Winter 2013 www.basildon.gov.uk LOCAL HOMES FOR LOCAL PEOPLE WICKFORD’S MAKEOVER BEGINS A NUMBER of key Wickford regeneration projects are set to be completed over the next six months. Basildon Council is to fund a £2.4m renovation of Wickford swimming pool to bring it up to modern standards. If plans are approved, a new fitness suite, main entrance and reception, changing rooms and studios will be created as part of an extension. Work is due to start in January 2014, with the refurbishment of the pool and changing rooms completed by early April 2014 and the new fitness suite opening by the end of June 2014. In other developments, the ageing public toilets have been demolished and a modern but traditional looking new block will open by the end of the year. The council is also working with the new market operator to reinvigorate this valued amenity for the town and it is proposed to move the market from its current location to the High Street alley with a number of new stalls leading into the High Street. This will be complemented by a number of High Street improvements and changes to the road layout to allow for market stalls to be moved there. Regular road closures are also being considered to promote the market, starting off with four Saturday festive markets leading up to Christmas, which started on 30 November. These improvements will also include the creation of a new Town Square, with new paving and street furniture that will reinvigorate this central area of the town and encourage new investment and more retailers and shoppers to Wickford. The aim is to start work in the New Year, to be completed and opened by early summer 2014. The Council will also be launching a programme of improvements to shop fronts on the High Street to make sure the shops look as good as all the other changes. Cllr Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for regeneration and community safety, said: “All of these projects are going to make a major difference to the feel and vibrancy of the town, encourage investment and give the people of Wickford, public facilities they deserve.” “BASILDON homes for Basildon people” is the message from a senior councillor as a consultation is launched on a new housing allocations scheme. The consultation, launched in November by Cllr Phil Turner, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, aims to put working borough families ahead of those from outside of the borough when allocating council homes. Under new legislation (Localism Act 2011), housing authorities are able to manage their housing waiting lists by giving them power to determine which applicants do or do not qualify for an allocation of social housing within their borough. Basildon Council will be introducing a closed register to better reflect the local priorities of the borough. This power has resulted in a comprehensive overview of the council’s allocation scheme and identifies those who qualify for social housing and how it is distributed amongst Basildon residents. The changes to the scheme will also give support to those who have been affected by the welfare reform act 2012, particularly the new under-occupation criteria by adopting the bedroom standard under the Act to ensure people are not housed in homes that are larger than they require and may not be able to afford. Cllr Phil Turner said: “The new scheme is designed to give our residents the best chance of accessing homes for them and their families. We want Basildon homes for Basildon people. Continues on page 4 THOUSANDS turned out for this year’s Basildon Christmas Festival in November as the day long festivities throughout Basildon town centre concluded with the switching on of the Christmas lights by chart topping music star Matt Cardle. On the day there were fairground rides, a Victorian market and carousel, market stalls, a free snow globe, live entertainment from Heart Essex, as well as live animals in the town centre. A spectacular fireworks display finished off the festivities. See photos from the day on page 13 “This allocations scheme aims to reward working borough families with homes so they can stay close to their loved ones” THOUSANDS ATTEND CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Plans for a new leisure centre for Wickford Cllr Phil Turner Music star Matt Cardle turning on the Christmas lights
Transcript
Winter 2013 www.basildon.gov.uk
LOCAL hOmesfOr LOCAL peOpLe
Wickford’s makeoverbegins
A number of key Wickford regeneration projects are set to be completed over the next six months.
Basildon Council is to fund a £2.4m renovation of Wickford swimming pool to bring it up to modern standards. If plans are approved, a new fitness suite, main entrance and reception, changing rooms and studios will be created as part of an extension.
Work is due to start in January 2014, with the refurbishment of the pool and changing rooms completed by early April 2014 and the new fitness suite opening by the end of June 2014.
In other developments, the ageing public toilets have been demolished and a modern but traditional looking new block will open by the end of the year.
The council is also working with the new market operator to reinvigorate this valued amenity for the town and it is proposed to move the market from its current location to the High Street alley with a number of new stalls leading into the High Street.
This will be complemented by a number of High Street improvements and changes to the road layout to allow for market stalls to be moved there. Regular road closures are also being considered to promote the market, starting off with four Saturday festive markets leading up to Christmas, which started on 30 November.
These improvements will also include the creation of a new Town Square, with new paving and street furniture that will reinvigorate this central area of the town and encourage new investment and more retailers and shoppers to Wickford.
The aim is to start work in the New Year, to be completed and opened by early summer 2014.
The Council will also be launching a programme of improvements to shop fronts on the High Street to make sure the shops look as good as all the other changes.
Cllr Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for regeneration and community safety, said: “All of these projects are going to make a major difference to the feel and vibrancy of the town, encourage investment and give the people of Wickford, public facilities they deserve.”
“bASILDOn homes for basildon people” is the message from a senior councillor as a consultation is launched on a new housing allocations scheme.
The consultation, launched in November by Cllr Phil Turner, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, aims to put working borough families ahead of those from outside of the borough when allocating council homes.
Under new legislation (Localism Act 2011), housing authorities are able to manage their housing waiting lists by giving them power to determine which applicants do or do not qualify for an allocation of social housing within their borough.
Basildon Council will be introducing a closed register to better reflect the local priorities of the borough. This power has resulted in a comprehensive overview of the council’s allocation scheme and identifies those who qualify for social housing and how it is distributed amongst Basildon residents.
The changes to the scheme will also give support to those who have been affected by the welfare reform act 2012, particularly the new under-occupation criteria by adopting the bedroom standard under the Act to ensure people are not housed in homes that are larger than they require and may not be able to afford.
Cllr Phil Turner said: “The new scheme is designed to give our residents the best chance of accessing homes for them and their families. We want Basildon homes for Basildon people.
Continues on page 4
Thousands turned out for this year’s Basildon Christmas Festival in november as the day long festivities throughout Basildon town centre concluded with the switching on of the Christmas lights by chart topping music star Matt Cardle.
On the day there were fairground rides, a Victorian market and carousel, market stalls, a free snow globe, live entertainment from Heart Essex, as well as live animals in the town centre. A spectacular fireworks display finished off the festivities.
See photos from the day on page 13
“This allocations scheme aims to reward
working borough families with homes so they can stay close to
their loved ones”
thOusAnds Attend ChrIstmAs festIVAL
Plans for a new leisure centre for Wickford
Cllr Phil Turner
Music star Matt Cardle turning on the Christmas lights
DECEMBER 20132
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Mayor’s Message from Cllr Mo LarkinWith Christmas fast approaching, I hope you will find time to enjoy some of the wonderful festivities taking place in the borough over the coming weeks.
Last month, Basildon kicked off the festivities in style as we launched our first ever Basildon Christmas Festival.
I was so pleased to see the thousands of people who turned up to enjoy the daylong feast of family activities which included fairground rides, a Victorian market, music star Matt Cardle and a nativity procession, as we switched on the Christmas lights.
Events like these help to strengthen the appeal of Basildon town centre as a top shopping destination, so thank you to Basildon Town Centre Management and Eastgate Shopping Centre for partnering with the council to hold this event.
In October I had the pleasure of presenting the Alf Dove Award for Community Services
to Mrs Gina Blackford. The Alf Dove Award recognises significant contributions made by an individual to the well-being of the local community. Gina’s commitment and dedication as chair of Pitsea Community Panel and her significant involvement with the Royal British Legion and the sea cadets makes her a worthy recipient of this year’s award.
Finally, it was good to celebrate the excellent achievements of our younger residents at the Celebration of Youth Awards in October. It was wonderful to see so many young people at the awards event which highlights the positive things young people are doing in their local area. As a borough we have a lot to be proud of, especially in terms of our community and voluntary spirit!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and a fantastic and prosperous 2014.
Mayor of Basildon Borough Council
Mayor Mo Larkin
over 12,000 properties have been visited as part of 12 Pride in Your area days this year.
The events were held on Saturdays throughout the summer months, and allowed Basildon Council teams to visit small areas and concentrate on deep cleaning an area, removing graffiti, cleaning up alleyways and allowing residents to place out large and bulky items for
free collection.Cllr John Dornan, cabinet
member for the environment, said: “This is the fourth year we have run the Pride in your area days and so far 48,000 properties in the area have benefited from a deep clean to their area.
“The days are well-received by those who live in the areas covered, and they allow us to provide a noticeable improvement to the borough.”
BasIldon Council is proud to have supported several community-run litter picks throughout 2013, by providing litter pickers, gloves and hi-vis jackets.
Groups that have organised their own litter picks have involved local companies,
parish councils and Cub and Scouting groups.
If you are part of a community group which would like to arrange your own community litter pick, please contact [email protected]
12,000 homes benefit from this year’s Pride in your Area days
Community-Led Litter Picks
CuStOmerS of the Pulse Health Studio at the Place can look forward to a refurbishment by next April.
The multi-purpose leisure centre in Northlands Pavement, Pitsea is to undergo a complete transformation which will see new showers installed for gym and fitness class customers by December 2013 and a newly refurbished reception area and café by the end of April 2014.
The final designs for the reception area and cafe will be considered by a steering group of councillors, and if approved, improvement work should be completed by early next year.
Cllr Terri Sargent, cabinet member for community, welcomed the new refurbishment at The Place. She said: “The leisure centre is a
great place for residents to come along and keep fit and I am pleased that we are making this investment and proposing these new designs to improve facilities at The Place for our centre users.
“With the recently improved facilities in the Fun Zone and the gym - the brand new showers, a refurbished reception area and café will definitely improve the entire customer experience each time they visit The Place.
“The Place still continues to offer very reasonable prices and while the refurbishment work at the centre is underway we will still be open for business as usual.”
The refurbishment also includes the re-positioning of existing offices and the complete redecoration to parts of the leisure centre, including the main entrance.
In 2011/12 the Children’s Fun Zone and the gym were refurbished as part of a £150,000 investment by Basildon Council.
The Place also has a range of meeting and function rooms and licensed bar facilities that can be hired for a range of events. For further information or to make enquiries call 01268 465420.
The Place will also be holding an open day on Saturday 14 December from 10 am to 3pm so residents can view the designs and give their views and view a display from Basildon Heritage Museum. For more information visit www.basildon.gov.uk/theplace
mAkeover PLAnned for The PLACe in 2014
General manager Carmel Hanley outside The Place
3DECEMBER 2013
CrunCh tImesthe 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.
the Crunch is from 9am to noon at each site, unless otherwise stated. Further details are available at basildon.gov.uk/recycling
7 DecemberRamsden BellhouseVillage Hall – Car ParkLaindon Link - Bluehouse Comm. Centre Pitsea - Kenneth Rd – LaybyNoak Bridge - Coppice Lane
14 DecemberKingswood - Playgroup Centre Opposite shops Steeple View - Kings CrescentLaindon - Little Oxcroft Service Rd
25 JanuaryRamsden BellhouseVillage Hall – Car ParkLee Chapel North – Rear of Plough and Tractor PubFryerns - Frypa Hall
1 FebruaryLaindon - King Edward RdBillericay - Radford Crescent – Car Park Chalvedon - Mill GreenLayby near car park
8 FebruaryWickford - Rettendon View 9am to 11amPippin Court 11am to noonBillericay - David’s WalkBarstable - Barstable Club Long Riding
15 FebruaryCrays Hill Recreation GroundBillericay - Little Burstead Car ParkLaindon – Five LinksSomercotes - Next To Shops
22 FebruaryWickford - Alderney Gardens Rear of ShopsLangdon Hills - Valence WayJunction with Debden GreenCraylands – Lichfields – Rear of shops
1 marchWickford - Keats WayOpp. No. 3 Council Garage AreaBillericay - Hannikins FarmLaindon Link - Monastery Drive
A neW £1m green boulevard link from Gloucester Park into the town centre will be created, as part of the regeneration of basildon town centre.
The link will be constructed by Barratt Eastern Counties as part of plans to create 100 new family homes to complement the 144 already built as part of the Acacia park development.
The project will see the new homes developed on the current boating lake, once the new lake has been completed and established. The green link will add to improvements already made to the park, including new lighting, footpaths, a new play area, and new lake and piazza.
The plans will also lead to funding being generated for the wider regeneration of the town, including plans for a new market, the revamp of
St Martins Square, and the development of a new leisure quarter in East Square.
Cllr Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This green link will not only be more convenient, it will completely transform and improve how that area looks at the current time.
“Barratt’s will deliver much needed family housing on a largely brown field site. It will also give the council vital funds to help deliver the wider regeneration of the town centre, including a new leisure quarter in East Square.”
Other developments on the town centre regeneration have seen an application submitted for the relocation of Basildon Market to St Martin’s Square, which if approved would also see the development of a new £30m town centre campus on the current market site.
neW green link and homes for basildon toWn centre
tHe reGenerAtIOn of Pitsea town centre is making good progress, with a new 89 stall market to open in January 2014 and a new Aldi supermarket set to open its doors in June 2014.
This will be followed by major improvements to the public areas of the town and the opening of a major new Morrison’s by Spring 2015.
The new market will form a new gateway into the town, on the site of the former Railway Hotel and fronting onto High Road. Works have already started on this area by Vinci Construction, who have been appointed by the landowner London and Cambridge Properties Ltd (LCP).
Cllr Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for regeneration says: “Pitsea town centre has been declining and crying out for investment for a number of years – this £30m scheme being led by the private owners of the site will arrest that decline and completely revitalise and transform the heart of Pitsea for everyone.
“This project will create hundreds of jobs and safeguard hundreds more and I am pleased that work is going well and on schedule. The new market opening in January will be a real sign of visible progress and give a major boost to the town.”
Work to rebuild a fire ravaged shopping parade could be completed by september next year.
It was agreed in October that Basildon Council would borrow £1.1m to help finance the scheme, which will be recouped over 40 years.
The parade was destroyed by a serious fire in January 2013, and the council have been committed since to replace the shops that serve the local area, and use the opportunity to improve what was previously there.
Cllr Stuart Sullivan, cabinet member for resources, said: “We are providing a development that includes more shops, more parking, better design and, with
homes above, improved security. The homes will also have their own designated parking.
“The increased income generated by the development will more than pay back the loan required to build it.
“I would like to thank the residents of Langdon Hills and the local ward councillors for their feedback during the consultation stage, which assisted greatly in creating the design.”
If approved later this month, the new scheme would provide six shops, an increase of two, and 25 parking spaces, an increase on the 19 previously provided.
Five flats with dedicated parking of their own are also planned.
TriAnGLe work ProGresses
pItseA’s regenerAtIOn gOIng tO pLAn
tImeLIne• new 89 stall market to
open: January 2014
• new Aldi supermarket to open: June 2014
• Demolition of existing Aldi and construction of new morrison’s: June to november 2014
• re-paving, soft
landscaping and lighting works to town centre area: September - november 2014
• new morrison’s store ‘fitted-out’: november 2014 to Spring 2015
• new morrison’s store opens: Spring 2015 Artistic impression of The Triangle
Artistic impression of Green Link
DECEMBER 20134
tHree voluntary groups are to benefit from nearly £210,000 in community grants as the first round of applications for basildon Council’s £1million Community Investment Fund (CIF) are approved.
The largest grant of £180,000 has been set aside for Vange Community Group to build a new community facility at Kent View Road, Vange (subject to council approval and terms and conditions). The group’s application included a detailed business plan identifying the community’s need for the new centre in the area, and has the backing of local residents.
Light Up Wickford received £19,678.25 to buy equipment to run community activities promoting Wickford and the surrounding area. This group is made up of local volunteers and businesses in the Wickford area who will work together to put on future events.
Wickford War Memorial Association has been awarded £10,000 to undertake works to restore Memorial Avenue in Wickford Memorial Park.
This voluntary group aims to ensure the borough has a fitting memorial for those who gave their lives in time of conflict.
The funding will be used to help volunteers remove dead, dying or overcrowded trees. It will also be used to plant new trees, clean and re-lacquer the lighting
standards, and install new plaques.Basildon Council’s cabinet
member for community, Cllr Terri Sargent, said: “Congratulations to Vange Community Group, Light Up Wickford and Wickford War Memorial Association for being the first local groups to benefit from funding from CIF by putting forward excellent bids meeting the funding criteria.
“This £1million funding has been 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.
Cllr Stuart Sullivan, cabinet member for resources, said: “Registered charities, voluntary
not-for-profit organisations and community groups can apply for grant funding of £2,000 upwards to deliver projects which show clear evidence of being able to benefit the local community.
“Grants of over £100,000 could also be made available for the right projects which have a robust business plan and some level of part funding. These larger awards will need to be approved by the council’s cabinet as a key decision.
“There is still time for groups to submit their applications for CIF funding so I look forward to receiving more bids for consideration in the near future.”
Groups are encouraged to apply early as once the £1million funding has been allocated, CIF will close.
For more details visit www.basildon.gov.uk/cif or contact the council’s funding officer on 01268 294303 or email [email protected]
OVer £200,000 AwArded fOr LOCAL COmmunIty prOjeCts
... Continued from front page
“Some council’s appear to give priority to housing those from outside of their borders. Our new scheme will improve the way we allocate properties and bring fairness and simplicity to the system by prioritising those who live in the borough ahead of those who don’t
“This allocations scheme aims to do that by rewarding working borough families with homes so they can stay close to their loved ones”.
“We believe by giving hardworking families the chance to have a home in the borough we can enhance our communities and make Basildon a better place to live.
“We also aim to maximise choice available to those eligible for council
homes including members of the Armed Forces and their families and these changes will ensure that we continue to support this sector of the community, whether they have residency in the borough or not.
“I believe it’s important for residents to take a moment to read the proposed new allocation scheme as this is an opportunity for people to have their say on how the council allocate housing in the future.”
The council will be writing to all applicants on the housing register asking for their views on the new scheme. There will also be a special edition of Housing News for Basildon Council tenants.
To find out more and take part in the consultation visit www.basildon.gov.uk/housingalloc
‘bAsiLdon homes for bAsiLdon PeoPLe’
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 hirefares 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.
Tips for Safe Travelling by Taxi in Basildon Borough5
Wickford War Memorial Association with council leader, Cllr Tony Ball
Light Up Wickford with Cllr Tony Ball
5DECEMBER 2013
sos bUs toUr brings keY Partners togetherSenIOr members of the basildon Community Safety Partnership (CSP) jumped aboard the SOS bus on Friday 4 October 2013 visiting night time locations to identify ways they could work better together.
Officers had the opportunity to visit hotspots across the borough to see first hand where there are potential increases in anti-social behaviour and alcohol related incidents at night.
Discussions took place on the bus to discuss ideas on how to collectively address any issues, and how partners can work together on strategies to deal with these. It was decided that a special task force will be led by Tom Abell of the Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Bala Mahendran, chief executive of Basildon Borough Council and chair of Basildon CSP, said:
“This was a very worthwhile tour, and not only identified a number of joint issues, but helped us to start to find some ideas and resolutions to these problems. It was also a great advertisement for the SOS Bus which clearly does some excellent work and helps to keep many people away from A&E, at a greatly reduced cost.”
“The event was a success as we have already agreed to put together a task force around reducing alcohol related incidents and anti-social behaviour at the Christmas period.”
Tom Abell, Chief Officer, Basildon
and Brentwood CCG, says: “Christmas and New Year is traditionally a very difficult time for all the public services. We all want people to go out and have fun – but to stay safe at the same time. We are committed to working closely together to try new approaches to manage the demand on services this winter, particularly for the NHS and the Police, and I am looking forward to leading the multi-agency group that will put together a plan of action to help keep people safe and public services working well this festive season.”Members and Task & Finish Group
FeStIve revellers are being reminded to take simple safety precautions during the Christmas party season to ensure they don’t fall foul of rogue taxi operators.
Cllr David Abrahall, chairman of the licensing committee, said: “Christmas and New Year always sees an increase in the number of people using licensed vehicles
at the end of an evening out.
“I would urge everyone to follow our simple safety tips to check that they only ever use licensed hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.
“Licensed vehicles are regularly tested for roadworthiness and all licensed drivers are vetted by the Council before a licence is issued.”
reveLLerS urGeD tO be ‘CAb SAFe’ tHIS CHrIStmAStIps tO heLp keep yOu sAfe durIng the festIVe seAsOn
Only ever flag down licensed hackney carriages (taxis) and ensure the meter is being used
Pre-book a private hire vehicle in advance with a licensed Private Hire Operator and confirm the price of the fare at the time of booking – programme the number of a Private Hire Operator into your mobile phone to make sure you have a number handy
Ensure the vehicle is properly licensed by checking the rear licence plate and door stickers before getting into the vehicle. The plate also shows the maximum number of passengers the vehicle is allowed to carry
Check the driver is properly licensed. Licensed drivers will be happy to show their identification badge
Don’t start drinking too soon - drinking before you leave the house could ruin your night before its started - it is against the law for a licensed premises to serve somebody who appears drunk, so you may risk getting turned away at the door.
BASILDON HAD 3,557 PEOPLE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL FOR ALCOHOL RELATED
INCIDENTS IN 2010/11DON’T BECOME A STATISTIC
DECEMBER 20136
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Counselling appointments can be offered outside of normal office hours.
For further confidential informationplease telephone: Patricia Holdsworth B.Sc. Hons., Counselling Manager, on 01268 289344.
Church
bASILDOn Council is encouraging residents not to lose their right to vote by ensuing they fill out their registration forms for the electoral register.
Voter registration forms were delivered in October across the borough and residents are being urged to return theirs as soon as possible to make their voice heard in the European Parliamentary Election and Borough Council elections next May.
Basildon Council Chief Executive, Bala Mahendran, who also has responsibility for the electoral register, said: “It is essential people fill out the electoral registration forms enabling them to use their right to vote.
“Elections play a key role in local democracy.”All residents have to do is update the electoral
registration form with the details of everyone in their household who is eligible to vote and return it to the council as soon as possible. If their details have not changed they can also reply by phone, text or internet.
Canvassers will be visiting properties that have not responded between 16 November and 17 January to try to get a response and assist people in completing the form where necessary. Each canvasser will have a Basildon Borough Council ID badge.
Those who have not received their form can contact the Electoral Service Office on 01268 294669 or email [email protected]
Residents are urged to return their forms straight away.
Residents can have their details excluded from the edited register. This will mean their details cannot be bought by individuals and commercial organisations.
For more information contact the Electoral Service Office on 01268 294669.
Don’t lose your right to vote
Every Sunday 10am and 6.30pmSunday School 10amMidweek Fellowship Wednesday 1.45pm
JESUS SAID: "COME TO ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST." MATT 11:28
Come and join us and get a warm welcome
cUstomer self-service
Changes to the Basildon Centre reception have been completed.
The work, part of changing how we do business, has seen the creation of a new customer services centre to deal with enquiries, and the public reception area modernised.
There is now an emphasis on self service, like in high street banks and supermarkets. Staff from the former cashiers and other customer advisors have also been retrained to focus on guided self service.
Residents can also pay bills, find out more about services and report problems at www.basildon.gov.uk
As with all Borough Diary adverts, publication does
not imply any guarantee of service or recommendation
by Basildon Borough Council.
wiCkford’s ChrisTmAs
mArkeT
loCal residents and traders of Wickford are having their very own Christmas market this festive season.
The market runs every Saturday until 21 December and features a variety of stalls, offering Christmas gifts, groceries and more.
Basildon Council leader, Cllr Tony Ball, said: “I am delighted Wickford is finally having a Christmas market this year. It will be an excellent boost for the High Street and local residents and traders, and will add to the vibrancy of the town during the festive period.
“Added to the physical improvements that we are making through the regeneration of the town, Wickford really has a lot to look forward to, and is a town on the up.”
New Customer Services Centre
7DECEMBER 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. 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. Mo Larkin 01268 494354St 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, Chris Jackman 01268 571843.
christmas refUse & service changes
‘green’ fund fOr busInesses
IT may be a little early for mince pies and tinsel but it is never too soon to be thinking about all the extra recycling material Christmas can bring.
Basildon Council has produced a handy Christmas recycling guide – delivered with this edition of the Borough Diary.
The leaflet also contains information about how collections dates will be affected following bank holidays, as well as a 2014 collection calendar. It also contains textile stickers - just place all of your old clothes and shoes in a pink bag, affix a textiles sticker and place this out for collection to make sure your textiles are recycled.
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 [email protected] 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’.
Basildon Council’s offices will be open for business over much of the Christmas period to allow residents to access its services.
Most council offices (including the
cashiers at the Basildon Centre, housing offices, and The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre) will be closed on Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26 December, reopening with normal opening times Friday 27 December. Offices will be closed on Wednesday 1 January and reopen Thursday 2 January 2014.
Barleylands Depot will close from 2.30pm on Tuesday 24 December, reopening 9am to 3.30pm on Friday 27 December. It will also be open on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December from 9am to 4pm and will reopen 9am to 3.30pm on Monday 30 December and 9am to 2.30pm on Tuesday 31 December. The Depot will reopen on Thursday 2 January 9am to 3.30pm, and on Friday 3 January 2014 opening times as usual.
The Basildon Sports Centre will be closed from Tuesday 24 December to Wednesday 1 January. Normal hours (5pm to 10pm) resume from Thursday 2 January.
For Christmas opening times for Eversley Leisure Centre, Wickford Swimming Pool 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
bASILDOn borough businesses have benefited from nearly £500,000 in eu grants to lower their carbon emissions, thanks to the basildon Green business Forum (GbF) stimulating a spend of around £1.25m.
The funding has been used by businesses to reduce their CO2 emissions in a way that saves them money, makes them more efficient, and therefore supports their continued existence and employment of local people.
The grants have been used to purchase more efficient machinery, low energy lighting, waste management systems, improved heating and insulation and greener transport solutions, as well as partial funding of 25 apprentices within the borough.
Basildon Council’s cabinet member for green issues, Cllr Malcolm Buckley, said: “We are pleased to work in partnership with the GBF, which does an excellent job in supporting the local economy - one of the council’s five promises to residents.
“These EU grants aim to help local businesses make a significant difference to the local economy and the environment which directly benefits Basildon residents.”
Colin Stroud of the Green Business Forum said: “Through our Low Carbon Business Programme, the GBF has ensured energy efficient goods and services were largely purchased from local businesses so that those in the supply chain were also able to boost their turnover.”
For more information on ‘green’ funding opportunities for businesses email [email protected], or call Keith Smith on 07703 582 368 or Colin Stroud on 07932 186 845.
Holocaust MeMorial Day event & aDvice For tHe young at Heart play
Monday 27 January 2014 at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon SS14 1DL
Tickets cost £6 and includes a buffet meal
BOOK TICKETS Online at www.towngatetheatre.co.uk or Call 01268 465465
Saving Energy Renewables with GBF members
Christmas recycling leaflet cover
DECEMBER 20138
The following information provides a brief overview of what happens to the money you pay in your Council Tax, how it is divided up between the various authorities in Essex, including Basildon Borough Council, what the council spends its share on, and how it is performing in some key areas.
Detailed information on the council’s finance can be found at www.basildon.gov.uk
For the year 2012/13 Basildon Council’s budget was set in line with our corporate priorities. The pie-chart and table below summarises where the budget was spent on services in 2012/13. This day to day spending includes salaries, repairs and transport essential to the effective running of the council’s services. It also includes any income generated from the services.
our financial and performance summary 2012/13How is The money spent?
planning
refuse & recycling
8%
street cleansing &
parking6%
leisure
4%
other Housing services
9%
finance
Where your council Tax goes
4.3% essex fire authority
8.8% essex police authority
16.7% Basildon Borough council
70.2% essex county council
Governance arranGemenTsGood governance arrangements are essential in ensuring we get the basics right.
Good governance leads to good management, good performance, good stewardship of public money, good public engagement and ultimately good outcomes for you, our citizens, and service users.
Basildon Council’s governance environment focuses on these six core principles and we regularly review how we are performing against them. The council has strong governance arrangements in place, but we are not complacent and recognise that we can always find improvements in everything that we do.
For full details of our governance arrangements please refer to the council’s Annual Governance Statement, available on the council’s website, which sets out the council’s commitments to you, what we have in place and areas for improvement.
Principle 6
Eng
agin
g w
ith
loca
l peo
ple and other stakeholders to ensure robust public acco
un
tability
Principle 2 Principle 3
Principle 4Principle 5
Members & officers working together to achieve a common
Promoting values for the council & demonstrating
Taking informed & transparent
decisions which Developing
the capacity & capability of
purpose with clearly defined
functions & roles
the values of good governance
by upholding high standards of conduct &
behaviour
are subject to effective scrutiny
and managing riskmembers & officers
to be effective
Principle 1Focusing on the
council’s purpose & outcomes for the
community & creating & implementing a vision for the local
area
£000sCommunity 1,790
Corporate & Central Services 7,302
Environmental Health 1,196
Leisure 7,421
Other Housing Services 2,450
Other Services 1,489
Planning 1,166
Refuse & Recycling 2,261
Street Cleansing & Parking 1,577
neT cosT of General fund services 26,652Add:
Parish & Town Council precepts 370
Transfer to reserves 2,360
neT operaTinG eXpendiTure 29,382Less non service income received (28,766)neT General fund deficiT for THe year 616
9DECEMBER 2013
For the year 2012/13 Basildon Council’s budget was set in line with our corporate priorities. The pie-chart and table below summarises where the budget was spent on services in 2012/13. This day to day spending includes salaries, repairs and transport essential to the effective running of the council’s services. It also includes any income generated from the services.
our financial and performance summary 2012/13How is The money spent?
For more information on the council’s finances and performance visit www.basildon.gov.uk
5%
28%
refuse & recycling
other services
6%
leisure
corporate and central
services27%
community7%
environmental Health
performance Performance is slightly below target
Performance is significantly below target
Performance is above target
key
corporaTe
Percentage of invoices paid within 30 days
95% 98.6% 95.7%
Average working days lost due to sickness absence
7.0 9.7 6.4
HousinG
Percentage of ‘non-decent’ homes 28% 28% 39.9%
Average number of days to relet void properties excluding excess sheltered
21 22 23
leisure
Towngate Theatre - Average % fill for professional shows
65% 70% 69.3%
planninG
Processing of planning applications: Major applications within 13 weeks 60% 57.9% 52.4%
Processing of planning applications: Minor applications within 8 weeks 70% 74.6% 58.6%
revenues & BenefiTs
Average time for processing new benefit claims (days) 14 16 14
Average time for processing changes to benefits (days) 7 8 6
Percentage of rent collected 98% 98% 98.5%
sTreeT scene & recyclinG
Percentage of household waste sent for reuse, recycling and composting 55% 52.5% 53.1%
Percentage of street inspections with unacceptable levels of litter 4% 1.9% 2%
Percentage of street inspections with unacceptable levels of graffiti 1.5% 0% 0.1%
Number of days taken to clear fly tipping 2.5 1.4 1.5
PerFOrmAnCe AreAS2012/13
Performance2012/13 target
2012/13 Actual
2011/12 Actual
£000sCommunity 1,790
Corporate & Central Services 7,302
Environmental Health 1,196
Leisure 7,421
Other Housing Services 2,450
Other Services 1,489
Planning 1,166
Refuse & Recycling 2,261
Street Cleansing & Parking 1,577
neT cosT of General fund services 26,652Add:
Parish & Town Council precepts 370
Transfer to reserves 2,360
neT operaTinG eXpendiTure 29,382Less non service income received (28,766)neT General fund deficiT for THe year 616
DECEMBER 201310
For tickets and information,call the Box Office on 01268 465465
or visit www.towngatetheatre.co.uk
Follow us on:
Facebook twitter
DAvIDSOn & DIGAnCe1 Feb 2014 @ 7.30pm. tickets £22.50
ruSSIAn StAte bALLet & OPerA HOuSe - CArmen 8 Feb 2014 @ 7.30pm. tickets £29.50
nIGeL KenneDY 26 Feb 2014 @ 7.30pm. tickets £38
JOAn ArmAtrADInG 6 nov 2014 @ 7.30pm. tickets £29.50
Join rapunzel this Christmas as she embarks on a fun adventure, which tells the traditional story of the beautiful young girl being trapped in a tower until she is rescued by her prince charming. Sprinkled with a bit of towngate panto magic, and starring the fantastic Simon Fielding, this is a must see show this Christmas!
to celebrate the launch of the show the towngate theatre is giving two lucky winners the chance to win a family ticket.
All you have to do is answer the following question…
What recent Walt Disney movie is based on rapunzel?
a) Cinderellab) the Princess and the frogc) tangled
Send your answer along with your name and address to [email protected]
termS AnD COnDItIOnS rAPunZeL COmPetItIOn - bOrOuGH DIArYEntries must be received by 15 December 2013. The winners will be drawn at random from correct entries. Only one entry per person allowed. The prize cannot be exchanged or sold to a third party. The prize drawn is open to all residents of the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands excluding employees of Basildon Borough Council, their immediate families, agents or anyone professionally connected with the promotion. No purchase necessary. The prizes consist of - two (2) family tickets (2) adults & 2 children per ticket to see the 2013 Rapunzel pantomime at the Towngate Theatre.
Win Panto tickets
buy your Christmas gifts today call the box office
Online booking now available at
www.towngatetheatre.co.uk
sUrPrise a loved one With a sPecial christmas gift!
CArmen
DAvIDSOn & DIGAnCe
JOAn ArmAtrADInGnIGeL KenneDY
11DECEMBER 2013
Wickford’s commUnitY caféIT Is full steam ahead for a community café in Wickford after building plans were approved by Basildon Council in october.
The café is being built as part of the Basildon Family Project, which, through local community involvement, aims to assist families facing challenging circumstances. Once finished it will be a volunteering hub and training centre expecting to help local young people gain experience of the working world, develop new skills and earn qualifications.
The café will be located in Wickford Memorial Park, and once opened will also house the job club currently running every Friday from 9.15am to noon at the Highcliffe Children’s Centre, Rettendon View, Wickford.
This job 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.
Cabinet member for community services, Cllr Terri Sargent said: “Congratulations to all those involved in getting the plans for the community café through the approval stage.
“Local volunteers are already hard at work at our job club and I know they are looking forward to the opening of the new community café so they can continue to play their part in helping residents get up or on the job ladder, learn new skills, or just serve the community tasty snacks in the café.
“However we need more local people and businesses to get involved so we can continue to have a positive impact in the Highcliffe and Beauchamps area of Wickford, so please get in touch.”
For details call the project’s neighbourhood coordinator on 0771 575 2648 or email [email protected]
GYm users across basildon can keep fit and healthy at their own pace by signing up to use the free exercise referral service at the Place, Pitsea.
The multi-purpose leisure centre which has a fully equipped Pulse Health Studio is located in Northlands Pavement, near Pitsea market and is owned by Basildon
Borough Council.The team at The Place are keen to
give people the opportunity to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle whatever their level of fitness, so they are encouraging customers to sign-up to the free service.
New and existing gym users are all
welcome to take part in the scheme. A fully qualified health and fitness advisor will go through a fitness plan with each gym user during their gym induction. Gym users can also set up further consultations to review their plan.
For further information call 01268 465 420 or email pitsealeisurecentre@
basildon.gov.uk.The Place also offers a health referral
service where customers can either make a self referral or can be referred by a health professional such as a doctor or nurse.
Visit www.basildon.gov.uk/theplace for more information on the gym facilities, activities and special offers.
free exercise referral service at The Place
Volunteers and council members at cafe building launch
DECEMBER 201312
volunTarY group light up Wickford will be celebrating its fifth annual Christmas lights celebration on sunday 8 december with a fun-packed afternoon of music and entertainment.
Supported by Basildon Council, from noon to 4pm there will be something for all the family to enjoy including: Christmas stalls, live entertainment, local school choirs,
Wickford Triangle Children’s Centre ‘Messy Play’, fairground rides including a 40 ft Helter Skeltar plus Santa and his sleigh, and more.
There will also be free parking all day at Basildon Council car parks (the car park behind Wickford High Street, Wickford Ladygate Centre and Wickford swimming pool).
For more information on the day’s activities and timetable visit lightupwickford.com
ChrIstmAs LIghts In wICkfOrd
billericay’s new council homes
Free festive parking is back for Christmas
A LeADInG councillor has donned his hard hat to inspect new council homes in billericay.
Cllr Phil Turner, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, went on site in Rosebay Avenue, to see the progress being made and the quality of the construction.
The two houses are part of a 19 unit residential development under construction by Bellway which will start delivering completed homes in January 2014.
Cllr Turner said: “These two new homes represent the first step in the council’s plans to develop and improve the quality of its housing portfolio to help provide local homes for local people.
“The Council taking ownership of new homes helps to broaden its housing portfolio and provide valuable assets for the borough in years to come, and gives a boost to the local economy through the employment of local labour during the build.”
bASILDOn Council will be offering shoppers a Christmas bonus this year by once again introducing free festive car parking in its car parks. this year, free parking
will be extended from monday 16 December to Sunday 29 December.Car parks covered by the
free Christmas parking initiative include the car park behind Wickford High Street, Wickford Ladygate Centre, Wickford swimming pool, High Street billericay and the radford Crescent car park, also in billericay.the free Christmas
parking only applies to the car parks stated and does not cover on-street parking.
bASILDOn celebrated International black History month with two events at basildon town centre in October.
The annual Black History Month celebrates and highlights the achievements and history of people of African descent, while providing an opportunity for people of all ethnicity and backgrounds to celebrate and learn about cultural diversity, integration and cohesion.
The Basildon Black Minority Ethnic Forum held a Market Place event at the town square offering authentic Afro-Caribbean flavours and introducing budding talented performers who illustrated styles from around the world.
The Dream.Unite.Believe (D.U.B) Performing Arts and Culture Group hosted a showcase of singing, acting, henna tattooing, a cake sale and more.
A PLAY looking at choices and the life journeys people make is
the highlight of basildon’s 2014 Holocaust memorial Day (HmD).
Organised by Basildon Forum of Faiths, and supported by Basildon Council, the HMD event takes place on Monday 27 January from 3pm to 6pm, and includes the “Advice for the Young at Heart” play written by Bafta - winning playwright Roy Williams.
This play focuses on the choices made by one family over the course of three generations during riotous times, and explores race, family and misguided loyalty.
Held at the Towngate Theatre’s Mirren Studio, tickets cost just £6 (including a £1 booking fee), and includes: a buffet meal; an exhibition on Jewish Holocaust victim, Anne Frank; guest speakers, including Basildon Mayor Mo Larkin and cabinet member for community services, Cllr
Terri Sargent; and singing from Woodlands School Choir.
Cllr Sargent said: “HMD is an international thought provoking event, and this year’s theme “journeys” challenges us to look at our behaviour and how making certain life choices can positively and negatively impact our family, friends and the communities which we live in.
“Using song and drama, this event will look at the journey we can all take to prevent the prejudice and intolerance of the past from happening in today’s society.”
Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis by calling the Towngate Theatre box office on 01268 465 465.
For more information contact Shamrika Sydes on 01268 294329, or Ndunge Kivuitu on 01268 294791.
holocaust memorial day’s “journeys”
Light Up Wickford Christmas stall
bAsILdOn CeLebrAtes bLACk hIstOry mOnth
yOuth AChIeVement rewArdedbASILDOn has been recognising young role models in the borough with this year’s Halloween inspired Celebration of Youth Awards.
Run by young people, in partnership with Basildon Borough Council and Essex County Council, this year’s awards ceremony was sponsored by West & Coe Funeral Directors.
Cllr Terri Sargent, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for
community services, said: “Thank you to all the local businesses who have sponsored the sixth annual Celebration of Youth Awards.
“Recognising the positive contribution and influence young people have in the community is something which is often overlooked, so I am pleased this event helps to highlight how special our young people are.”
WInnerS:
Adam thorpe Act of Courage/Overcoming AdversityAnnie Wiseman Young Person with responsibilities Lauren rea Achievement in Art/CultureHarriet Smith Inspirational role modelShane Allum School Prefect/mentorCourtney rose Davis Improved behaviourezra Stratford Achievement in SportLiam Ganney volunteeringGemma mcKay Worker recognition
D.U.B Performimg Arts and Culture Group
Scene from Advice for the Young at Heart play
13DECEMBER 2013
basildon christmas festival
BasIldon Council will be collecting real Christmas trees for composting from Monday 6 January 2014.
Residents with a real tree should remove all decorations and leave it out for collection on their revised green bin collection day.
Cllr John Dornan, cabinet member for environment, 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 cut down even more on the 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 trees.
Trees can also be taken to 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’.
reCyCLe your reAL ChrisTmAs Tree
resIdenTs in the borough who are looking to hold a community event or
function, can find a suitable venue on Basildon Council’s website.
The council has a wide range of community managed halls across the borough that can be hired to hold functions or events throughout the year.
Cllr Terri Sargent, cabinet member for Community at Basildon Council, said: ”I am glad that community groups and individuals are making use of the wide range of private halls available to host their clubs or groups within the borough.
“I hope this would encourage more
residents go along to their local halls to find out more about the diverse activities which are available in their area.
“Having private halls and also council run halls means we can offer hirers a range of options and locations which are suitable to host their events.”
For more information on community hall hire facilities in the borough visit www.basildon.gov.uk/communityhalls
commUnitY halls for hire for YoUr event
COmmunItY HALLS CAn be HIreD FOr A rAnGe ACtIvItIeS InCLuDInG:
• Church groups • Scouts / Guides / Cubs and brownies • majorettes and dance classes • martial arts groups • Playgroups and pre-school groups • Fitness and slimming groups
Photos from some of the activities which took place as part of the Basildon Christmas Festival
DECEMBER 201314
CAb vOLunteerS tO Get Free trAInInG FrOm neW £310,000 PrOJeCt
Check your contents insurance this winter
bASILDOn Council’s Your Future event proved a huge success, with a record breaking 1,000 people attending in October.
Over the last three years an estimated 2,500 15 to 19 year olds and their parents have attended the event.
The evening aimed to encourage young people to think about vocational training, educational opportunities and careers, with over 30 training providers and employers on hand to offer expert advice.
Andrew Warren, Post 16 Learning Manager at Bromfords School and Sixth Form College, said: “It really was very busy and certainly a worthwhile event. We had the opportunity to meet many of the fantastic young people from the area and discuss the opportunities available in post 16 education.”
Targeted invites were distributed to students
in Year 11 at school, young people who are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), and their parents.
A number of local blue chip companies attended the evening including SELEX ES and DP World. Parents and young people had the opportunity to talk to these key employers about different kinds of careers and what employers look for in successful candidates.
Cllr Tony Ball, leader of the council said: “I am very pleased with the success of the Your Futures Parent’s Evening and that it was attended by so many local young people and their parents.
“Events like this are very important to ensure we create opportunity within the local area, as well as support and guide young people whilst they consider an appropriate route to take throughout post 16 education.”
record nUmbers for YoUr fUtUre
bASILDOn borough Citizens Advice bureau (CAb) and
its partners are offering free training and work experience as it looks for volunteers to help deliver a £310,000 big Lottery funded project which aims
to improve advice services in the borough.
Working in partnership with l o c a l advice service providers, Impact Welfare Rights Advice Service, DIAL Basildon and South Essex, the Basildon Community Resource Centre, Birkett Long Solicitors, Signpost Basildon and Christians Against Poverty (CAP), the CAB is looking for local people of
all ages and backgrounds who are able to commit to a minimum of five hours per week. There are a variety of volunteer roles on offer including receptionists, administrators, advisers, PR and marketing, campaigners, IT support coordinators, fund-raisers, volunteer recruitment and specialists.
The Big Lottery funded project will help to reduce the anxiety and waiting times local residents face when seeking advice by creating eight new outreach centres or access points in the borough. It would also help local advice organisations by creating a new borough-wide Advice Forum. This forum will help organisations work together more effectively, share knowledge, expertise and develop new ways of working to improve the quality of advice given. It will also help make local advice centres more sustainable for the increasing demands that lie ahead.
This partnership will also be open to other agencies providing advice and information in the area so they can also become involved in the joint delivery process and share the pool of resources and learning.
The funding for this two year project led by the CAB comes from the Big Lottery Advice Services Transition Fund (ASTF) and is a direct and timely response to the challenging circumstances local advice providers and those dependent on their services are facing.
This project is a great opportunity for local residents to join, feel part of an enthusiastic team, make friends, get invaluable free training and work experience to enhance your employability.
For more information and an application form, please contact 01268 911028 or www.bascab.org.uk or email: [email protected] or call into your local bureau.
BasIldon Council is urging all residents to review the insurance arrangements they have in place for their home as the winter period sets in.
It is important to protect your home and your personal possessions from incidents such as fire, burst pipes, storm damage and theft by purchasing buildings and contents insurance cover. (If you are a tenant, you may only need to purchase contents insurance cover, check with your landlord). You also need to ensure the cover you purchase is adequate for your needs.
If adequate insurance is not in place and an incident occurred which resulted in a loss, you
may find yourself losing out when it comes to replacing your items. Unfortunately, many people only find this out after the damage has been done.
Buildings and contents insurance can be purchased through a variety of different sources, such as the internet, or alternatively you can appoint an insurance broker to provide you with advice and to assist you with purchasing the cover you require.
If you are a council tenant, Basildon Council can assist you with arranging contents insurance. Please contact the Insurance Section on 01268 294632 for further details.
A SHeLtereD housing scheme in Pitsea is set for a new £630,000 communal gas heating and water system.
Heating and hot water at Lanhams Court is currently provided by electric storage heaters and immersion heaters which have come to the end of their economic life.
Cllr Phil Turner, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for housing, said: “The old system has been in place since the late 1980s and means that the cost of
electricity is expensive for both residents and the council. This new system will drastically reduce the cost and improve energy efficiency.
“We are committed to investing in our assets and this is another example of that.”
Lanhams Court is a sheltered housing scheme built in the late 1980s and comprises 62 flats, three offices, a communal laundry, lounge area and other rooms in addition to communal corridors.
SHeLtereD SCHeme GetS neW £630,000 GAS HeAtInG SYStem
feLmOres re-CLAddIng wOrks stArt
WORK on the £6.3m Felmores cladding project started in October.
This improvement work to homes on the Felmores estate includes improving the external wall insulation, fire improvement works, re-cladding and relocation of bin stores.
The re-cladding project also involves the relocation of the bin stores from the front of houses across the estate to the rear gardens. This work has started at Winstree, where the original re-cladding pilot took place. The relocation of the bin stores is also part of the works to improve the car parking and landscaping to the front of the dwellings.
Cllr Phil Turner, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for Housing, said: “I am delighted that our contractors are now on site, and the residents of Felmores are seeing the works progress on the estate. This is a major project and will completely transform the estate.
“Although the cladding is the most visible part of this project, it is only one part of the job, as scaffolding needs to be erected, and new insulation, fire membranes and fire barriers need to be installed before the actual cladding is fitted.”
The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre, Northlands Pavement, Pitsea,Basildon, Essex, SS13 3DU
Fun activities include: Slides, rollers, netted climbing areas and much more!
Fun zone sessions from £1.50 per hour.Pick up your loyalty card at reception - pay for 4 Fun Zone sessions and get the 5th free!
Fun Zone normal opening times:Monday to Friday: 9am – 7pm Saturday: 9am – 6pm Sunday: 10am – 4pm
We can host children’s parties prices from £65. Catering options are available. For more information please call 01268 465420 or visit our website: www.basildon.gov.uk/theplace
New YearNew You!Join the monthly fitness challenge at The Place, Pitsea & see winning results!Do you want to:Keep fit to lose weight? Build muscle? Motivate yourself to exercise?
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
NEW SHOWERS COMING SOON
CHILDREN CAN ENJOY HOURS OF SOFT PLAY
IN THE FUN ZONE, AT THE PLACE, PITSEA
DECEMBER 201316
Basildon Borough Council, The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL. Website: www.basildon.gov.uk switchboard: 01268 533333 Email: [email protected]
Chief Executive: Bala Mahendran Leader: Councillor Tony Ball
Printed on recycled paper.Please recycle your Borough Diary after reading.
tHe neW operator of basildon golf course has promised a bright future for the facility after he took over at the start of October.
Colin Jenkins, a former professional golfer runs a number of courses, and has been awarded a lease, and contract for the operation and management of the course for 75 years.
Colin has big plans for the course and has already organised to bring a professional tournament to Basildon next year – the PGA in England East contest.
Colin said: “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to run Basildon golf course and I am looking forward to getting started, and hope that it will be a success for many years to come.
“I want to deformalise golf and encourage people to enjoy it whilst they are here. This is a public course, and I want local people to come and use it. I will be putting on offers and plenty of incentives for serious or not so serious golfers to get involved!”
Cllr Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and arts, said: “There was a long and detailed 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.”
gOLf COurse OperAtOr tAkes OVer
£40,000 fOr sun COrner pLAy AreA
Cllrs Tony Ball and Kevin Blake with golfers and new operator Colin Jenkins (centre)
bASILDOn Council has invested £40,000 on new play equipment at Sun Corner, billericay.
The play area, completed in September, was funded by the council’s £250,000 improvement fund plus a £10,000 donation from Billericay Round Table.
Cllr Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and arts, said: “This has been a community effort with pupils from local junior and senior schools, residents, the Town Council and the Billericay Round Table working with the council to form a consultation group.
“I am delighted with the outcome and am sure it will provide yet another top quality facility for young people in the borough.”
The selected design is a mixture of toddler, junior and equipment for older children.
Cllrs Kevin Blake and Richard Moore with parents and children at Sun Corner play area
