February 2015 at 7.30pm

Equipped with a working pub, live piano accompaniment, music hall singing, a dog and a feast of physical comedy, settle yourself in for a night out to remember!

For more information visit:

Event

Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat (2014)

12.30 pm & 1.30pm

£1.50 per child

1.00 pm & 2pm

Cottage tour £1 per person

2.30 pm

£1 to purchase a brick

Venue Hire 2015 Planning a kids birthday party, christening, wedding in 2015 why not visit Basildon Council’s website which has a host of venues which are available to hire throughout the year. We have a wide range wide of facilities suitable for all occasions in Basildon, Wickford and Billericay so why not check out the council’s website for more information at www.basildon. gov.uk/roomhire

For other events at Wat Tyler visit their website at www.wattylercountrypark.org.uk

To advertise in the Leisure guide of the Borough Diary or to enquire about rates call 01268 294201/294266 or email angela.savage@basildon.gov.uk or antonia.jones@basildon.gov.uk

Tell us your vieWs Tell us your views on the new leisure guide, which has been produced after feedback from our recent reader survey where you told us that you would like to see more news on events and activities in the borough. Visit: www.basildon.gov.uk/leisuresurvey

Twitter @basildoncouncil

WINTER 2014

BASILDON CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Highlights from this year’s Basildon Christmas Festival

business funding for digital skills recruitment Businesses in Essex can get up to £4,000 funding when they appoint a young person to a position that uses digital technology through Digital Skills for Growth. New developments in digital technology offer businesses in Essex significant opportunities to grow. However, it is often difficult to identify candidates with the right skills. Digital Skills for Growth is an Essex Employment and Skills Board programme delivered by Essex County Council that offers funding to businesses when they employ a young person aged 19 to 24. Up to £4,000 (at up to 70% contribution from the programme) is available to train the young person in advanced skills related to the use of digital technology. Funding is available to Basildon borough businesses that are currently trading and operate in the advanced manufacturing, care, construction, creative, health, technology or logistics sectors.

Some examples of training areas are computer aided design, website design and development, IT project management, software development, computer programming, digital marketing and social media, multi-media production, systems architecture, data security and data analytics. Businesses planning to recruit that would like to apply, or find out more about Digital Skills for Growth, can visit http:// essexpartnership.org/content/ skillsgrowth/. For questions about the programme please contact the Digital Skills for Growth team at skillsgrowth@essex.gov.uk or on 0333 013 1288. Essex County Council also delivers funding for apprenticeships and works with local schools to encourage further participation of young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. For more information, please contact the Digital Skills for Growth team.

Transforming the borough Continued from page 1 LAINDON CENTRE IMPROVEMENTS

In Laindon, investment near the town centre is set to improve the area. The council has committed £50,000 to spend on works to improve the area around the Laindon Centre. As the Laindon Centre is in private ownership, the council is unable to carry out any work on the centre itself. However, a cross-party working group has committed to do all it can to improve the surrounding area for residents. As well as being fully committed to working with partners to encourage further investment in the area and the centre itself,

Basildon Council will be carrying out a range of improvement works on the land it owns around the centre. This will include repairing walls, removing graffiti, weeding and improving hedging and removing any obstructions to enhance security around the centre. Cllr Dr Richard Moore, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, said: “We have allocated these funds but it is crucial we spend every penny of it wisely to ensure value for money for our residents and it has the potential to attract joint funding from others. “Once the Laindon Centre has a new owner we will work with them to see what other opportunities there are to regenerate and improve the area.”

Facebook.com/basildonboroughcouncil

WINTER 2014

reporting Hate crime Residents can now report hate crime in Basildon town centre after the Basildon Centre became an accredited Hate Incident Reporting Centre (HIRC). This means the general public will be able to report a hate crime or hate incident at the centre in St. Martin’s Square by contacting the Anti Social Behaviour Team or Basildon Council’s Hate Crime Ambassador. Individuals can also report hate crime to Essex Police or Essex Crimestoppers. HIRCs work in partnership with Essex Police to make Basildon borough a safer place by providing a co-ordinated response to hate crime from partner agencies. This is done by supporting and

encouraging the increased reporting of hate crime within the community at locations where victims feel safe and comfortable. Cllr Terri Sargent, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for environment and community, said: “Crucial to making residents feel safe in their communities is reducing crime in the borough, and hate crime and/or hate incidents are often under-reported by people. This is often because individuals do not know how they can report it. “With the launch of this new centre, it is hoped this will give people greater confidence to report these incidents rather than tolerating them.”

To report hate crime, contact the Anti Social Behaviour Team by calling 01268 533333 (option 5, then option 2), write to the team at the Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, SS14 1DL or email asb@basildon.gov.uk; or by contacting Basildon Council’s Hate Crime Ambassador Shamrika Sydes on 01268 294329, writing to her at the Basildon Centre or emailing shamrika. sydes@basildon.gov.uk. Individuals can also report a hate crime/incident by contacting Essex Police on 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency), or Essex Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111(call anonymously with information about crime).

Looking after the community From low cost door to door minibus services to toe nail cutting and mobility aid hire, Basildon Community Transport Services (BCTS) is there for Basildon borough residents. BCTS, a voluntary group, helps residents who have difficulty getting out and about in the borough due to mobility issues or difficulty accessing public transport. The group also has a team of trained toe nail cutting professionals available for residents who struggle to complete this essential task. Cabinet member for environment

and community, Cllr Terri Sargent, said: “Basildon Community Transport Services does a fantastic job helping residents with mobility problems get out and enjoy life away from their home. BCTS also has a mobility aid hire scheme so if you need to rent a manual wheelchair, walker, Zimmer frame or crutches, they offer a low cost alternative.” For more information on becoming a member of BCTS and for bookings call 01268 294 235 (mobility aid hire), 01268 465 858 (community transport) or 01268 294 334 (community toe nail cutting).

Don’t let a turkey spoil your Christmas

Christmas cooks are being reminded of three key messages on the preparation and cooking of turkeys and other poultry: • don’t wash it • defrost it thoroughly • cook it properly Washing meat or poultry can cause harmful food poisoning bacteria to splash on to worktops, chopping boards, dishes and utensils, where they can linger for days. Cllr Dr Richard Moore, Basildon Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for food safety, said: “Christmas is

What is hate crime? Any criminal offence which is perceived by any person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s race/ethnicity, religion/belief, gender/gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or any other actual or perceived difference.

What is A hate incident? An incident that does not constitute a criminal offence but is perceived by any person to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice towards a person’s race/ethnicity, religion/belief, gender/ gender identity, disability or sexual orientation.

HELP FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS From 13 December 2014 new labelling Regulations come into force. This will change how allergy information on pre-packed food is displayed and how places you eat out at provide you with information on allergens. You will now find allergy information emphasised within the ingredient list on packaging. The old allergen warning boxes may still be seen but will direct you to the ingredient list for the information. For a period of time you may see both old and new labelling in shops as stocks are used up. Restaurants and takeaways are also required to make information on allergenic ingredients available to

a wonderful time of the year and celebrating with food is a big part of it. To avoid spoiling Christmas day with a nasty bout of food poisoning it’s important to remember the key messages about how to prepare food safely.” Partially defrosted turkeys are another common festive food safety blunder. When it’s completely thawed there won’t be any ice crystals inside the cavity of the bird. You can also test it with a fork to tell whether the meat feels frozen. Thorough cooking will ensure that any food poisoning bugs are killed. To ensure

customers. You may see new or more detailed information on menus, or signs directing you to where more information on allergens can be found. If you know you are allergic to one of the 14 common allergens listed in legislation you can obtain more information from the food outlet on the ingredients used in their food to help you make a decision about your choice of meal. It is hoped the new regulations will make it easier for people to make a more informed choice on the food they choose to eat. More information is available from the NHS Choices website: http://www.nhs. uk/conditions/food-allergy

that the turkey is cooked properly, make sure it is piping hot all the way through. Try to buy a turkey that’s realistic for your needs - the bigger the turkey the more difficult it is to prepare and cook safely. Cut into the thickest part (between the breast and thigh) to check that none of the meat is pink, and juices run clear. For more information on how to prepare your Christmas dinner safely, or to use online turkey cooking or defrosting calculators, visit www.eatwellscotland. org/healthydiet/seasonsandcelebrations/ winter/saferchristmaseating/

LOCAL SERVICE DIRECTORY Church

Counselling

Your Ad Here

Southend Mind

"FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU," declares the Lord. JER 29:11 Come and join us and get a warm welcome 14 Dec 10am Toy Service Every Sunday 10am and 6.30pm 21 Dec 10am Messy Church, 6.30pm Carols by Sunday School 10am Candlelight Midweek Fellowship Wednesday 1.45pm 25 Dec 10.30am Christmas Service Manor Mission Church, Manor Road, Laindon, Basildon www.manormissionchurch.org.uk

For better mental health

MINDFUL COUNSELLING is an established Private Service set up by Basildon Mind and adheres to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Codes of Ethics and Practice. All Counsellors are fully qualified to a minimum of Diploma Level. Counselling appointments can be offered outside of normal office hours. For further confidential information please telephone: Patricia Holdsworth B.Sc. Hons., Counselling Manager, on 01268 284130.

To advertise here call the Sponsorship Officer on 01268 294201 or email angela.savage@basildon. gov.uk As with all Borough Diary adverts, publication does not imply any guarantee of service or recommendation by Basildon Borough Council.

Twitter @basildoncouncil

WINTER 2014

customer service centre celebrates first birthday BASILDON Council’s Customer Service Centre (CSC) celebrated its first anniversary recently. When the centre was formally opened in September last year it signalled the beginning of a new way of working. With a centralised, modern and customer-focused approach, significant changes have been made to the way the council manages enquiries for customers face to face, over the phone, and online. A year on and the hard work is beginning to translate into an improved customer experience.

over 90% of customers are satisfied with service received Over £250,000 savings achieved

CSC staff celebrating its first anniversary

Customer satisfaction levels regularly exceed 90 per cent, waiting times to speak to an advisor when visiting the centre are down (by an average of nearly 5 minutes) and over £250,000 of savings have now been banked. This is a notable achievement given the number of customers contacting the service over that year with nearly 500,000 calls received, and over 110,000 face to facevisitors. Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council, said: “Our residents deserve the best and our CSC is helping to deliver just that, a first class quality service helping

us to get the basics right each and every day - providing a great service in more modern and efficient ways. Our customers like it too and we are seeing satisfaction levels at over 90 per cent - a massive achievement especially when you think there has been so much change in the last 12 months. “Over that period customer contact has gone up nearly a quarter, but waiting times are down and I’m pleased to see this trend continuing. “This is good news for the council and great news for our residents using our services.”

Council Tax & Housing Benefit Online Services We have introduced more Council Tax and Housing Benefit services online, you can access information and apply at your own convenience 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Council Tax • • •

You can sign up to view your account online. When you have registered you will be able to use this service to access your details 24 hours a day. Apply for a Council Tax Discount or Exemption using our interactive application form. Set up a Direct Debit online, the most convenient way to pay your Council Tax with a choice of four different dates.

Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support • • • •

Use our online calculators to work out how much benefit you may be entitled to. Make your application online at a time convenient to you. Report your change of circumstances online – no need to phone or visit our offices. Apply online for additional discretionary help with your rent or Council Tax.

Email us at counciltaxandbenefits@basildon.gov.uk If you are unable to use our online services you can call us on 01268 533333. Visit www.basildon.gov.uk

WWW.

Facebook.com/basildonboroughcouncil

WINTER 2014

Help keep vulnerable adults safe Do you know a vulnerable adult whose safety you are concerned about? AskSAL (Safeguarding Adults Line) is a helpline providing advice and information regarding the abuse (actual or suspected)

and safety of vulnerable adults in Basildon borough and Essex. People can be abused in many ways, including physically, emotionally, sexually, financially. They can also be discriminated

COUNCILLOR SURGERIES Cllr Allen & Cllr Sargent 1st Saturday of each month 9.30am-10.30am at Noak Bridge Village Hall, Coppice Lane, and on the 3rd Saturday 9am - 10am at Willowfield Hall, Osier Drive 9am - 10am Cllr Allport-Hodge 1st Saturday of month noon to 1pm at Langdon Hills Women’s Institute Hall, Samuel Road SS16 6EZ. Cllr Baggott, Cllr Blake and Cllr Moore Last Saturday of the month 10am to noon in different streets in the Ward. Annual schedule to be published January 2015. Cllr Ball, Cllr Le Gresley, Cllr Harrison and Cllr Holliman 1st Saturday of month 10am- noon (except January) at Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, from 10am- noon Cllr Bobbin Call for details: 0788 6 573905 Cllr Brown Call for details: 07791 109436 Cllr Callaghan Contact directly on 07908 698743 to make an appointment. Also does home visits and meet with residents at any place in Pitsea. Also available before and after Pitsea Community Panel meetings Cllr Clancy 1st Saturday of month 12.30pm - 1.30pm, Room 6, The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre. No surgery in January 2015. Cllr Davies Call for details: 01268 459285

against, or neglected. Any concerns regarding maltreatment of an adult are taken seriously and will be investigated. Anyone with knowledge or concerns that a vulnerable adult is at risk of abuse, or is being

Cllr Ellis 1st Saturday of month 10am-noon in Basildon Library, St Martin’s Square. Cllr Ferguson and Cllr Malsbury Last Saturday in month 11am-1pm at Laindon Community Centre, Aston Road. Cllr A Gordon Call for details: 07817 865202 Cllr Hedley, Cllr Lawrence and Cllr Turner & Cllr Dadds, Cllr Schrader and Cllr Sullivan Last Saturday of the month (except December) 10.30am- noon In the Library, High Street, Billericay – no appointment necessary

Cllr Munyambu Call for details: 07551 526956 Cllr P A Rackley and Cllr P W Rackley 1st Monday and 3rd Tuesday of the month 2pm to 3pm at the Basildon Community Resource Centre, 1 The Gore, Basildon Cllr Scarola Call for details: 07984 943349 Cllr Sheppard 4th Saturday of month 1pm - 3pm at Fryerns Library, Whitmore Way, Basildon

Cllr Hillier Call for details: 01268 490201

Cllr K Smith 3rd Saturday of month 12 noon - 1pm at Kingswood Playgroup Centre, Clay Hill Road, SS16 5AD

Cllr Hyde Call for details: 01268 414126

Cllr N Smith Call for details: 01268 545483

Cllr Jackman Call for details: 01268 571843

Cllr Taylor Call for details: 01268 419153

Cllr Larkin Call for details: 01268 294354

Cllr Ward 1st Saturday of month from 12.30pm1.30pm, Room 6, The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre

Cllr McGurran Call for details: 07710 613928 Cllr Morris Call for details: 01268 457488 Cllr Mowe Call for details: 01268 463564

Cllr G Williams Call for details: 01268 415348 More councillor details are available at www.basildon.gov.uk

abused is encouraged to report their concerns to 08452 66 66 63. For details visit asksal.org. uk. AskSAL is a partnership project between Southend, Essex and Thurrock Safeguarding Adults Boards and Essex County Council.

Interested in fostering? Can you give a child a home? Essex County Council (ECC) is keen to hear from anyone interested in fostering, particularly carers who are able to offer placements for children over eight, children with complex needs, sibling groups and children with disabilities. The simple criteria to become a foster carer is available at www. essex.gov.uk/Health-Social-Care/ Care-Children A fostering event is being held on Thursday 29 January 2015 at the Holiday Inn Cranes Farm Road, Basildon at 7pm. It will give residents the opportunity to get further information and advice on fostering, meet experienced foster carers, and speak with Social Workers. To find out more about these events, including booking a place, or to discuss the fostering process, call the Recruitment line on 0800 801 530 or email adoptionandfostering@essex. gov.uk.

Twitter @basildoncouncil

CONFERENCE AND MEETING ROOM HIRE at Wat Tyler

Our contemporary conference and meeting spaces are located in stunning parkland in the heart of South Essex. The Wat Tyler Centre and Green Centre are ideal venues for meetings, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, training sessions and business away days. We are a short walk from Pitsea Railway station, 10 miles from direct access to the M25 and just a 40 minute commute from London by train and road. Together with our digital and audio/visual facilities, catering options, free parking and nearby local amenities, Wat Tyler will be the perfect venue to host your business event. For further information call 01268 550088 or email: info@wattylercountrypark.org.uk or visit our website at www.wattylercountrypark.org.uk Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH Follow us for events and offers: @wattylercp /wattylercp

WINTER 2014

Locals care for rare cattle Local volunteers have been inspired to care for a rare breed of cattle. Much to the delight of Basildon Council Countryside Services staff at Wat Tyler Country Park and Mill Meadows Nature Reserve a number of local volunteers have come forward to be trained in basic husbandry skills to care for a rare breed of cattle called ‘Red Poll’. Since May about a dozen volunteers at Mill Meadows have expressed an interest

in training to care for the cattle. The volunteers mostly from the Mill Meadows Society in Billericay have been assisting the ranger by conducting daily checks necessary to ensure the health of the cattle. Cllr Kevin Blake, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Arts at Basildon Council said: “It’s great that volunteers are coming forward to learn basic skills of husbandry, because it is important that our livestock are given the

PLEASE don’t feed the ducks BASILDON Council is urging residents to stop feeding the bird life at a popular borough park to help prevent the spread of rats. In recent months the rat population by the lake in Lake Meadows, Billericay, has flourished after feeding off leftover

bread people have thrown in the lake for the ducks and other birds. The council will also be putting up signs on the feeding platforms and at various points around the lake warning of the risks. Cllr Kevin Blake, deputy leader and cabinet member for leisure and arts, said: “We understand how much people enjoy going to the park with their families to feed the ducks, especially in the summer months. However, as a responsible local authority it is time we stepped in and took action so the problem doesn’t worsen and pose a significant health risk to park visitors. “We can not do this alone. Without residents playing their part we will not be able to control the rat population.”

shaping the future of sport A new initiative will help residents shape the future of sport and physical activity in Basildon borough. Active Basildon has recently embarked upon a new sports initiative, which will see it work with local residents to develop ideas that will help improve their health and well-being together with their participation in sport and physical activities. This new initiative involves encouraging members from local sports clubs to participate in its online survey, so Active Basildon can look at ways of working with them to develop the sports provision in the borough. The results of the survey, will be used to organise sports club clinics, with the aim of meeting with residents to help target areas of improvement. Active Basildon Chair Steve Mitchell said: “This is a great opportunity for the business community and local residents to

shape and influence the sport and physical activity offer for Basildon borough. “I look forward to hearing from people with ideas, inspiration and entrepreneurial concepts which we can hopefully support and test to improve the current landscape.” This new initiative will see the coming together of Active Basildon and its extensive range of local and Countrywide partners, which includes Basildon Borough Council and Everyone Active who will look at ways to identify and shape the future needs of leisure and culture within the borough. For further information about Active Basildon including the club survey or the upcoming club clinics, or if you are keen to get involved and have your say, please email us at activebasildon@basildon.gov. uk. The survey can also be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey. com/s/activebasildon

care they need to support our grazing projects. “The opportunity to use Red Poll cattle also helps support a native breed at risk.” Red Poll cattle are popular for grazing nature conservation creating the ideal conditions for a range of wild flowers, fungi, insects and invertebrates. Mill Meadows is a very old grassland system that requires the sort of management care that the Red Poll cattle can provide.

Red Poll

Accolades for cricket groundsmen Dedicated cricket groundsmen Richard O’Connell (left) and Burrus Nigel from Basildon Council Parks Team recently received a special recognition award from Basildon and Pitsea Cricket Club for their excellent maintenance of Mopsies park, home to Basildon and Pitsea Cricket Club.

Cricket groundsmen with their awards

New Year Do you want to:

Keep fit to lose weight? Build muscle? Motivate yourself to exercise?

New you

The Pulse Health Studio offers it customers: · Free personal fitness programme · Fully equipped Pulse Health Studio · Pulse Fitness and Zumba Classes Monthly gym membership from £16, Pay as you go from £3 per session. Fitness classes from £3 per session.

Pulse Health Studio normal opening times: Monday to Friday 9am-10pm Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 9am-3pm For more information please call 01268 465420 or visit our website: www.basildon.gov.uk/theplace : twitter.com/pitsealeisurece : /pitsealeisurecentre

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

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