Borough Diary Autumn 2013 by Basildon Council

Traders will be selling high quality products including:

27th- 28th September Wickford High Street

9am - 5pm

Autumn 2013

www.basildon.gov.uk

-apply now!

PLUS Come and see the Heart Angels at lunchtime on Friday, play the Wheel of Fortune and have a chance of winning a great prize each day. FREE PARKING from 11am (Wickford Main, Ladygate, Swimming Pool)

Tel: 01268 294201 Email: angela.savage@basildon.gov.uk www.basildon.gov.uk/events

Look out for the Towngate Theatre Brochure delivered FREE with this edition of the Borough Diary.

£1million community investment Fund

Britanny biscuits, Italian nougat, pungent cheeses, Tartiflette from the Alps, fresh breads, croissants and much, much more!

One million pounds of community funding is set to start being awarded as the first round of Community Investment Fund (CIF) applications are considered. In June Basildon Council launched the £1million fund to assist community and voluntary groups looking to deliver projects that would create greater opportunities for local people. So far four briefing sessions have been held with dozens of groups attending to find out how they can qualify for funding to carry out their community projects. Two funding application writing workshops will be held in September to help groups looking to submit applications of the highest standard. Basildon Council’s cabinet member for community services, Cllr Terri Sargent, said: “We

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have had a very positive response from participants attending the briefing sessions held so far, and have already started receiving applications from community and voluntary groups. “As applications are assessed every two months, it is not too late to apply for CIF and I urge anyone, groups or individuals, thinking about applying for funding to attend an upcoming workshop. These workshops will give you a better understanding of the CIF’s criteria and how to submit applications of a high standard to give you the best chance of being successful with your funding bid. “The most important criteria for CIF is projects must provide a service meeting an unmet need in the community while promoting and increasing volunteering within the borough.

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“So apply early as, although CIF is open to application until next January, it will close early if the £1million funding is allocated to community projects before then.” The application writing workshops will be held on Thursday 5 September from 7pm to 9pm at Towngate Theatre, Basildon and Thursday 19 September from 10am to noon at the St. George’s Suite, Basildon Centre. All workshop places must be booked in advance by contacting Basildon Council’s funding officer on 01268 294303 or by emailing janet.light@basildon.gov.uk . For more information on CIF, or to download the application forms and guidance notes, visit www.basildon.gov.uk/cif The deadline for CIF applications is Tuesday 14 January 2014. ing

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PITSEA CENTRE REGEneRATION

The latest artistic impression of how Pitsea will be transformed as part of its redevelopment. See page 3 for more information

AUTUMN 2013

Mayor’s Message from Cllr Mo Larkin To comment on any story in this edition of the Borough Diary, please write to: Michelle EdwardsNorcisse, Editor, Borough Diary, Basildon Borough Council, The Basildon Centre, St. Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL, or email michelle.edwardsnorcisse@basildon.gov.uk. About the Borough Diary: This newspaper is produced by the Marketing and 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: For translations, or to receive the Borough Diary in an alternative format, please call 01268 294590.

Mayor of Basildon Borough Council I hope you have all enjoyed the lovely weather we’ve had over the past few months, and had the chance to take part in the numerous summer fêtes and fun days held across the borough. Over the summer I have been visiting some of Basildon borough’s major employers, who are instrumental in ‘supporting and developing our local economy’ (the council’s 4th promise to you), as we aim to create opportunity for local people In May I visited FordNew Holland and Gardener Aerospace and saw first hand how these two manufacturing businesses help drive industry in the borough as well as nationally, while providing apprenticeship opportunities to local residents. My fund raising drive for the charities I support continues,

seven Down, five to go!

‘Pride days’ Seven thousand residents across the borough have benefitted from a “Pride in your Area” day so far in 2013. Each event is held on a Saturday, with council officers collecting waste and recycling from more than 1,000 properties in each area. Graffiti removal, street sweeping and litter picking also take place– alongside a deep clean. Cabinet member for the environment, John Dornan, said: “These days really help us to improve the areas we live in and it has been well received by the residents.

“By the end of this year, 38,000 households will have benefitted from a “Pride in your Area” day since it was introduced. “These days allow householders to get rid of large and bulky items they might struggle with, and it allows our street cleansing team to get into some areas and deep clean – over and above the usual high standards of our staff. “We have five more days planned for this year – so if you receive a ‘Pride in your Area’ leaflet before the day, make sure you make the most of this service.”

and in July West and Coe held its annual golf day at Langdon Hills which raised approximately £15,000 for St Luke’s Hospice, Basildon Women’s Aid, Age Matters Basildon and DIAL Basildon. I am looking forward to the coming weeks with Basildon and Pitsea carnival on Saturday 7 September and the Wickford fun day on Saturday 21 September. In November, the Christmas season begins in the borough with the Basildon Christmas Festival which takes place on Saturday 16 November at St. Martin’s Square. With a camel and king parade, nativity scene, children’s rides and games, a Christmas market, choir singing, plus lots of food and mulled wine, followed by the light switch on at 6pm, there will be lots of fun for all the family to enjoy so I hope to see you there!

Basildon Christmas Festival takes place on Saturday 16 November

INNOVATIVE SOLUTION FOR TOWN SHOPS Basildon Council is to work with local agents and landlords to help set up pop up shops in Wickford town centre, following recent reports of three shop closures in the town. The council will look to take over some empty units and then offer them on a short term basis to start up businesses or artists for example to show off their work and products at an affordable cost. If the Wickford pilot proves to be a success, it could be rolled out across the borough. Cllr Tony Ball, leader of the council, said: “We are committed to creating opportunity for local people, and this could be an innovative way of doing that in Wickford. “There has been some recent shop closures in the town, which could give us the opportunity to take some of them over on a short term basis and add some vibrancy into the area and offer a chance to some local entrepreneurs.” Wickford is set for a further boost with work set to start on a renovation of the swimming pool(see back page for details) and improvements to the regular market. A continental market will also be held at the end of September. Businesses interested in exploring opportunities to set up a temporary pop up shop should contact Lucy Payne in the council’s economic development team by emailing lucy.payne@basildon.gov.uk.

Join the Tenant Scrutiny Panel BASILDON Council is appealing for tenants and leaseholders to apply to join a panel that will scrutinise and challenge the housing service. The council is looking for eight individuals, all of whom must be tenants or leaseholders, to apply to be on the new Tenant and Leaseholder Scrutiny Panel. Not only will this panel scrutinise performance but they will also investigate stage three complaints from tenants and leaseholders to find a swift and acceptable solution. The council hopes to have the panel in place by October this year and those selected will be required to attend quarterly meetings with some ad hoc meetings being required should there be any complaint issues. If you are interested in being a part of this new panel, or would like further information, please contact the Resident Involvement Team on 01268 465082. The closing date for all applications is Monday 23 September 2013.

AUTUMN 2013

CRUNCH TIMES The Crunch Service is a mobile waste disposal facility that tours the borough which residents can use 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.

full steam ahead for pitsea development

The Crunch is from 9am to noon at each site, unless otherwise stated. Further details are available at www.basildon.gov.uk

7 September Pitsea Mount Brackendale Ave. Billericay - Radford Crescent Car Park Vange - Redgrave Rd 9-10.30 Southview Road opp Dentist 10.30-12 Kingswood - Playgroup Centre opp. shops 14 September Wickford - The Wick Country Park Fryerns – Ghyllgrove Opposite the upway Laindon - Little Oxcroft Service Road Chalvedon - Mill Green Layby near car park 21 September Wickford - Alderney Gdns Rear of Shops Billericay - Little Burstead Car Park Fryerns - Frypa Hall Vange - Barge PH 9-11 Ryedene 11-12 28 September Wickford - Rettendon View 9-11 SS11 8HU 11-12 Pippin Court Langdon Hills - Valence Way Junction with Debden Green Laindon West - Thornton Way /Sparkbridge Parking Area Pitsea – Wilsener Next to Trenham Centre 5 October Barstable West - Church Rd Junction with Clickett Hill Billericay - Radford Crescent – Car Park Laindon Link Monastery Drive 12 October Wickford - Kershaws Close Rear of Nevendon Rd Shops Laindon - Noak Bridge Coppice Lane Laindon – Five Links Somercotes - Next To Shops Bowers Gifford Westlake Path Off Pound Lane

Striking images shows how Pitsea town centre will look when redevelopment by London and Cambridge properties is finished in February 2015. The front page shows how a new 75,000

Work underway to improve Laindon Shopping Centre WORK has begun to repair Laindon Shopping Centre’s pot-hole ridden car park in a bid to attract potential buyers to the site. The work, which started at the beginning of August, forms part of an agreement between Basildon Council and administrators BDO to make it an attractive prospect for buyers. Cllr Malcolm Buckley, councillor responsible for regeneration, said: “The administrator promised us it would spend some money on making the centre a bit tidier and safer and I’m delighted work has begun. “We need to attract buyers to the site and this is a step in the right direction.” BDO have been appointed as the administrators for the Laindon Centre in May after the owner Laindon Regeneration, which bought the site in 2007, ran into financial problems.

square foot Morrisons supermarket, new Aldi store, new market and improved shopfronts will transform the town. Pembroke House offices will also get a facelift. Work has now started and is being phased

to allow existing shops to continue trading. The new Morrisons is due to open in February 2015. For more information on the project, visit www.pitsearegeneration.co.uk

nethermayne’s 725 homes project gets housebuilder BASILDON based housebuilder Redrow has been chosen by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to build around 700 new homes on land owned by the HCA and South Essex College (SEC) at Nethermayne, Basildon. The new homes will form part of a wider redevelopment site, which will also include a new primary school, public open space, highways improvements and land for St Luke’s Hospice. Outline planning consent for 725 homes was resolved for approval in June and the public will get a chance to view and make comment on a detailed application when it is submitted. Keith Parrett, managing director at Redrow Homes (South East), said:

“This location has great potential for a sustainable new neighbourhood, which would make a considerable contribution to meeting local housing needs and have a strong emphasis on quality family homes, along with boosting the local economy.” Cllr Malcolm Buckley, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “I am pleased that the HCA are progressing well with this important project and are working with Redrow to bring forward a full planning application. Redrow are a reputable and quality housebuilder and the fact they have a Basildon base is a real bonus.” Mike Goulding, senior area manager at the HCA said: “Redrow submitted a high quality proposal for the site and we look forward to working with them as our development partner for Nethemayne.”

AUTUMN 2013

providing A better customer experience for residents A simplified telephone system, enhanced website and changes to our visiting centre, are just a few ways Basildon Council is improving customer service for residents. As part of the council’s commitment to getting the basics right and delivering value for money services to all of our customers, the council has been focusing on improving the customer experience recently by making changes to the way we interact with customers in our visiting centre, our telephone service and online. Cabinet member for community, Cllr Terri

Sargent said: “To improve our Customer Service Centre we are simplifying our telephone system, as well as training our advisors to be multi-skilled, enabling them to be able to resolve enquires across a wide range of services as efficiently as possible. “A main enquiry number, 01268 533333, will operate from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and means customers will be able call this number to access a variety of services once it is fully operational, rather than having to remember a separate number for each service.” Changes to the reception area are also being made, and people can now use a self-service queuing system, much The cashier desk has now closed like systems used in your local Post and there are a number of self-serve Office or bank. machines that you can use to: Residents can also save time by making payments on the web by visiting Pay council tax www.basildon.gov.uk/payments Pay business rates Customers can visit the centre during the opening hours of 8.30am Pay rent and 5pm, Monday to Friday, and Pay invoices there is a payments service on Saturdays with Customer Advisors Pay for refuse sacks on hand to answer payment queries, Pay parking or litter fines from 9am to 1pm.

Customer Service – where we are going As a council we know our customers lead increasingly busy lives, and what you want is for us to resolve your enquiries in a timely, polite and professional fashion. That is why we have centralised our customer service operations and multi-skilled our staff so that they can resolve a host of enquiries at point of contact, rather then transferring, putting on hold, or having to ‘get back in touch’ with customer. We live in a 24/7 society where customers want to access services at a time that suits them best; whether that be doing the weekly shop online at 10pm when the kids are in bed, or paying the car tax without going to the Post Office. The way many people access services is changing. It is estimated that 80% of adults in the UK use the internet at least once a week, and councils can achieve an estimated 20 times more customer transactions online than face to face. The average cost to the council of a face to face transaction is £8.62, compared to £2.83 on the phone, and £0.15 online. This shows the savings that can be made to tax payers’ money by using other methods of contact. But the changes we have made are about more than cost. Customers speaking to us over the phone or online can do this from almost anywhere, at a time that suits you. We believe this is an important improvement for many of you – rather than having to take a trip to the Basildon Centre to speak to us. When customers do come to see us face to face, we have redesigned things so that self-serve machines empower customers to help themselves where possible. The result of this is that it will often be quicker for you and it also costs the tax payer less money.

ARE YOU 15-19 YEARS OLD FROM THE BASILDON BOROUGH? Come along with your parent to: Your Future 2013 - Parents’ Evening Tuesday 8th October 2013 3.30pm - 8pm Towngate Theatre, Basildon

Visit 30+ exhibitors including colleges, training providers, sixth forms and companies Learn about apprenticeships, vocational training and different types of careers For more information Please contact Angela Savage on: Tel: 01268 294201 Email: angela.savage@basildon.gov.uk

AUTUMN 2013

Together Against Crime 2013

(Clockwise) Fusion Actz, police dog and child, and mobile police unit at the event

Operation Bisley BASILDON Community Safety Partnership is delivering a crime fighting initiative aimed at reducing crime in known troubled spots. Operation Bisley, led by Essex Police, is a multi-agency ‘pop-up’ response in areas hit with high levels of crime or in response to specific types of crime. Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators and Community Wardens join three PCSO’s on each deployment to encourage residents to become active citizens within their local area When Operation Bisley was carried out in Beambridge, Pitsea, crime reduction advice on vehicle crime and burglary was given with leaflets being left at every address. Contact with residents also resulted in a new Neighbourhood Watch Scheme being set up in the area. Officers stated 99 per cent of residents spoken to were supportive of the police and the approach being taken, and eager to be involved in community engagement.

Basildon Business Against Crime

YOUNG talent took to the stage as part of this year’s Together Against Crime event in Basildon town centre in July. The Community Stage showcased young local singers and dance groups and was hosted by Gateway 97.8 presenter, 15-yearold Harry Carnaby, who introduced each of the acts throughout the day. Members of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes Basildon Council, Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue Service, organised the event. Cllr Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: “Together Against Crime is aimed at local partners engaging with the community to raise awareness of the initiatives being undertaken by the CSP in an effort to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and create a safer borough. “This annual event was the perfect opportunity for local residents to express their views on

crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in their local area to partners, as well as enjoy watching some of the borough’s best young talent perform on the community stage.” There was a marquee with information stands from agencies including Basildon Council, Essex Probation, Basildon Women’s Aid, Westminster Drugs Project, Family Mosaic, Vitality and Basildon Hate Crime Panel. This year’s event included interactive activities such as the Community Wheels vehicle which has a state-of-the-art driving simulator to measure your response to hazards on the road, the Mock Prison Cell and people could check out both the Basildon SOS Bus and Essex County Council Youth Bus. Other attractions included a Fire Engine, Essex Police Mobile Unit, Essex Police Dog Unit and Essex Police Marine Unit. To keep up to date on CSP news and updates, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ basildoncsp

Fryerns: focus FOR next Csaz FRYERNS is the next area to become a Community Safety Action Zone (CSAZ). Following the success of the St Martin’s CSAZ, the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has decided

to make Fryerns the focus of the next crime reducing initiative. The aim is to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour within the ward and share resources and intelligence. In a new approach

adopted by the CSP there will be no time limit on how long the CSAZ will operate. Each CSAZ will be deployed until partners decide that objectives have been achieved before moving onto a new area.

Volunteer Recruitment Campaign BASILDON Community Safety Partnership is supporting a recruitment campaign to get more volunteers to help victims of domestic violence. The campaign is being led by Victim Support which managed almost 5,000 cases of domestic violence during 2012. Due to the nature of this role prospective volunteers will need to demonstrate proven experience of working with vulnerable people either professionally or in previous volunteering roles, and be able to give four to five hours volunteering time per week.

A NEW borough-wide initiative is cracking down on shoplifters. BASILDON Business Against Crime is continuing to grow with 75 members across Basildon, Pitsea, Wickford and Billericay. The scheme aims to help security staff keep an eye out

for the worst shoplifters so they can ensure they reduce the risk of them committing offences. Shops which have been given folders with details of know shoplifters signed a contract with Essex Police, with conditions that the folder would be kept securely with only members of staff

Victim Support provide an accredited training package and continuous support which can be used to build personal and professional development. The next training event is planned for October 2013 and the charity reimburses all volunteer out of pocket expenses. For additional information, or an application form , contact 01277 357555. If anyone in Essex is a victim of domestic violence they can access the free and confidential, client centred services from Victim Support by calling 0845 4565 995 or visiting www.victimsupport.org.uk

having access to it. As part of the scheme ,the CSAZ funded posters for the shops to put up which state they have a zero tolerance to thieves. Sgt Simon Gray, of Basildon Police Retail Crime Unit, said: “We’ve given these folders to staff for them to have an idea of who they should be on the

lookout for with the aim of preventing and detering crime. “No one in the folder has received less than two convictions in the past 12 months, but there are some people in there who have criminal records going back years, with as many as 11 or 12 convictions.“

AUTUMN 2013

closure of premises notice BASILDON Council has issued its first closure notice on a flat which has been at the centre of antisocial behaviour and nuisance. Officers from the council’s anti-social behaviour team and Essex Police swooped on the council-owned property in Clayhill Road, Basildon, in August to issue a closure of premises notice. Cllr Phil Turner, deputy leader of Basildon Council and cabinet member for housing, said: “I would like to

congratulate the council’s anti-social behaviour team for working so effectively with the support of Essex Police to take robust action against those who are involved. “Having been successful in our application these premises will now be closed for a period not exceeding three months to disrupt the ongoing anti social behaviour, significant and persistent disorder and persistent serious nuisance occurring in and around these premises. “We will not tolerate bad behaviour and are committed

to taking action against individuals who think they can make the lives of their neighbours a misery.” The council also has a separate possession order application running on this property. Neighbours who are concerned or want to give information anonymously can do so by contacting the council’s anti-social behaviour team. Call Principal ASB Officer Julie Hennessey on 01268 465133 or Lisa Callaghan on 01268 465134.

FELMORES CLADDING WORKS BEGIN

Two litterers prosecuted

WORK to replace cladding on Basildon’s Felmores estate has begun. Basildon Council is working with Wates Living Space to deliver the external wall insulation and cladding programme to the Felmores estate which is expected to be complete in June next year. Cllr Phil Turner, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: “The homes in Felmores have been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently following July’s fire in Bockingham Green. Before this event it was always the council’s intention to replace the cladding on the homes here and I am pleased to see we are seeing progress.

BASILDON Council has successfully prosecuted another two individuals for dropping litter in a public place. The 19 year old man and 22 year old women from South Ockendon and Corringham respectively were given the opportunity to discharge the offence by payment of a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) in the sum of £75, initially discounted to £50, but failed to do so and were therefore prosecuted. Both offences fall under the

“This programme of works and the consequent consultation with residents gives the people of Felmores a chance to have a say over how their estate will look in the future.” Contractors set up on site during the last week in August followed by a consultation with residents on colour choices. This process will take around four weeks and will allow the contractor to order the right quantities of cladding in the right colours. Construction work to replace the cladding starts in October. The programme includes Devlins, Malyons, Bockingham Green, Littlebury Green, Loxford, Winstree and Bartlow End.

Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the offenders were fined and ordered to pay legal costs and a victim surcharge. Cabinet member for environment, Cllr John Dornan, said: “Our aim is not to fine people but to keep our streets free from litter. As a council, cleaning up after those who drop litter costs us all money. “We hope these examples will make people think twice before dropping their cigarette butts and encourage them to dispose of them responsibly.”

LOCAL SERVICE DIRECTORY Beauty

Computers

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RADIANCE BEAUTY Eversley Leisure Centre Crest Avenue, Pitsea SS13 2EF

TEETH WHITENING £69 or £59 each for 2 people together OR 20min taster session for £10 SHELLAC NAILS

£25

SPRAY TANS

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and much more!

JESUS SAID: "COME TO ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST." MATT 11:28

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 Psychotheraphy Codes of Ethics and Practice. All Counsellors are fully qualified to a minimum of Diploma Level.

Come and join us and get a warm welcome Every Sunday 10am and 6.30pm Bible Study Tuesday 7.30pm Midweek Fellowship Wednesday 1.45pm

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 289344.

FREE PARKING 10% DISCOUNT for over 60s on Mon/Tues

CALL PENNY NOW on 07799 251799

Dog Grooming

Counselling Southend Mind

Manor Mission Church, Manor Road, Laindon, Basildon www.manormissionchurch.org.uk

Massages

Takeaway

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN PAIN? Maybe it’s time you had a consultation and treatment SPORTS MASSAGE can help you manage musculoskeletal pain, injury and stress Call now, all first appointments HALF PRICE - 07957 151 806 THE MASSAGE BASE, South Benfleet themassagebase.co.uk

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

AUTUMN 2013

COUNCILLOR SURGERIES Billericay East - Andrew Schrader 01268 541340, David Dadds 01277 829808, Stuart Sullivan 01268 560477. Surgery as Billericay West below. Billericay West - Anthony Hedley 01277 626198, Phil Turner 01277 633918, Daniel Lawrence 01277 657480. Last Saturday of the month (except December) 10.30am to noon at The Library, Billericay High Street. Burstead - Kevin Blake 01268 470597, Paul Arnold 07581 285525, Richard Moore 01277 627266. For details see the “In Touch” leaflet delivered to all households in Burstead Ward or contact by phone. Crouch - Stuart Allen 01268 284225, Terri Sargent 01268 288766. Surgeries on first Saturday of month, 9.30am to 10.30am, Noak Bridge Village Hall, Coppice Lane, Noak Bridge and third Saturday, 9am to 10am, Steeple View Memorial Hall, Willowfields. Fryerns - Alan Davies 01268 525406, Bill Archibald 01268 280593 & 07732 710088, Adele Brown -07791 109436. Laindon Park - John Dornan 01375 851639 & 07834 856231, Jilly Hyde 01268 414126, John Scarola 07984 943349. Langdon Hills - Sandra and Stephen Hillier 01268 490201. Lee Chapel North - Lynda Gordon 079673 33536, Nigel Smith 01268 545483, Alan Bennett 01277 626236. Nethermayne - Geoff Williams 01268 415348, Linda Williams 01268 415348. Surgeries on first Saturday of month at Vange Scout Hut, second Saturday at Kingswood Play Leadership building, third Saturday at Haven Close AP Scheme, fourth Saturday Lee Chapel South Comm. Centre, except August. All 10am to 11am. Andrew Gordon - 07817 865202, last Saturday of month at the Basildon Centre 2pm to 4pm. Pitsea North West - Ron Livesey 01268 470028. Roving surgery within the ward on the first Saturday of month. Keith Bobbin 01268 556158 or 07886 3573905, Gavin Callaghan 07908 698743 by appointment at The Place,Pitsea Leisure Centre, Northlands Pavement on second Saturday of month plus roving surgeries throughout ward. Pitsea South East - David Abrahall 01268 440082, Mo Larkin 01268 413936. Surgeries on second Monday of the month (except Bank Holidays), 6.30pm to 7.30pm, outside Pitsea Leisure Centre. NB. Private interview room available by appointment. Aidan McGurran 07710 613928 by appointment on second Saturday of month at The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre plus roving surgeries. St Martin’s - Phil and Pat Rackley 01268 410700. Surgeries on first Monday and third Tuesday of month (except August), 2pm to 3pm at Basildon Community Resource Centre, 1 The Gore, Basildon. Vange - Daniel Munyambu 075515 26956. Byron Taylor 01268 419153. Wickford Castledon - Nigel Le Gresley 07831897731. Surgery on first Saturday of month (except Sept.), 10am to noon at Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford. Malcolm Buckley 01268 472586. Wickford North - Tony Ball 01268 454564, Carole Morris 01268 457488, Michael Mowe 01268 463564. Wickford Park - Don Morris 01268 457488.

boost for Wickford Park A POPULAR borough park is set to see its facilities improved following a successful funding bid. Basildon Council’s cabinet has accepted £320,000 of grant funding from Veolia and has outlined plans to put in bids for further funding from Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund. It is expected the Veolia funding and funding from the Sport England bid will help fund a refurbishment of the current pavilion and improvements to the changing facilities in Wickford Memorial Park, Rettendon View, Wickford. Cllr Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and arts at Basildon Council, said: “This is an exciting time for the park with lots of plans for its improvement in the future. “The plan is for the park to be a base for the community to enjoy the nature and open space as well as top quality facilities. “The council is committed to securing funding so that we can carry

out this work and improve our assets to benefit the public. The plans include restoring Memorial Avenue, the Garden of Peace and the Riverside Walk for community use, in partnership with the Wickford War Memorial

Association. The plans to refurbish the pavilion include; creating a community café as part of the Basildon Family Project, and a heritage centre for the community. Improvements will also be

made to the park’s access to the park’s river and woodland landscape which is currently only accessible during the drier periods of the year, as well as additional car parking behind the pavilion.

The funding boost will be used to refurbish the current pavillion at Wickford Memorial Park

Rogue trader warning THIEVES who steal clothes from recycling collections will be caught and prosecuted, is the message from Basildon Council. The statement comes after a man was issued a formal police caution in June after admitting to stealing bags of clothes left out for recycling. Cllr John Dornan, cabinet member responsible for the environment, said: “People put their textiles out for recycling in the knowledge they will be recycled properly. However, sometimes these are taken by unscrupulous rag traders who could send the material all over Europe, selling the best material and dumping the rest. “We can guarantee that textiles collected by Basildon Council are either re-used in countries which need the textiles, or recycled to make industrial cleaning products. There are a number of charities and bodies which rely on your old clothes being recycled to carry out their work. “The council has a duty of care over all materials placed out for collection by us – if somebody else collects them without permission, this is theft.” Residents can recycle their old clothes by putting them in a pink recycling sack, attaching a textiles label (available from www.basildon.gov.uk/recycling or council offices) or by attaching a label stating ‘textiles’ on it. Simply put this sack out on your usual pink sack recycling day and they will be collected for recycling. If you are unsure if the vehicle collecting your textiles is genuine, contact Streetcare on 01268 294949.

AUTUMN 2013

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Simon Returns!! For Basildon’s Number One Family Pantomime - rapunzel! Simon Fielding will return to the Towngate Theatre this Christmas for the seventh year running, in this much loved children’s story ‘Rapunzel’. Rapunzel tells the traditional tale of a beautiful young girl who is trapped in a tower until she is rescued by her prince charming. Simon Fielding, who is the director of this year’s pantomime, is delighted to announce that he will star as ‘Simple Simon’ Rapunzel’s best friend. Mr Fielding says that after the success of his six previous productions, which includes Peter Pan in 2012, and saw more than 20,000 people visit the show, he was inspired to put on yet another great production. He said: “I am delighted to come back to Basildon and star in what will be the biggest Christmas spectacular this year and put on yet another great pantomime. “Disney told the story of Tangled which also tells the tale of Rapunzel, and children all over the world have grown to love this story.” Mr Fielding will star alongside a mix of fun characters who will set out on a quest to free Rapunzel from the hands of the evil witch,

who entraps her before her grand birthday celebrations. He said: “We wanted to be different this year and create a wonderful Christmas show that has never been performed at the Towngate Theatre before. “We hope to bring the spirit of Christmas alive with our mix of magical characters for all the family that we know they will thoroughly love and enjoy. “We know Rapunzel will be a joy to watch because what makes this so special is it was voted for by the people of Basildon.” Full of wonderful ideas, popular songs and magical characters and sprinkled with a bit of Towngate panto magic, this will be a must-see show this Christmas for everyone! Book early to ensure you get the best seats for what will be a fantastic family show. This event is not suitable for children under the age of 3 years. Rapunzel runs from the 4 December 2013 to the 5 January 2014 at the Towngate Theatre, St Martin’s Square Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL. Book now by calling the box office on 01268 465465 for further details and best rates. Or visit www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Basildon’s popular

Christmas pantos

2007 Snow White

2010 Aladdin

2008 Cinderella

2011 Dick Whittington

2009 Jack and the Beanstalk

2012 Peter Pan

Year 7: 2013 Rapunzel voted for by the people of Basildon

Join our free mailing list! The Towngate Theatre mailing list is free to join, so why not subscribe to it so we can keep you up-to-date about any news, performances, and special ticket offers via email, Facebook, Twitter and our website. With more than 30 shows and events at the Towngate Theatre, we hope that you will take this opportunity to have a look at the new brochure which came with the Borough Diary to see the full list of great events we have coming up. Our programme at the Towngate Theatre runs from September 2013 until April 2014, and it includes a fantastic line-up of professional and amateur-dramatic shows from Superstars of Soul starring

Ben E. King and Jimmy James to Russian State Ballet and Charlie Landsborough. This year our Christmas Pantomime will be Rapunzel which was voted for by the people of Basildon and will star Simon Fielding as ‘Simple Simon’. With a host of performances for you to choose from we are sure that you will find something of interest. So why not purchase your tickets or take this opportunity to make group bookings with your family or friends, and come along to the town’s only theatre which is the best place in Basildon for live entertainment. There may also be plans to move from printing a hard copy of our brochure to an online publication

in the near future, so why not join our mailing list today and send your email address with details of your name, surname, address, and mobile phone number to towngate@basildon.gov.uk. Once you join we will keep you regularly updated with theatre news, performances and much more. Our brochure is also available to download from our website. Call 01268 465465 to buy your tickets and for further information about ‘What’s on’ at the Towngate visit www.towngatetheatre.co.uk. •

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You will receive regular updates on: o Performances o Ticket discounts o Other special offers o Theatre news Subscribe to our mailing list and send your contact details to towngate@basildon.gov.uk Don’t miss out! ______________________________________ BOX OFFICE INFORMATION Monday - Friday: 9am - 4.30pm Saturday: 10am - 4pm Sunday: One hour before show begins Box Office/Admin: 01268 465465

AUTUMN 2013

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For tickets and information, call the Box Office on 01268 465465 or visit www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

have your next meeting at the towngate theatre The Towngate Theatre is also pleased to announce the newly developed Gielgud room is officially open and available for hire. This new refurbished space which boasts modern décor will be home to many of the theatre’s events, and can be transformed to host a range of functions. The Towngate Theatre has several function and meeting rooms for private or corporate hire that can be used for special occasions, such as business conferences, weddings, and community events. The theatre can also hire its main studio and auditoriums for special performances. The Towngate Theatre can host the following events: • Conferences • Exhibitions • Meetings • Stage performances (Main and Studio auditoriums) • Concert performances (Main and Studio auditoriums) • Dinners, seminars and similar function hire. Also available for hire is the ground floor and upper (1st floor) foyers which are suitable for business and arts events. For meeting or conference room bookings and for information on our hire charges at the Towngate Theatre call 01268 465462 or email richard.long@basildon.gov.uk

Towngate Theatre’s upper foyer

TOWNGATE THEATRE CAFÉ BAR

Towngate Theatre cafe bar interior

The Towngate Theatre Café Bar is open daily Monday to Friday from 8am to serve its customers breakfast and lunch. Diners can enjoy a fine meal and light snacks from our versatile menu in its comfortable setting. The interior of the cafe creates the perfect space for a friendly warm atmosphere with its modern décor, soothing music, and TV screens. A pre-show meal and drinks menu is also available which you can book in advance before attending any of our events at the Towngate Theatre. The Towngate Theatre Café Bar can provide catering for: • Party bookings • Private and Corporate functions • School canteens (for dance groups) • Themed events including weddings • Christmas party bookings • Pre-show meals and drinks menu in conjunction with the Towngate Theatre

Towngate Theatre bar area

For bookings telephone 01268 465466 or for more information email towngate@basildon. gov.uk

What’s on @ the Towngate • An evening with Johnny Herbert - 12 Sept • Superstars of Soul starring Ben E. King & Jimmy James - 22 Sept • Des O’Connor - 5 Nov • Charlie Landsborough - 25 Oct • • • • • •

An evening of Burlesque - 8 Nov American Wrestling - 10 Nov Russian State Ballet - 15 Nov Jongleurs comedy - 20 Nov Mike & the Mechanics - 7 Mar Rapunzel Christmas Pantomine - 4 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014

For a full list of shows and ticket prices see our new brochure or visit our website at www. towngatetheatre.co.uk

AUTUMN 2013

celebration of youth awards nominations open Local young people are holding on a Halloween inspired awards ceremony this October to recognise the outstanding community work other young people are doing in the borough, and they need your nominations now! The Celebration of Youth Awards takes place on Monday 21 October 2013 at the Towngate Theatre and is run by young people, in partnership with Basildon Borough Council and Essex County Council (ECC) Youth Service. Now in its sixth year, the awards highlights and the positive things young people are doing in their local area. This year’s awards ceremony, sponsored by West & Coe Funeral Directors, includes nine awards: volunteering; improved behaviour; inspirational role model; act of courage/overcoming adversity; achievement in art/culture; achievement in sport/physical activity; worker recognition; young person with responsibilities; and school prefect/ mentor of 2013. Cllr Terri Sargent, Basildon Council’s cabinet member

for community, said: “Thank you to all the local businesses which have once again sponsored the awards which recognise the excellent work our young people are doing. “Our young people are not often recognised for the positive things they do in our community so I am pleased this event can help address this.” Young people, teachers, youth workers, parents, and anyone who works with young people, can nominate an individual aged between 10-19 years old, or up to 25 years old for those with additional needs. The winner of each category will win a trophy award and high street shopping vouchers. Closing date for nominations is Saturday 5 October and nomination forms can be found at schools, libraries and youth centres, or can be downloaded from basildon.gov.uk. More information is available by contacting Michelle Fairchild, Basildon Council’s community development officer, on 01268 294850, or by emailing michelle. fairchild@basildon.gov.uk. Alternatively, call ECC Youth Service on 07717 867658.

Nomination application form

felmores FIRE update Greener Basildon businesses event Following the most recent fire on the Felmores estate, which occurred due to a chip pan fire in a bedsit in Bockingham Green, the council, in partnership with Essex Fire and Rescue Service have taken a closer look at the fire safety of the homes. The council has just started a major programme of works to replace the cladding on the Felmores estate and will be taking the opportunity to implement the recommendations from the fire service during the course of these works. The work involves the removal of the existing timber cladding, upgrading of the insulation and replacement with a cement based weatherboard. Not only will

this improve the thermal efficiency of the homes, it will also improve the look of the estate, as the new weatherboarding comes in a variety of colours. As part of this work, the council will also ensure that all firestopping barriers are in place where the cladding is replaced. In addition to this, the council is currently upgrading the electrics in all its homes on the estate, which includes the provision of additional sockets and mains operated smoke and fire alarms. The council will also be looking to install sprinkler systems to selected properties on the estate over the next six to nine months.

Borough Diary comment from Cllr Phil Turner, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing regarding Felmores fire Since the fire in Bockingham Green on the Felmores estate in July there has been a lot of talk in the media about how the homes are not safe. I would like to take this opportunity to reassure residents that they are as safe as any of our properties across the borough. We worked in close partnership with the fire service after the fire in Bockingham Green in 2010 who gave us recommendations to improve fire safety. Following that fire, where we were allowed to gain access, all lofts were inspected to ensure fire barriers were in place. Communal entrance doors to flat blocks were renewed or upgraded to ensure 30 minutes fire resistance and improvements were made to secure access to loft areas. A programme of electrical testing and upgrading works have commenced, which includes the provision of extra sockets to prevent overloading of electrical circuits and the installation of mains operated smoke and fire alarms. Weekly inspections for immediate removal of bulk waste were introduced and communal lighting was upgraded and emergency lighting installed with heat detection systems

to internal communal areas put in place. Separate bin areas were also provided in the Bockingham green area. The recent fire was caused by a chip pan and was largely contained to the property it originated in because of the work the council had carried out under the fire service’s recommendations. The most recent fire in Bockingham Green was due to a chip pan catching alight, which spread rapidly due to water being poured over the chip pan rather than being covered by a damp tea towel. The ground floor bedsit where the fire started was extensively damaged, however, the other flats in the block and the houses on either side only suffered from minor fire or smoke damage and the residents were able to reclaim all of their possessions. I am aware there have been questions raised about the safety of these houses and I would like to reassure residents that they are indeed safe. However, I would urge everyone to be vigilant when cooking and to take the necessary precautions to minimise the risk of fire. Fire is a hazard that is not exclusive to the Felmores estate. It can affect us all and we all have a responsibility to make sure it does not happen.

Green Business Marketplace

The Green Business Forum (GBF) has been helping local businesses become more profitable by going “green” via a recent networking event. Supported by Basildon Council, the GBF held a Green Business Marketplace in July, a free event aiming to help local companies trade locally and become more environmentally friendly. Basildon Council’s cabinet member for green issues, Cllr Malcolm Buckley, said: ”We are pleased to have been providing businesses with free environmental help through the GBF for the last 14 years. This forum helps businesses become more efficient

and profitable by educating them on issues, such as trade food waste, bio-fuel infrastructure and renewable energy, which can help protect the environment.” Keith Smith of the GBF said: “These events make a significant difference to local businesses, particularly the small and medium ones who collectively form the mainstay of the local economy.” For more information on how your business can use environmental awareness to reduce costs, email green. business@basildon.gov.uk or contact Keith Smith on 07703 582 368 or Colin Stroud on 07932 186 845.

AUTUMN 2013

£20,000 funding for voluntary groups Basildon Council’s 2013/14 grants to organisations scheme is now open to local groups looking to create more opportunity for local people. Through its Grants to Voluntary Organisations scheme £20,100 is available for community groups to apply for funding of up to a maximum amount of £2,000 per group to be spent over twelve months. Deadlines for applications is Thursday 10 January 2014 and groups who have received funding from this scheme in the last three years are not eligible to apply this year. Basildon Council’s cabinet member for community

services, Cllr Terri Sargent, said: “We understand that to meet the council’s vision of creating opportunity for local people, community and voluntary groups need help to deliver much needed services in the community. “The council’s Grants to Voluntary Organisations scheme aims to do this by providing funding for a variety of community projects benefiting local people and run by local volunteers. “This grants programme is always in demand which is a clear indication of the number of valuable projects and organisations that provide so many essential services to the local community.”

Grants cannot fund general running costs such as utility bills, staff salaries or capital projects, including buildings and refurbishment. They can be used to fund a new project or make a contribution towards a larger project where additional funding has already been secured. Other council grants available include the Older People’s Grants which make contribution towards rental costs for senior citizens clubs and social clubs, and pre-school grants that make payments to pre-schools and nurseries to allow three-yearold children to attend the term before government funding starts.

Other funding opportunities available: Elderly Grants: Closing Date: 15th February 2014 Available to elderly groups who meet regularly at a venue that they have to pay to hire. Maximum grant: £2,000 per group, per year. Pre-school Grants: Closing Date: 15th February 2014 Available to nurseries and playgroups and is specifically for parents who are claiming income support or Job seeker's allowance. The grant will pay up to 10 weeks per child for 2 sessions per week at £4.78 per session. Only preschools or nurseries can apply. For more information about Basildon Council grants available and details of free upcoming funding workshops, contact the council’s funding officer on 01268 294303 or email janet.light@basildon.gov.uk or visit www.basildon.gov.uk

Training and career advice at “Your Future” Basildon’s annual “Your Future” event takes place this October giving young people and their parents the chance to explore the various training and career opportunities available in the borough. Now in its fourth year, the Basildon Council run event will be held at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon on Tuesday 8 October from 3.30pm to 8pm. Your Future gives 15-19 years olds and their parents the chance to talk face to face with businesses, colleges, sixth forms and training providers to ask questions and get advice. Current apprentices will also be on hand to share their views on what their

experiences have been like. Cllr Tony Ball, leader of the council, said: “Over the past three years, the “Your Future” event has helped over 2,000 young people and their parents plan for their future career. “With vocational learning being a better option over traditional study for some people, “Your Future” can help teenagers identify what training and /or employment opportunities are available to them, so please make a note of this event in your diary.” Exhibiting at this event will be a number of further education providers from the local area, together with a

door to door recycling boost Five thousand residents have been having their say on how to make the most of their recycling collections, as part of a Basildon Council campaign to give people more information about recycling. Council officers have been knocking on doors, speaking to residents, giving advice and recycling containers, while allowing residents to report the problems they have been facing. Cllr John Dornan, cabinet member for environment, said: “This three month

drive to encourage and educate residents about recycling has been a great success. In previous areas, recycling has increased by 10 per cent compared to before the campaign started. “The vast majority of residents already take part in our recycling services, but it is useful for us to carry out this activity every now and then to make sure people have an opportunity to ask questions, or provide information if a resident is new to the area. We also welcome feedback into how we can improve our services.”

number of local companies including; Prospects College, South Essex College, and Palmers College.

For more information email businessassist@basildon.gov.uk using the subject heading “Your Future”.

2014 Holocaust Memorial Day tickets now available Tickets are now available for the 2014 Holocaust Memorial Day event being held by the Basildon Forum of Faiths in conjunction with Basildon Council. The event takes place on Monday 27 January 2014 at Towngate Theatre, Basildon from 3pm to 6pm and includes a buffet meal.

Tickets cost £6 (including £1 booking fee) and can be booked by contacting the the Towngate Theatre box office on 01268 465 465. For further information contact Shamrika Sydes on 01268 294329 or Ndunge Kivuitu on 01268 294791.

AUTUMN 2013

Business Waste collections Business in Basildon borough need to appoint a contractor to collect waste on your behalf. For a free quote, please contact Basildon Council’s trade waste services on 01268 294933.

Reduced price for Staffie

neutering THe RSPCA is offering Basildon borough residents reduced price neutering for Stafforshire and Staffordshire crossbreed bull terriers. Available for those on means tested benefits, prices start from £30. Please contact 0300 123 0306 to get a voucher or for more information.

New rotavirus vaccine for babies FROM July 1 around 675,000 babies a year in England will be offered a new vaccination to protect them against a sickness bug. Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea) in children under five. Nearly every child will develop rotavirus gastroenteritis by five years of age. Rotavirus gastroenteritis is responsible for 130,000 visits to the GP and 13,000 hospitalisations for dehydration every year. The rotavirus vaccine, Rotarix, will be given orally to babies at two and three months of age. It is hoped the vaccine will halve the number of rotavirus cases each year and lead to 70 per cent fewer hospital stays. Further advice can be obtained from your GP, Health Visitor or Practice Nurse.

party fun at the Fun Zone Residents can save themselves the time of organising all the entertainment for their children’s party by booking a Fun Zone party at The Place, Pitsea. The Fun Zone at the Basildon Council run multi-purpose centre in Northlands Pavement specialises in party package including a party room which can be personalise with your own choice of birthday balloons and banners. With the option to include a music system and order snacks for the party, hire prices range from £65 on weekdays and £80 on weekends. Basildon Council’s cabinet member for community services, Cllr Terri Sargent said, “The Place

offers very competitive prices for residents looking to hire a venue. It can cater for a multitude of parties and even has facilities to cater for special occasions such as religious events, christenings and weddings.” Prices for meeting rooms start from £5.50 per hour, and function rooms/ halls with licensed bar facilities start from £210. To make a booking, or for further information, call 01268 465420 or email pitsealeisurecentre@ basildon.gov.uk. Information is also available on The Place’s webpage: www.basildon.gov.uk/ theplace, and on its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ pitsealeisurecentre) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/pitsealeisurece)

Fun Zone soft play area

Billericay’s £65,000 investment Work has started on a £50,000 play area refurbishment at Sun Corner, Billericay. Basildon Council identified Sun Corner as needing enhancements to its play area which is popular with parents and their children who attend the school nearby. Cllr Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure, agreed to fund the £50,000 refurbishment from his £250,000 improvement fund. He said: “Local ward councillors asked us to consult with residents, the play

group and junior school, to come up with a design which took on board as many of the comments received as possible. Work on the play area started in August and is set to be completed by mid September.” Meanwhile, the council also continues to invest approximately £15,0000 annually to maintain CCTV cameras in the area to help keep residents safe. Nine cameras are installed from Sun Corner to the junction of Norsey Road and Western Road including a

camera at the train station. Cllr Stuart Sullivan, cabinet member for resources, said: “Despite external funding for these CCTV cameras drying up in 2011, the council continues to invest in this service because we are committed to making our communities safer.” “The cameras record 24/7 and all footage is relayed back to the Basildon Centre Control Room where it is monitored throughout the day by Basildon Council’s security officers.

international business delegation to visit Basildon A business delegation is set to visit Basildon borough as part of a convention on international trade and local regeneration. The Indian Institute of Directors is holding its annual global meeting ‘the London Global Convention’ in association with Basildon Council this year, running over 4 days at the beginning of October, this year’s theme is focusing on corporate governance and sustainability. Representatives from Basildon Council, local businesses, UK and Indian delegates, and senior executives will be attending. The Leader of Basildon Council, Cllr Tony Ball has been invited to address this

prestigious gathering as a keynote speaker. Cllr Tony Ball said “I am delighted to take part in this convention and be able to showcase what Basildon has to offer to senior Indian corporate leaders”. The convention will end with a study tour of Basildon on Friday 4 October, showcasing regeneration projects and developments in the borough, and providing an opportunity for delegates to meet with local businesses in Basildon’s key sectors. Basildon Council’s chief executive, Bala Mahendran, will be attending the conference. He said: “We have spent the last few years developing international links, especially with India, and over the past three

years have hosted Indian trade delegations and visits from the Indian government and Indian businesses. “This has been done with the purpose of creating new links for our local businesses, and is all part of the council’s aim to create new opportunities for Basildon businesses, by finding new markets for them to trade in. This in turn will create more opportunities for our local people.” The convention is being held at The Tower Hotel, London. Local businesses wishing to attend can register online at www. iodonline.com or email - aine.gallagher@ basildon.gov.uk for more details about the convention.

AUTUMN 2013

Get fit and healthly with the monthly fitness challenge at The Place. Whether you want to keep fit to lose weight, build muscle, motivate yourself or your friends to exercise we have the right fun fitness challenges for you.

The Pulse Health Studio offers its customers: • A free personal fitness programme (for gym users only) • A new fully equipped Pulse Health Studio and Gym • A wide range of Pulse Fitness and Zumba Classes • A Free Pulse Exercise Referral service Why not take on the monthly challenge and you will see the winning results! The Place has a range of fitness programmes and affordable gym membership and Pay-As-You-Go options to suit all ages and fitness levels.

Pulse Health Studio opening times Monday to Friday: 9am-9pm Saturday: 9am - 6pm Sunday: 9am - 3pm Crèche facilities available for gym users

Call 01268 465420 for more information or visit our website: www.basildon.gov.uk/theplace

The Fun Zone is a perfect place to take your under 8’s during term-time and school holidays. The newly refurbished soft play area has a slide, inflatables, rollers and netted climbing areas where children can play in a safe, enclosed environment. There is no need to book a session in the Fun Zone - just pay and play. Prices to play in the Fun Zone range from £1.50 per hour during term time before 4pm and £2.70 per hour after weekdays after 4pm, weekends & School Holidays If you are a regular visitor to the Fun Zone why not get a loyalty card! Pay for 4 Fun Zone sessions and get the 5th session FREE!

Opening Times Monday to Friday: 9am - 7pm Saturday: 9.00am - 6pm Sunday: 10.00am - 4pm Call 01268 465420 for more information or visit our website: www.basildon.gov.uk/theplace Find us on Facebook: Facebook/PitseaLeisureCentre

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/pitsealeisurece

AUTUMN 2013

NEED A VENUE TO HIRE? Basildon Council owns/manages a range of venues across the borough which are ideal to hire for business conferences, seminars and exhibitions, or community events.

Whatever the occasion your event can be hosted at an affordable rate to suit your budget, so why not take the opportunity to find what is available in your local area:

Basildon Council business conference, seminar, exhibition & community venues Basildon Centre Basildon Council's town centre office complex, St Martin's Square

T: 01268 294336 01268 294112 E: room.hire@basildon.gov.uk

The Towngate Theatre St Martin's Square, Basildon town centre

T: 01268 465462 E: richard.long@basildon.gov.uk

Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea

T: 01268 550088 or 01268 465380 E: steve.prewer@basildon.gov.uk

The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre Northlands Pavement, Pitsea

T: 01268 465420 E: pitsealeisurecentre@basildon. gov.uk

Community cafe and job club need volunteers A community café, job club and a skills time banking scheme are initiatives underway as part of the Basildon Family Project in Wickford. Supported by Basildon Council, this project aims to identify certain skills and assets within the community which can be brought together to assist families facing challenging circumstances. These initiatives came out of consultation with Wickford residents to find out how they think local people can be encouraged to volunteer in their community to help improve the area. The job club is already up and running every Friday from 9.15am to noon at the Highcliffe Children’s Centre, Rettendon View, Wickford. Targeting residents in the Wickford area, the club offers a drop in session for people to get help writing their CVs, guidance on completing job application forms, interview advice, basic IT support and information and advice on benefits and other support available. A community café at Wickford Park is also in the pipeline and will be a volunteer hub and training centre for residents. The time banking scheme will see local people volunteer their time and skills to earn “time credits” which they can use when they need someone with a particular skill.

Basildon Council’s cabinet member for community services, Cllr Terri Sargent, said: “Key to these initiatives being successful is the willingness of local people and businesses to volunteer their time and resources. “We are working with The Groundwork Trust to put on courses at the café, but to get the café up and running we also need local businesses to donate items and skilled local tradesmen to help with paint and outfit the building. “Since it started in August, the job club has been helping residents improve their CVs, identify training opportunities and providing one-toone computer lessons. “The time banking scheme will allow residents who may be in need of a plumber, for instance, to bank “time credits” in their particular skill so they can get help with their work. “The scheme is also interested in starting a drop in youth café and is looking for young Wickford residents to run it. “So if you are able to help in making any of these initiatives a success, please get in touch. For more information contact the project’s neighbourhood coordinator on 07715752 648 or email grant. taylor@basildon.gov.uk

Thousands attend essex pride event People turned out in their thousands for the Essex Pride event in Chelmsford. Organisations across Essex, such as Basildon Council, Family Mosaic, Basildon Disability Forum and Basildon based Essex Gay Group, were just a few that gave up their time in June to support the sixth annual Lesbian, Gay, Bi -Sexual and Transgender (LGBT)

event which embraces diversity . On the day there was live entertainment, market stalls, children activities and food and drink. For residents interested in taking part in next year’s event visit www. essexpride.org or follow Essex pride on Facebook & Twitter, for more information.

Basildon Council community halls for hire Billericay Day Centre, Chantry Way, Billericay

Laindon Play Centre Worthing Road

Crown Community Centre Crest Avenue

Luncies Meeting Hall Luncies Road

Frypa Hall The Fryth

Markhams Chase Play Centre Laindon Link

Gordon Hall Clayhill Road

Nevendon Road Play Centre Nevendon Road,Wickford

Kingswood Play Centre Clayhill Road, Basildon, SS16 5AD (by Kingswood Medical Centre)

Vange Community Centre Vange Hill Drive

For Basildon Council Community hall bookings or enquiries phone: 01268 294433 or email: hallbookings@basildon.gov.uk Basildon Council owned/managed halls are not licensed for the consumption of alcohol and cannot be hired for teenage or adult party functions of any sort. For further information about our room hire service visit our website at www.basildon.gov.uk/roomhire

Billericay East By-election result Andrew Peter Schrader of the Conservative party has been elected ward councillor for Billericay East following

a by-election in June. Andrew Schrader received 51% of the votes at the Billericay East by-election held on

27 June. More details on election results in the borough are available at www.basildon.gov.uk/ elections

Women Together Basildon’s Women Together (women’s group) recently got together for an end of term celebration with each member bringing a dish to the party. Supported by Basildon Council, Women Together is a forum which allows women of any age and background to socialise with each other through fun, educational and cultural activities. For women interested in joining the group, the next meeting is on Thursday 12 September from 10.30am to 2.30pm in Room 2 (first floor) of the Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square.

Women Together food celebration

DIAL for volunteers DIAL (Disablement Information and Advice Line) is looking for more volunteers to help it continue providing help and advice to Basildon residents on disability issues. Supported by Basildon Council, the charity offers a range of services from advice desks, home visiting service to signposting and referrals. Basildon Council cabinet member for community

services, Cllr Terri Sargent, said: “DIAL provides an invaluable service helping disabled people with many problems they may face. “This is why the council has approved a two year service level agreement with the charity worth £20,000 over the next two years.. “As a volunteers, you will be provided with training so if you would like to help this

worthwhile organisation, or gain some useful experience, please get in touch.” For more information contact DIAL on 01268 285676 or 07786 088538, or visit the main office at 75 Southernhay, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1EU, between 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively email: enquiries@dialbasildon.co.uk or visit their website: www. dialbasildon.co.uk

AUTUMN 2013

WICKFORD’S £2MILLION leisure boost BASILDON Council has announced its intention to spend almost £2 million on a major overhaul of the popular swimming pool and leisure centre in Wickford. The plans unveiled in August, which are subject to final contracts and necessary committee cabinet approvals, will see the council along with its leisure partner SLM transform the 1960s facility into ‘a sporting village for the north of the borough’. The works will involve a major refurbishment and upgrade of the existing 25 metre swimming pool, new high-tech gym and fitness facilities and state of the art changing facilities. It is hoped that work will start before the end of the year and it will be phased in such a way to keep the centre

open throughout the changes with any disruption to users being kept to an absolute minimum. Completion of the project is expected before the end of next summer. The council also announced its intention to erect a brand new, free to use, public toilet block in the heart of Wickford which it is hoped will be in place by next spring. Speaking about the plans Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “I am really happy to be able to announce our plans for a very significant investment in this facility which has been popular with local people since the 1960s. “By working with our leisure partners SLM I would like to think that we will transform the centre into a Sporting Village for the north of the borough. “It gives me particular satisfaction to be able to make

this announcement at a time when very few local authorities are able to invest in swimming pools or leisure facilities. Along with our commitment to build new free to use public toilets in the town centre which I am also announcing, this project will play a major role in breathing new life into Wickford while delivering on our promise of transforming our borough. “It is unusual in these cash strapped days as I have said for councils to invest in leisure facilities. But these things really matter and if we are to really create opportunity for local people as we have pledged, then we must make our town centres places were local people and families in particular want to be. I look forward to the improved Wickford Pool serving thousands of local people for many years to come.”

new life for basildon golf course A new operator is set to take over Basildon golf course. Basildon Council’s cabinet agreed a set of recommendations in July which means a company, to be set up by Colin Jenkins, has been awarded a 75 year lease and contract for the operation and management of the course, starting on 1 October 2013. Cllr Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and arts, said: “Keeping the golf course open has always been what I have wanted. We want to see a popular and successful facility, but it is right that we have gone through this process to find a long term operator. “I am pleased that we have had an offer that best meets our key principles and that the golf course has a chance at a future. “I am very aware of the uncertainty that has surrounded the course in the past, so I hope that this decision will see us move forward in the right direction.

“There has been a comprehensive process to identify an operator for the course, which has given the facility another chance. Borough residents have said that they want the course to remain open; we hope that they will demonstrate this by increasing their use of the facility to help ensure it remains open. “However, if the course cannot demonstrate its viability and the contract or lease fails at anytime during the first two years, then it is recommended that the golf course will close with immediate effect. If it fails outside of this timescale, then cabinet would have to

Twinning football match at Basildon Sporting Village

reconsider options. “I would like to thank London Golf Management for their professionalism and support, particularly by offering to run the course during the summer months whilst this exercise was carried out.”

Basildon Golf Course

Official Guide and Street Plan out now

Cllr Sargent with young people on their way to Germany

Basildon residents have been getting a taste of Germany as part of a cultural tour arranged by Basildon Borough Twinning Association. Thirty-five young Germans and their parents visited Basildon earlier this year, touring Wembley Stadium and even challenging their Basildon counterparts to a football match at Basildon Sporting Village where they were bested 2-1 by the Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle your Borough Diary after reading.

England team. Basildon locals returned the favour in May with a visit to Heiligenhaus , Germany. Although they lost their rematch 3-1, they didn’t go away empty handed, as they were awarded the fair play trophy after a vote by referees. For more information on the work of the association or to get involved, email bastwin@hotmail.co.uk

Residents can pick up the latest it a fantastic guide for both newcomers edition of the Basildon Official Guide and and local residents. Street Plan which is now available. The guide can be collected from the reception area in the Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Wat Tyler Country Park and The Place, Pitsea, and is packed with information about the borough and a detailed map of many of its streets, as well an index of their locations. The official guide and street plan includes information on what to see and where to go in Basildon, doing business in the area, and Official guide and street plan explores the town’s past, making

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 Tony Ball