John Barron MP briefed on Basildon & Thurrock College High Level Review

John Baron MP has visited Thurrock and Basildon College, Basildon to discuss a high level review of the College’s future role and development within the wider community. He met with Richard Lauder (Chairman, Thurrock & Basildon College Corporation), Denise Fielding (Principal, Thurrock & Basildon College), Janice Logie (LSC Essex Partnership) and James Ayling (Director, Thames Gateway Partnership).

John said: “The College is exploring ways of capitalising on the Region’s opportunities, which include the investment by Dubai Ports, the 2012 Olympics and a growing population. The College has an enviable record in its specialisms and is right to examine how best it can serve the future skills and learning needs of our community.”

Denise Fielding added: “These are exciting times with lots of opportunities for local people and education. Thurrock & Basildon College is committed to providing specialist vocational skills and will continue its work with local and regional employers to be a key partner in the economic wellbeing of Basildon, Thurrock and the Thames Gateway.”

The photo shows John with (left to right) Richard Lauder (Chairman, Thurrock & Basildon College Corporation), Denise Fielding (Principal, Thurrock & Basildon College), Janice Logie (LSC Essex Partnership), James Ayling (Director, Thames Gateway Partnership)

MP's Annual Fun Walk for Charity

John Baron MP and his Fun Walk Committee have held their final planning meeting with Marshals to finalise arrangements for the event which will be held at Barleylands Farm on May 18th.

There will be live music, BBQ and refreshments, together with plenty of parking space for coaches and cars. There is plenty of room in the Barleylands Barn for participants to set up stalls in order to help raise awareness.

There are 2 walks to choose from on the day. One will be 3 miles and will take in the circular public walk around Crays Hill (which includes a couple of stiles!) . The second will be a much shorter walk within Barleylands Farm and will be suitable for toddlers, families and the disabled. Both will start (at the same time) and finish at Barleylands Farm.

Projects/causes chosen to participate will raise money through their own sponsorship efforts in the run-up to the walk. The committee will supply sponsorship forms. John also took the opportunity to thank Veolia ES Cleanaway and Toomey Motors for their corporate sponsorship.

As Chairman of the Fun Walk Committee, John said: “It is clear this
year’s Fun Walk will be the best yet, with over 60 local charities and good
causes set to benefit. We aim to make the day great fun for all the family with
a BBQ, live music, a wide selection of stalls and other entertainment.

“Part of the attraction of this event is that each
charity is given a bonus cheque over and above what they raise themselves
in sponsorship, and this is down to generous donations from Veolia ES Cleanaway
and Toomey Motors.”

Since 2002, the Fun Walks have raised over £137,000 for over 50 local charities and good causes, and momentum is building with £27,000 being raised last year alone.

Having seen for themselves how successful the Fun Walk is, local charities and good causes have tended to sign up for subsequent years. The only obligation on those local causes and charities taking part is that they must supply one Marshal for the walk on the day. There is still time for local charities and good causes to join the walk by phoning 01268 520765.

MP thanks Veolia and Toomey Motors for sponsorship
On Friday evening, at the Meeting Hall behind the Rising Sun Pub, Billericay, John Baron MP and his Fun Walk Committee held their planning meeting with Marshals prior to the event on 18th May at Barleylands farm. John also took the opportunity to thank Veolia ES Cleanaway and Toomey Motors for their corporate sponsorship.
As Chairman of the Fun Walk Committee, John said:
“It is clear this year’s Fun Walk will be the best yet, with over 60 local charities and good causes set to benefit. We aim to make the day great fun for all the family with a BBQ, live music, a wide selection of stalls and other entertainment.”
“Part of the attraction of this event is that each of the charities are given a bonus cheque over and above what they raise themselves in sponsorship, and this is down to generous donations from Veolia ES Cleanaway and Toomey Motors.”

· As with previous years, the aim of this year's annual Fun Walk is to raise money for local community projects, charities and good causes, in what will be a fun afternoon for all the family.
· John Baron MP and his committee will organise the event which will be held at Barleylands Farm. There will be live music, BBQ and refreshments, together with plenty of parking space for coaches and cars.
· There is also plenty of room in the Barleylands Barn for participants to set up stalls in order to help raise awareness.
· There are 2 walks to choose from on the day. One will be 3 miles and will take in the circular public walk around Crays Hill (which includes a couple of stiles!) . The second will be a much shorter walk within Barleylands Farm and will be suitable for toddlers, families and the disabled. Both will start (at the same time) and finish at Barleylands Farm.
· Projects/causes chosen to participate will raise money through their own sponsorship efforts in the run-up to the walk. The committee will supply sponsorship forms.
· In addition, because we have attracted local business donors, participating organisations will receive a bonus over and above what they raise in sponsorship
· Since 2002, the Fun Walks have raised over £137,000 for over 50 local charities and good causes, and momentum is building with £27,000 being raised last year alone.
· Having seen for themselves how successful the Fun Walk is, local charities and good causes have tended to sign up for subsequent years. For information, attached is a list of those which participated last year
· The only obligation on those local causes and charities taking part is that they must supply one Marshal for the walk on the day.
· If your organisation would like to benefit from this walk or would like to raise money for others, then please write to Mrs. Ann Akinin, 125 Bramble Tye, Noak Bridge, Essex SS15 5GR by 14th March in order to register.

Chalvedon Students Receive Radio Awards at Eastgate Centre

Six media studies pupils from Chalvedon School in Basildon have been attending a Radio Course at Gateway FM, the community radio station for Basildon and East Thurrock.

They have been learning how to present programmes, prepare, script and present news bulletins, how to read weather reports to time and how to prepare and present community service announcements.

The course has been intensive but fun, for the students have recorded the announcements, presented a three hour show that was broadcast over the Internet and recorded a special late night broadcast to go out over FM.

Hans Wustefeld, Manager of the Eastgate Centre presented the completion of course certificates to the students in the presence of Alan Roach, School Principal and the course training tutors from Gateway FM; Danny Lawrence, Ros Connors and Yvonne Williams.

The course was a pilot for a series of individually tailored introductory courses offered by the station to schools, colleges, businesses and private individuals. The courses promote the development of different abilities and skills including teamworking, researching, handling the press, interviewing, news reporting, confidence building, voice projection, weather and music presenting. They provide a foundation for anyone interested in working within the media and a firm base for further skills development.

The students achieved a great deal in the week. On Thursday there was a teachers' strike, but the students all opted to come in for the course rather than join their schoolmates having a day off. They have all signed up for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and will be coming back to Gateway FM to work on further broadcasts. The tutors thanked the students for their participation and called them a credit to their families, their school and a pleasure to work with.

Photo (top): l-r: Sam Donnell, Kris Galtry, Hollie Winner, Jia Hall, Lesley Pick, Eliza Pogorzelska. Seated foreground: Mr Hans Wustefeld, General Manager of the Eastgate Centre.

Photo (bottom): Back row, l-r: Danny Lawrence, Rosalyn Connors, Jia Hall, Yvonne Williams. Front row, l-r: Sam Donnell, Kris Galtry, Hollie Winner, Lesley Pick, Eliza Pogorzelska Foreground: Hans Wustefeld.

The pictures were taken at Gateway FM's production studio in the heart of the Eastgate Centre. The studio is being refitted to full broadcast standard.

Check your Polling Cards Reminder

Polling day is only a week away and Basildon Council is asking all voters to check their polling cards for their correct local polling station because this year some have changed.

New arrangements in the Queen's Park area of Billericay West ward mean that The Community Church in Queen's Park Avenue will be a polling station.

In Burstead ward, the polling station which used to be in the scout hut next to the fire station in Laindon Road moves to Archer Emmanuel Church hall across the street.

Voters in Pitsea North West ward, in the area around St Peters Church, will vote at the new community hall next to the church in Nevendon.

Those who voted in the former Riverview Centre at Vange will now vote at St Chad's Church close by.

Everyone should check carefully their local voting place which is given on the polling cards now being distributed. Although electors do not need to take their polling card in order to vote, it can speed things up if they have it with them. For more details residents should call the senior electoral administator'soffice on 012689 294351.

Real Nappies Green Give-Away

New mums are being encouraged to switch to real nappies in a small-scale environmental awareness campaign organised by Basildon Council in which free packs of real nappies are being given to mothers of newborn babies at Basildon and Thurrock hospital. During the next week, one mum a day will receive a pack of washable nappies to help reduce the number of disposable nappies being binned.

Nearly three billion nappies are thrown away in the UK each year, creating more than 690,000 tonnes of nappy waste.

Carly Cox, recycling promotions officer for Basildon Council, said: “Using real nappies can divert tonnes of waste from landfill, and save parents up to £500 during the time their child is being potty trained. We are encouraging more parents to switch to cloth nappies to reduce the strain on the environment, and their pockets.”

School-Run Cars Risk Being Towed Away

School-run mums and dads have been warned that their cars will be towed away if they continue to cause parking chaos in Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope.

Police have been forced to take drastic action and remove offending vehicles because some drivers are failing to park sensibly in roads near the area’s schools.

Inspector Rachel Wood, the area police commander, said: “We have had to do this as a last resort because there is a real danger of serious accidents being caused. It may seem draconian but many drivers have simply refused to co-operate.

“Mums with pushchairs have to walk in the road because pavements are blocked by cars, drivers have also parked on zig-zag lines at pedestrian crossings and carelessly parked vehicles of all sizes have also blocked residents’ drives.

“On some occasions streets with cars parked on either side have been blocked by people leaving large vehicles in the middle of the road. Free and safer parking areas are available nearby but it seems that many people are not prepared to walk and insist on stopping as near as possible to the schools.

“The problems have been getting worse despite letters being sent out by some of the schools and police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) talking to certain drivers.”

The worst-affected areas are near St Joseph’s and Stanford schools in Stanford-le-Hope and Gable Hall, Abbots Hall and Giffards schools in Corringham. Insp Wood said that there had been many complaints from local residents, parents who walk their children to school and also from members of the local community forum. She said that in response to these concerns community policing teams will be using legislation under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 which targets motorists who fail to show consideration for others or cause “alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public.”

Drivers will be given a warning which lasts for 12 months. The warning also applies to the vehicle. So if another person drives the same vehicle and breaches the act then the vehicle can still be seized. If the driver or the vehicle commits another breach of the act then the vehicle can be seized and towed away by police. The fee to release the vehicle is £105 plus £12 per day storage.

Insp Wood added: “Officers will continue to respond in this manner until drivers get the message that their poor parking outside schools is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. It is just a matter of time until a child is seriously injured if they continue to be bloody-minded and park inconsiderately."

Number Plate Theft Threat

Drivers who use false or stolen number plates in an attempt to cut their motoring costs face hefty fines or a jail sentence when they are caught, a senior detective has warned.

A recent spate of number plate thefts in the Basildon and Thurrock police districts suggests that more drivers may be trying to avoid being caught on automatic cameras for not having car insurance or road tax.

They might also be trying to use vehicles in crimes such as driving away from petrol stations without paying for fuel, or even be trying to avoid London congestion charges.

But Det Chief Insp Liam Osborne said that motorists who change their number plates to save a few pounds were facing serious consequences. He said: “If drivers are caught using stolen plates they will be charged with handling stolen goods, which is a serious criminal offence that will lead to a fine or imprisonment.

“If drivers are also using these plates to commit other offences or avoid paying car insurance, road tax or congestion charges they are running the risk of severe penalties. These criminals should be aware that we will seek to prosecute on all occasions.”

If you have know anyone who is flouting the law by using stolen or false plates phone Basildon or Thurrock on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Information on protecting your vehicle is available from your local neighbourhood specialist officer (NSO), police community support officers (PCSOs) or call in at any police station for your free copy of the “Steer clear of car crime” leaflet.

Police Recruitment Event in Thurrock

Anyone interested in joining Essex Police as a regular officer, police community support officer (PCSO), special constable or a police cadet, is invited to a recruitment event in Thurrock on Thursday (April 24).

It will be held at The Forum, Derwent Parade, South Ockendon from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Police officers, PCSOs and specials will be on hand to talk about their work and recruitment officials from police headquarters at Chelmsford will be handing out information packs and giving advice.

Police Work Displayed at Crown Court Open Day

Police joined judges, magistrates, lawyers and court officers during a special open day at Basildon crown court on Saturday, April 19.

More than 500 people attended the event during which members of the public were able to visit the cells, sit in on mock trials and also chat with resident judges.

The public were able to participate in mock sentencing hearings by giving their opinions on what sentences should be carried out and then comparing them with the rulings by the judge. The day was a remarkable success and it is to be hoped that it can be repeated on a regular basis so that more of us can get a first hand look at the system that works for our protection.

But while visitors were able to see how the court deal with villains, the police and other organisations connected with law and order had stands to highlight their work.

Basildon crime reduction officer Mick Armstrong and police community support officers (PCSOs) Jakki Hardingham and Dave Newman were kept busy giving advice and handing out leaflets on home security and free straps to keep mobile phones and purses out of the clutches of thieves.

Members of the domestic violence and hate crime unit at Basildon police station had a large stand and were joined by Inspector Nick Burston, vulnerable victims co-ordinator for Essex Police, and Paula Ward from Essex Against Domestic Violence.Their stand included eight red full-size figures representing the average number of people killed annually in Essex as a result of domestic violence.

Insp Burston said: “There was a lot of interest in the figures. They help draw attention to the problems of domestic violence and also raise awareness of the work being carried out by Essex Police in partnership with other agencies.”

Pictured are:-Upper: Judge Philip Clegg at the Essex police stand with PCSOs Jakki Hardingham and Dave Newman and visitors Martin and William Lamb, aged six.

Lower: Insp Nick Burston with Pc Anna Brown and Marion John from Basildon domestic violence and hate crime unit and Paula Ward (left) from Essex Against Domestic Violence.

Basildon 'Mini-Olympics'

Eat your heart out Beijing --- Basildon is holding its very own 'Olympics' next month. Amateur athletes are being invited to compete in the biggest mass participation sporting event ever held in the district.

Youngsters of all abilities can go for gold in a medley of track and field events open to anyone aged 8 to 20 years old.

Dozens of young athletes are expected to pack out Gloucester Park athletics stadium when the competition, being called The Games, gets underway on Wednesday 28 May.

Entrants can go for glory in a range of athletic events including 100m sprint, 800m, long jump, high jump and shot put. There will also be 'para-Olympic' events for people with special needs or disabilities. Entrants can be aged up to 25 years old. The competition is being organised by Basildon Council, and will be overseen by professional coaches from Basildon Athletics Club.

Tracey Davies, sports development officer for Basildon Council, said: “We’re hoping to crown Basildon’s very own 'Olympic' and 'para-Olympic' champions in the run up to the Beijing Games. This is the largest sporting event we have ever organised in the district and hope it can become an annual fixture. We are inviting youngsters to compete at a top athletics venue against other athletes of the same age and ability. This is a fun way of getting young people involved in sport and hope it inspires more youngsters to take up athletics.”

Winners of each event will receive a medal and prize, as well as a place on the podium. There will also be prizes for youngsters who show sporting spirit. Entry costs £3. Competitors must complete a form available from TraceyDavies on 01268 465444 or tracey.davies@basildon.gov.uk.

These should be handed into Gloucester Park swimming pool by Wednesday 14 May. The event is also being run by Active Basildon.

Historically Priceless Boat for Motorboat Museum

A long lost nautical treasure has gone display in Pitsea after being hidden amongst junk for 30 years.

The Motorboat Museum in Wat Tyler Country Park has unveiled the world’s first ever solar powered boat after rescuing it from a garage inWarwickshire. Solar Craft I, said to be “historically priceless”, is acknowledged in the Guinness Book of Motorboating as the first ever vessel to harness the sun’s rays.

It was built in 1976 by inventor Alan Freeman and is the forerunner to Sun21 - the first solar powered boat to cross the Atlantic last year. Measuring just eight feet long, the catamaran is built out of plywood and duralumin and had a top speed of 4mph – on a sunny day. It lay undisturbed in the garage of its inventor, who also built the world’s first ever solar powered car, until an enthusiast revealed its existence this year. Officials contacted Mr Freeman, now in his 90s, who generously agreed to donate it to the museum.

Julie Graham, curator of the Motorboat Museum, said: “This is a fantastic addition to the museum and we are thrilled to have it in our collection. The boat was in danger of being lost forever, but is now safely on displayfor everyone to enjoy.

“It is officially recognised as the world’s first ever solar powered craft which makes it an historically priceless exhibit. The craft is an important part of our maritime heritage and we are delighted to be preserving it for future generations to see.”

The museum, which is owned and run by Basildon Council, was started in 1986 with just five boats – all of them on loan from other museums. Since then it has developed into one of the country’s best collections of modern and historic motorboats with more than 40 exhibits on display. They include the Fairy Huntress, used in the James Bond film From Russia With Love, and Miss Britain IV, which powered its way to a world waterspeed record in the 80s.

The museum is located in Wat Tyler Country Park and is free to visit. It is open from 10am - 4.30pm every day except Tuesday and Wednesdays.

Billericay to get London-Style Tree-Lined Park

Basildon Council is planting 25 trees around the edge of South Green open space, off Southend Road in Billericay. The trees will form a curtain circling the outside of the green – similar to the planting of London’s famous parks.

The new trees include London plane, field maple, small leaf lime, hornbeam, walnut and western red cedar.

Gary Meadowcroft, arboriculture officer for Basildon Council, said: “We are planting a selection of trees of different sizes and colours around the edge of the green. “This will give it a look similar to the parks found in London, and allow people to walk in the shade or play in the open space in the middle.”

The trees are being funded with £5,000 secured by Billericay town council from Essex County Council, and are being planted this week.

Government U-Turn on Smart Meters

John Baron MP today welcomed news of a Government U-turn on the issue of smart meters which will help the ‘fuel poor’ families who have to spend over 10% of their income meeting fuel costs.

During committee stage of the Energy Bill the Government had set its face against Smart Meters, but Government amendments tabled recently confirm the U-turn. John and other colleagues had pressed Ministers to bring in this new technology.

John said: “Smart meters would help to save money and the environment by making clear in real-time the cost of energy use. They would bring an end to estimated billing, so families are no longer caught out thinking they are using less energy than they really are.”

Smart Meters are designed to give more information about energy consumption and efficiency and to help householders take advantage of special off-peak rates.

MP Gets Commons Debate over Basildon Golf Course Issue

Angela Smith, MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, has called a debate on the development of Basildon Golf Course in the House of Commons.

This will form the daily 'adjournment debate' for Thursday 24th April and is likely to run at 6.00pm.

Battling Baron Secures Admission of Error over ClearSprings

John Baron MP has received a letter from Justice Minister David Hanson admitting the Government got it wrong over the ClearSprings issue. In reply to John’s question in Parliament last month, the Minister did say that Basildon Council had a veto on plans to impose an open prison locally but had failed to state its opposition. The Minister’s letter now accepts that the Council “does not have an open veto on addresses” and “ did object to the proposed addresses”. This admission came after John again raised the issue through a Point of Order in the Commons chamber.

Commenting, John said: “The government tried to make it look that Basildon Council had not objected to the ClearSprings proposal. However, after my questioning in the Commons, it now admits the Council did object from the start. There is also government confusion as to whether the Council has the power to veto plans. This highlights government disarray after being found out it was trying to dump an open prison on Basildon residents without consulting them first.

“Having forced a U-turn on the government, I welcome the Minister’s confirmation that ClearSprings is not currently seeking property in Basildon District. However, the Minister’s letter also makes clear the threat remains, and so we must remain vigilant. Residents do not want to wake up one morning to find themselves living next to an open prison.”

Whilst the Minister admitted his inadvertent error, he has also made it clear that although ClearSprings have decided not to use the proposed address in Vange and are not currently seeking alternatives in Basildon district, he expects that ClearSprings will at some point have to look again for alternative addresses in the area. The warning is clear.

Tory Candidate Calls on Angela Smith MP to Resign as PPS to Gordon Brown

Stephen Metcalfe, prospective Conservative Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock has called on Angela Smith MP to join her namesake and resign from her Government post in protest at the Governments tax hike on the lowest paid.

The call follows news that Angela Smith, the Labour MP for Sheffield Hillsborough and a junior member of the government has resigned in protest at the axing of the 10p tax rate.

Metcalfe said: "Labour's decision to scrap the 10 pence starting rate for income tax has meant the take home pay of thousands of families across Basildon and East Thurrock earning less than £350 per week has been slashed."

He dismissed Labour claims that the minimum wage and tax credits would compensate for any losses as rubbish, pointing out that the Government's own figures show 5.3 million families will lose out even when changes to tax credits are taken into account. Thus one in five families will be worse off and the amount lost could be anything up to £446.

He added "There is an open tax revolt in the Labour Party. It shows the Government is in disarray as a serious economic crisis looms. Dozens of Labour backbenchers are publicly attacking the Prime Minister for the effect of the abolition of the 10p tax rate on the lowest paid.”

John Baron at St George's Day Lunch

John Baron MP, as President of The Royal Society of St. George (Wickford Branch), today joined the Society for its St. Georges Day ploughman’s lunch at Christ Church Hall, Wickford.

John said: “It is important to celebrate St. George’s Day and to remember just how proud we can be of England and its many achievements and strengths. Well done to The Royal Society of St. George for flying the flag”.

John Baron MP Condemns EEDA’s ‘Hammer Blow’ to Disability Essex

John Baron MP has condemned the actions of the East of England Development Agency for its sudden withdrawal of a grant to help fund an impressive new Head Quarters and Training Centre for Disability Essex (formerly Essex Disabled People’s Association). Lord Petre is Patron.

John said: “Disability Essex does excellent work but has been dealt a hammer-blow by EEDA. I understand as recently as last month EEDA had confirmed that funding for the project was on track. To withdraw it now at this late stage is absolutely shameful, given that kick-off was about to take place after much hard work.

“Indeed, since the lease of the temporary accommodation that Disability Essex occupies pending the completion of the new building runs out in a years time, it puts in jeopardy the very existence of the organisation.

“I have written to the Chief Executive of EEDA about this in the hope we can re-instate funding.”

Young People in Basildon Served 200,000 Hours

Young people in Basildon are celebrating after clocking up 200,000 hours ofvolunteering. More than 2,000 teenagers have given up their time to help in the community as Millennium Volunteers.

The scheme, which was launched nationwide in 1999, ended last month but is being replaced by a new volunteering programme called “V”.

While the original scheme had been planned to last for three years, it was so successful that it continued for eight. It saw young people across Basildon give up their spare time to help with youth clubs, charity fundraising and conservation work. They participated in a range of activities from helping children with special needs to organising music gigs and community garden makeovers. It led to the Basildon scheme, based in the council’s offices, being praised as the most successful in Essex.

Lee Dixon, coordinator of the Basildon scheme, said: “While young people are often portrayed as troublemakers, the reality is very different. Many young people in the district are engaged with volunteering activities and proactively involved in making Basildon a better place. The huge number of hours they clocked up volunteering in the community is a testament to their kindness and commitment.”

The original bid to run the project was led by two 17-year-old members ofthe Basildon Youth Council, supported by Basildon Council’s youth team. It has been replaced by the new National Youth VolunteeringProgramme, which began this month. Details are available at www.Vinspired.com, or by calling Amie Edmunds at the Southend Association of Voluntary Services on 01702-350479.

'Minty' Launches Scumball 3000 Rally for Charity

Eastenders star Cliff Parisi - aka 'Minty' - is at Arena Essex tomorrow for the launch of the annual Scumball 3000 Rally in aid of the children’s mobility charity Whizz-Kidz. Parisi is joining Whizz-Kidz’ ambassadors to get the ‘Scumballers’ on track for a charity drive across Europe with a difference.

Sub-titled “This time it’s triball!” - the annual four-day team challenge will test drivers’ skills and agility, and must be completed in cars that cost no more than £500. However, there are no limits on the modifications entrants can do to their cars – the more outlandish, the better.

To enter, each Scumball team raises £500 for Whizz-Kidz. The money will benefit the many young disabled people the charity supports; building their independence and confidence through vital mobility equipment and wheelchair skills training.

Ashley Westpfel, Regional Fundraising Manager at Whizz-Kidz says: “We are really excited to be the chosen charity of Scumball 3000 for 2008. The challengers’ wheels will be essential to them completing the course, and the £50k set to be raised will help many more young people get the “wheels” they need to be independent and achieve their own personal goals. It really expresses the freedom and excitement that Whizz-Kidz is all about!”

Ed White, Director of Scumball 3000 has declared that Scumball 3000 is proud to have chosen Whizz-Kidz as their nominated charity for the Triball 2008 event. With over 100 cars participating, they hope to beat previous targets and change lives in the process. Having elected children’s charities for the previous events, he deciding which charity to support for 2008 was something of a ojne horse race, for Whizz-Kidz met all of their criteria. They plan to continue year on year to give something back to charities in the UK who rely on such fundraising.

The Scumball 3000 launch party is at Arena Essex on 17 April at 6pm – with free entry. Spectators can see all the cars taking part during a parade lap. There will also be demonstration races from ‘Lightnin’ Rods’ - a formula of oval circuit racing - and Banger cars in action to entertain the crowds. The Scumball challengers then make their way to Dover – the first leg on their European adventure. They return to the UK on 22 April.

For more info on Scumball 3000, visit www.scumball3000.co.uk.
Whizz-Kidz website, including donation online can be found at www.whizz-kidz.org.uk.

The Whizz-Kidz charity has changed the lives of over 7,500 disabled children since 1990 - often literally overnight. It helps young people to access the right mobility equipment, including powered wheelchairs, at the right time. It also delivers wheelchair skills training and other life-skills to help the transition from childhood to adulthood.
There are still over 70,000 children in the UK who need their support because the appropriate mobility equipment is not automatically provided on the NHS. Whizz-Kidz aims to joint-fund mobility equipment where possible with local NHS services, and seeks to ensure that much-needed improvements are made in delivering wheelchair services for children in the UK.

Your Country Needs You!

Conservation volunteers are need to help build stag beetle pyramids throughout Wick Country Park. If you fancy a helping of fresh air and exercise, then join a conservation work party on Sunday 20 April from 10am to 1pm.

The pyramids are made out of long and short logs buried vertically in the ground. They provide habitat for insects which rely on dead or rotting wood, allowing them, and the creatures that prey on them, to thrive.

Gloves, tea and coffee are provided. All ages welcome. Meet by the pavilion at Wick Country Park, off Tresco Way in Wickford.

Time to End the Direct Debit Scam Says MP

Angela Smith, MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, has called on telecoms watchdog Ofcom to take action against companies who charge customers extra if they do not pay by direct debit.

Angela said, "I have been inundated by complaints from local people who are fed up with being penalised for not being able, or not being willing, to pay by direct debit. I have asked Ofcom to examine the case of BT in particular, which levies a separate charge on customers who do not pay by direct debit, and I will be following this up with investigations into other utility companies who do the same. My view is that people are billed for a service and how they choose to pay should not matter.

Angela has submitted her views as part of Ofcom's current consultation on additional charges.

Angela added, "many people, either because they are on low incomes or do not like direct debits, pay by other means and even with an exemplary record on paying, they can still effectively be 'fined' by wishing to pay by cash or cheque."

Have we Gone Too Far with Spy Cameras?

You may remember a piece we featured on Thursday, 3 April 2008 headed Spy-cams to Target Fly-tippers in which it was reported that high-tech spy cameras are to be employed by Basildon Council in the battle against fly-tipping. Council bosses have spent £12,000 on a new mobile CCTV camera capable of spotting criminals more than a mile away – in the dark.

On the 12th April , the Daily Telegraph ran a piece pointing out that last year, councils and government departments made 12,494 applications for "directed surveillance", according to figures released by the Office of the Surveillance Commissioner. This was almost double the number for the previous year and contrasted with applications from police and other law enforcement agencies that fell during the same period, to about 19,000. One local government body reportedly admitted that councils and other public bodies would soon carry out more surveillance than the police.

Councils are increasingly using the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (Ripa) to investigate anything that can be classed as a criminal offence. Although the Regulation was a measure intended to address terrorism and other serious crime, it is clearly being used in ways that are, to say the least, highly questionable.

The Daily Telegraph article pointed out that Gosport borough council in Hampshire has confirmed that it is using Ripa for an undercover investigation into dog fouling. Council officers equipped with digital cameras and binoculars are spying on dog walkers. Stoke-on-Trent city council said has used Ripa to investigate "illegal building work", while several councils have put cameras in tins and piles of twigs to catch fly-tippers.

A surveillance society is one where any authorities can spy on individuals going about their lawful business in the hope of catching them committing an offence. In 2000, when Ripa was passed, only nine organisations, were allowed to use it. That number is now 792, including 474 councils. Indeed, during 2006 more than 1,000 applications a day were made to use Ripa powers. Worse still, it is not just camera surveillance that is involved, but permission for councils to obtain phone records and details of email traffic from personal computers (though not their contents) and to get details of websites individuals log on to.

There are limits to Ripa. Councils cannot use it to bug telephones, a power reserved for the police and security forces and which must be authorised by the Home Office. However, our society has surely reached the point where we must question the use of Ripa, must question the spying tactics, must ask ourselves whether we really want a Britain in which our every movement is liable to be recorded 'just in case'. Did we really vote for officially sanctioned 'Peeping Toms', a sort of unaccountable untrained secret police masquerading as council employees? Do we really want councils assuming powers that threaten our privacy in this way?

Perhaps Basildon Council should question whether £12000 for a camera capable of gathering evidence at night from the distance of a mile is really an appropriate measure for a council to deploy. If they have evidence of a particular problem in a specific area, they can advise the police. The council should consider how staff are to be trained in the use of this camera, and how can we be protected against operators using the camera to spy on legitimate, albeit private activities?

Traveller Accommodation Proposals

The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) is conducting a consultation on its proposals for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in the East of England. Whilst opposition to proposals has been quite vociferous, it is very important that Gypsies, Travellers and their supporters contribute to this consultation.

Details of the consultation can be found at www.goeast.gov.uk. The deadline for comments is Friday 16 May. Those who comment should be able to participate in the Examination in Public (EiP) to be held in October. Those who do not comment at this stage will not be able to participate in the EiP.

The issue will almost entirely revolve around the figures for new pitches in each district which EERA has presented. Many local residents are expected to be objecting to any provision for Gypsies and Travellers so in order to be sure of adequate representation of their views, Gypsies and Travellers are being urged to make a submission, and if possible copy it to Steve Staines, Planning Researcher at Friends, Families and Travellers, who is working on this matter. His email is steve@gypsy-traveller.org.

If you know about the situation on the ground in any part of the East of England Region, please contact Steve by email or by phone (07845 930065) so that he can get an overall appreciation based on local knowledge and can use the information to make a representation to the EiP in October which will be as effective as possible.

To read the EERA proposals in full, and to comment on them on-line, go to http://goe-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/rssissue/gt. You have to register and log in to comment on line. Alternatively you can email comments to gtreview@goeast.gsi.gov.uk or post them to:
Barbara Bay, Panel Secretary, Planning Inspectorate, 4/02 Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN.

Background information:

• Councils in the East of England have been told the number of Gypsy and Traveller pitches they need to allocate by 2011 by the East of England Regional Assembly Planning Panel.
  Sufficient Gypsy and Traveller sites will mean:
• Families can avoid constant eviction, which impacts badly on their health and life chances.
• Gypsy and Traveller men and women's lifespan is 10 years less than everyone else.
• Gypsy and Traveller mothers are more than 20 times likely to have a child die than the rest of the population.
• Gypsy and Traveller children have difficulty in getting a decent education (Commission for Racial Equality, ‘Common Ground’, 2006 page 13).
• The general public, taxpayers and councils will be saved the cost and inconvenience of unauthorised encampments and developments.
• Gypsies and Travellers will be helped to become part of the wider community.
• It is worth noting that a growing number of Gypsies and Travellers are playing active roles in schools for example as classroom assistants and school governors and are performing other valuable roles in the wider community. The main thing that helps Gypsies and Travellers to play such a positive role in the community and accessing services is having a secure and decent place to live.
  It is therefore important councils:
  
• Start looking for land now and developing (residential and transit) sites that Gypsies and Travellers can rent or afford to buy as soon as possible to tackle the acute shortage of sites ---without delay or prevarication.
• Ensure that land found should be near services and allow Gypsies and Travellers to feel part of the wider community.
• Determine that poorly located and environmentally unsuited places should not be chosen.
• Plan to consult Gypsies and Travellers on site design.
• Should avoid evictions wherever possible and implement ‘fast track’ site plans so that Gypsies and Travellers facing eviction can be relocated to new sites. This avoids the cost of a forced eviction and enables Gypsies and Travellers to access services.
• Take note of research by the Ormiston Trust which found 72.6% of Gypsies and Travellers in a survey they undertook felt that 1,220 net additional residential pitches was not a sufficient estimate of the level of unmet need for residential pitch provision in the East of England.
  These are the pitch allocations for your area? Are they enough?
  Let the East of England Regional Assembly know what you think.

The first of the 3 sets of figures against each area denotes numbers of authorised pitches in 2006. The middle set of figures denotes the extra pitches specified as required over the period 2006-2011. The final, right-hand set denotes the number of pitches proposed in place by 2011.
Basildon-----------116------81------197
Braintree----------25-------16------41
Brentwood---------10-------15------25
Castle Point--------0--------15------15
Chelmsford--------35-------46------81
Colchester---------7---------15------22
Epping Forest------94-------49------143
Harlow-------------34-------15----- 49
Maldon------------ 39-------15----- 54
Rochford-----------3---------15-----18
Southend-----------0--------15------15
Thurrock-----------70-------44------114

Roadside Wildlife Havens

New wildlife conservation sites are being created in Basildon – along some of its busiest roads. Rare plants and wildlife – including a butterfly not found anywhere else inEssex – are thriving next to routes used by thousands of vehicles everyday.

It has led Basildon Council to identify 10 road banks as conservation areas including the A13, Nethermayne, Uppermayne and Noak Hill Road. Among the wildlife flourishing along the roads are adders, kestrels, lizards, slowworms and field voles. Dozens of wildflowers such as primroses, orchids, ox eye daisies and cowslips are also prospering there. But the find which has excited most experts is the grisled skipper butterfly seen along Nethermayne, Laindon, and not found anywhere else in Essex.

The explosion in wildlife follows a nature management plan devised by Basildon Council and the Basildon Natural History Society nine-years ago. It involves alternately mowing sections of grass on road banks, while leaving neighbouring areas to grow. The longer grass helps to create a winter home for animals and insects, and allows wildflowers to thrive.

Chairman of the Basildon Natural History Society, Gordon Reid, said: “It’s highly unusual to find wildlife growing in great masses alongside busy roads, and it’s terrific to find rare creatures among them. “These conservation areas give wildlife a chance to get going and are helping to boost bio-diversity within the district.”

Terry Simmons, parks manager from Basildon Council, said: “We are carefully managing the grass banks along our busiest roads using a plan drawn up by the Basildon Natural History Society. It’s been an astonishing success with miles of grass banks being transformed into nurseries for rare and unusual wildlife. “These conservation corridors, just yards from passing cars, are proving to be a magnet for all kinds of plants and animals, and we hope to create more of them in the future.”

Dog Walks in Northlands Park

Dog owners can take a stroll around two new walks opened in Pitsea on Thursday. Basildon Council teamed up with neighbourhood management project Interlock to map out the routes in Northlands Park.

The paths, called ‘Ruff Guides’, are marked with signs and posters and have dog bins and bag dispensers for mess strategically spaced along the way. Dog owners can take a 30-minute walk around the lake or a 50-minute ramble around the edge of the park.

A council spokesman said:"These new routes are a good way for people to enjoy a stroll around the park and take in the views. We hope they encourage more dog owners andtheir four-legged friends to pay it a visit."

The new walks were launched with an exhibition from the Billericay DogTraining School display team, a dog show competition and half price tagging for pets. Plans are now underway to create a third dedicated dog walk in RushleyPark.

Council Scores Highly in Service Awards

Basildon District Council has achieved a high score for its customer services in a top local government awards competition. The authority was highly “commended” at the Local Government Achievement awards run by the Municipal Journal.

Among the achievements noted by judges was the creation of a new central call centre for handling telephone enquiries. It was set up after research showed 70 per cent of residents’ first point of contact with the council was by phone. The new facility brought together call operators for streetcare, service advice and revenues and benefits. It has helped to ensure the most popular enquiries are dealt with in one place, with waiting times being slashed and 80 per cent of calls being resolved at the first point of contact.

Judges also praised the council’s new customer service centre under construction on the ground floor of its offices in St Martin’s Square.The centre will help residents deal with all their enquiries in a single visit by bringing together planning, housing, cashiering and revenues and benefits.

As part of the plans, new mobile reception kiosks and a ticketed queuing system are being added to help cut customer waiting times. The kiosks are manned by advisors who will help to cut waiting times and create a smoother flow of customers at peak periods.

The council came in for further praise from judges for sending its staff on an internal customer training course. Head of customer services at Basildon Council, Jackie Laidlaw, said: “This award is a tribute to all our staff and proves we are putting customers first in everything we do.”

Serious Debt Problem Faces Many Basildon and Thurrock Homeowners.

Stephen Metcalfe, prospective Conservative Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock, this week expressed his concern at new figures which warn that 5 million families across Britain could be at risk of defaulting on mortgage payments and losing their homes as the effects of the credit crunch and rising mortgage interest rates start to bite.

An analysis, conducted by The Spectator magazine using data from credit agencies, shows that nearly 20,000 households in Basildon & Thurrock have a ‘sub-prime loan exposure’, and may now be struggling with debt.

This comes as the latest official Government figures show that nearly 18,000 homes across the South East were hit with reposssesion orders last year, with 1056 orders being issued by Basildon County Court.

The Bank of England has also warned that banks and building societies are planning to cut back their lending further in coming months. The crisis in the credit market is reducing the availablity of cheap loans and mortgages, hitting people on the housing ladder and those not yet on it.

This year, 1.4 million mortgages will come to the end of their fixed rate periods. As interest rates are higher now than they were two years ago, this could add £200 to the average monthly mortgage bill, placing yet more pressure on severely stretched family budgets.

Mr Metcalfe is calling on mortgage lenders to do more to help these families by contacting home owners 3-6 months before the end of their fixed rate mortgage period, offering free financial advice and not imposing sudden hikes in repayments.

First time buyers are suffering from the credit crunch too, as mortgage lenders are demanding larger deposits. In response, Mr Metcalfe and the Tories are calling for stamp duty to be abolished for first time buyers for homes up to £250,000.

The following list shows the number of mortgage possession orders made in County Courts in 2007 in the South East of England. It is taken from Ministy of Justice statistics, 3 April 2008.
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/mortgatelandlordpossession.htm Note the surprisingly large number from Basildon.
Aylesbury 196
Banbury 145
Basildon 1,056
Brighton 353
Cambridge 355
Canterbury 397
Chelmsford 383
Chichester 243
Colchester 776
Dartford 928
Guildford 242
Haywards Heath 127
Ipswich 328
Lewes 93
Luton 820
Maidstone 332
Medway 1,068
Milton Keynes 662
Norwich 429
Oxford 404
Peterborough 602
Reading 525
Slough 469
Southend 609
Watford 506
Other South East 5,783
South East total 17,831

Would You Like to Make a Difference?

Would you like a refreshing, interesting challenge - an opportunity to make a difference within Essex? If so, consider becoming an Essex Police Special Constable.

Special Constables have full police powers and perform duties supporting the regular force. Joining the Special Constabulary will allow you to experience real-life situations and develop skills in communication, quick-thinking, teamwork and the ability to cope with the unexpected.

If you think this could be for you, then South Western Division is holding a Special Constabulary open evening on Thursday, April 10, at the Thurrock Council Offices, New Road, Grays, Essex, between 7.30 and 9.30pm.

Name your Local Bobby

Basildon residents were encouraged to find out who their local neighbourhood police officer is on Friday, April 4, when an advan, displaying the campaign message ‘A name in every neighbourhood’ toured the district.

Police officers and neighbourhood specialist officers joined the advan as part of the countywide campaign to publicise local engagement work and promote ways in which the public can contact their local neighbourhood policing team.

Chief Inspector Mark Wheeler, district commander for Basildon, said; “Our neighbourhood policing teams across Basildon are now well established working with local partners and local people to tackle crime nuisance and disorder.

“There is a named point of contact for each area working on the issues and problems that are a priority to the people that live there. Members of the public can find out who their neighbourhood police officer is, along with their contact details, by visiting www.essex.police.uk or texting their postcode to 07624800101.”

Accompanied by police horses and police dogs, the advan visited the Craylands Estate, Whitmore Way, Vange Hill Drive, Basildon Town Centre, Wickford High Street and Billericay High Street. The campaign complements a national celebration of the success of neighbourhood policing and the National Neighbourhood Policing Day on March 31, 2008.

A First for the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre

A highly specialised procedure to help a patient with a severely blocked coronary artery has been carried out for the first time at The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) at Basildon University Hospital.

Last month, CTC Lead Cardiologist Dr Paul Kelly performed a successful rotablation on Andrew Needham, 56, from Rayleigh. Mr Needham is now back at work as a self-employed plumber and heating engineer.

Rotablation is a challenging technique which involves inserting a diamond-tipped rotating burr into the artery, on the end of a wire 1/14,000 inch in diameter. The burr breaks up the calcium deposit, allowing a tube called a stent to be fitted to keep the artery open.

The procedure is technically demanding and used relatively rarely. It is applied in cases where the blood vessels are so severely obstructed that a stent cannot be passed through. The CTC is one of just a few centres in Britain where rotablation is performed.

Mr Needham was referred to the CTC after he experienced severe heart palpitations and leg pains. An angiogram revealed that one of his main arteries was blocked, but an attempt to put in a stent was unsuccessful.

He said: “When the stent didn’t work, I was pretty alarmed, because I thought it would mean a by-pass, which is a major operation. But Dr Kelly said that he might be able to avoid that by using a new machine.”

The patient is awake during the procedure, with the wire inserted through the groin area, or the wrist. Mr Needham says it wasn’t a pleasant experience but was reassured by Dr Kelly and other staff, and even managed a joke.

He recalls: “I said to Dr Kelly that what he was doing was really just a bit of plumbing, and he replied ‘Yes, expensive plumbing.’"

Two weeks after the procedure, Mr Needham returned to his business and the kind of pipe work that he feels more comfortable with. He says he did not know about the CTC until he was referred there.

“I thought it was really fantastic. So clean, and all the staff were wonderful. To be perfectly honest I really thought at one stage that I might die, but I’m back on form now and feel absolutely fine.”

Dr Paul Kelly and Dr Nick Robinson will carry out the next ten to 15 rotablation procedures at the CTC. It is envisaged that a future training programme will enable more doctors to perform the technique.

Small Businessses Seek Police Link to Combat Forged Notes

Essex Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is seeking a new partnership with Essex Police aimed at combating the criminals who pass forged bank notes across the county.

Essex FSB Crime Against Business spokesman, Mr Ken Wickham, said: "We have had several cases recently where forged bank notes have been circulated, most recently in Brentwood Town Centre, and in such cases it is the retailer who bears the loss as the banks refuse to do so.

"The FSB is keen to work with Essex Police to minimise those losses to our members by alerting them when forged notes are being circulated in their area.

"That is why we have contacted Essex Police asking them to send us an email with details whenever they record a case of forged bank notes being used so that we can send out an email alert to our members so they can reduce the risk of becoming victims of these criminals."

Mr Wickham stressed that FSB members are encouraged to follow a four point plan when an alert is received.

The plan requires that:

1. they make sure they and their staff check notes they are given to ensure, as far as possible, that they are genuine -
2. if they are suspicious of any particular note, to alert the police using 999 as soon as it is safe to do so -
3. they make sure that as soon as the person giving them the note leaves their premises they write down a detailed description of the person and the direction they took so the police have the best possible information when they arrive -
4. they make sure that any CCTV cameras on the premises are transmitting clear images and cover the area near any till(s) so the police can have good CCTV images to help them.
   

The FSB is keen to point out that by working together with Essex Police they can jointly reduce the number of businesses that become the victims of crime and, they hope, drive the forgers away from Essex for fear of the far greater risk of getting caught for their crimes.

The Essex Region of the FSB represents small businesses in the areas covered by Essex County Council and the London Boroughs of Havering and Redbridge.

Basildon Golf Course --- A Plea to Preserve Parkland

"Despite its municipal status the course at Basildon Golf Club is a real test of character and nerve, and is kept in fantastic condition all through the year by the diligence and care of the excellent greenkeeping staff. Many public pay and play courses are typecast as poorly looked after "tattie fields" - not this one though. In fact, at the risk of sounding controversial, it could more than fairly be said that it is far better than some of it private members rivals.
It sprawls across 6276 yards of beautiful, rolling parkland and offers a championship standard par of 72, a good indication, you will no doubt agree, of the challenges that lie in wait."

So says the write up of the course in the authoritative guide to British courses on the web.

Which rather makes one wonder why Basildon Council has been so ready to permit the course to become a dump for builder's spoil under the guise of having it remodelled.

Since an already good course doesn't need radical alteration, local residents don't want the upheaval and the town does not need yet another source of potential pollution, why on earth is this being allowed to happen?

It may be that this 'improvement' could become the blueprint for further Council initiatives. After all, Gloucester Park could accommodate an enormous quantity of waste. Assume 200,000 lorry loads at £100 income per load and the Council could secure a windfall as well as raising the ground level several feet and perhaps even creating a local ski slope. And look at all the space at Crown Heights ---

Basildon should be a fine place. Let it not become the plug-hole of the Thames Basin; the place where all the rubbish ends up. If you feel strongly about this, then tell your local councillors, they may listen.

Local MP Calls for Stronger Climate Change Bill

Andrew MacKinlay (Thurrock) is among over 240 UK MPs calling on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support a stronger Climate Change Bill by including gases caused by aviation - a leading and growing cause of global climate change.

Friends of the Earth have led the campaign for a strong Climate Change law through The Big Ask. The law, which is set to be introduced this summer, is the world’s first climate change legislation but still needs to be strengthened , say Friends of the Earth, if the UK is to play a leading role in tackling climate change.

MP Says Bureaucratic Complexity Costs Local Business £6m

Yesterday in the Commons, John Baron MP pressed the Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise over the low uptake of Small Business Rate Relief in Essex. Currently, small businesses across Essex are losing out on £6 million in unclaimed rate relief due to bureaucratic complexity.

John said: “Essex is one of the most enterprising counties in Britain, with small businesses across Basildon District contributing much to the local community. However, at a business breakfast I hosted recently we discussed the fact that three-quarters of eligible businesses are failing to claim an estimated £6 million in small business rate relief due to bureaucratic complexity.

“Will the Secretary of State now address this issue and make it easier for business to claim this money – firstly by making the relief last for the lifetime of the valuation list, and secondly by granting it automatically to all those eligible – as the FSB recommends”

The Minister said that he would look at what John said

Afterwards John said that at a time when the economy is slowing, government should be doing all it can to help small businesses. He emphasised that government's own bureaucracy is preventing local companies from claiming money owed to them and pointed out that this is on top of Gordon Brown having recently increased small business corporation tax. He pointed out that small businesses are taking note of these difficulties.

MP Accuses Post Office of Dragging its Feet over Preventing Closures

Today in the House of Commons, John Baron MP pressed the Post Office Minister to take action to ensure that Post Office Ltd opens its books so Essex County Council can produce a viable business model to keep branches open. Two profitable Post Offices in Billericay and Wickford have been recently closed.

John said: “Essex County Council has committed £1.5 million to explore the possibility of keeping open a number of Post Offices including two profitable branches in Billericay and Wickford.

"However, despite the Minister’s assurances that he has talked with the Post Office, and despite the Secretary of State’s letter of 19th March, Post Office Ltd are still dragging their feet in negotiations with Essex County Council by failing to release essential financial information .

"Will the Minster now personally ensure that Post Office Ltd cooperates with the Council , and that the de-commissioning of branches stops until negotiations are complete?”

In reply, the Post Office Minister said that he had already had two meetings with the Chief Executive of Post Office Ltd encouraging them to open a dialogue with Essex County Council .

Afterwards John said that to him it is clear that Post Office Ltd is ‘stonewalling’ and is wanting want these negotiations to fail, because they are determined to meet their target of 2,500 branch closures regardless of the harm this will do to local communities. He also stated that it is also clear that the Government could do more to bring pressure on Post Office Ltd, but it has chosen not to do so.

Angela Smith Announces £1 Million for Thurrock Play Areas

Angela Smith MP has announced today that, “new play areas will be built across Thurrock thanks to £1 million of investment as part of the Labour Government’s Children’s Plan.”

Angela said she would be asking Thurrock Council to consult the local community before deciding where the money should be spent and she wants to hear from local families about which play areas should be rebuilt or where there is a need for new play facilities.

Starting from this month, the funding will help to develop around 20 to 25 play areas across Thurrock. It’s part of a national £235 million investment being made by the Labour Government over the next three years to transform children’s play areas and make sure public spaces are more child-friendly.

Angela said, “I have recently been surveying residents in East Thurrock and in Stanford le Hope and Corringham in particular, parents have pointed out to me either a lack of play areas or ones in dire need of improvement. I am delighted Thurrock has been chosen as one of the first parts of the country to be chosen to get this funding. This will ensure the future generations have better play space and are able to get outside for fresh air and exercise in a safe environment.”

Spy-cams to Target Fly-tippers

High-tech spy cameras are to be employed by Basildon Council in the battle against fly-tipping. Council bosses have spent £12,000 on a new mobile CCTV camera capable of spotting criminals more than a mile away – in the dark.

The wireless camera will be deployed at dumping hotspots across the district in an effort to catch and prosecute fly-tippers. If the new scheme is a success, officials plan to buy an additional four cameras.

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “Fly-tipping is a serious environmental crime that costs taxpayers thousands of pounds each year. We are cracking down on illegal dumping by using new surveillance equipment to detect and deter criminals in the worst-hit places."

The spokesman pointed out that the majority of residents take pride in their surroundings and are outraged by selfish individuals who dump household and commercial waste. He stressed that the new camera will be a vital weapon in the fight against fly-tipping and that the Council will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who is caught. Under the Environmental Protection Act, anyone prosecuted for fly-tipping potentially faces a fine of up to £25,000.

Council officials plan to use the camera to tackle dumping at known hotspots but are keeping the precise locations secret. The spokesman noted that the cameras will be deployed in areas plagued by dumping, ranging from back alleys to country roads.

He said: “It is unfair for taxpayers to bear the cost of cleaning up after people who could have responsibly disposed of their rubbish using the services provided. This new camera should come as a warning to anyone who thinks they can use local towns and countryside as a dumping ground.”

The high-tech camera is able to capture the detailed images needed to secure evidence for prosecutions. It also has a built in sensor to detect movement and can record hours of footage as well as beaming live images back to operators at the Council’s offices. Officials plan to have the camera on the streets by early May.

See in the dark cameras triggered by motion sensors --- a good idea? Would the expenditure have been better used to detect anti-social behaviour by 'feral youth' that we worry about so much these days? Can we be sure that the cameras will be properly used --- after all, remote, quiet sites that may be attractive to fly-tippers could also be quite attractive to couples for other reasons. What are your thoughts? --- please let us know.

Street Art for Kids

Local young people have a chance to take part in a two day urban art project in which they will learn and practice the techniques of street art, legally and creatively.

'The Journey Begins Here' course has been designed to help interested youngsters over 14 years old to make and use stencils, learn spray painting techniques, work with professionals and produce a landmark design for a site in Pitsea.

The project which is being run by Theatre Resource and Basildon Council, with support from the Community Safety Partnership, takes place at Pitsea Leisure Centre, Northlands Pavement, between 10.30am and 4pm on Wednesday and Saturday, 2nd. and 5th. April. Professional trainers will discuss with the youngsters what is acceptable and lawful in urban art, as well as guiding them towards creating a bright and interesting piece of public art which will engage the whole local community.

The final art work will go on display at a location at Pitsea Market where it will then be the turn of local residents to take part in a bit of constructive modern art criticism.

Nevendon Bushes Nature Trail

Meet the birds at Nevendon Bushes with a sight and sound tour on Sunday 6th. April between 10.30 and 12.30. Wick Country Park ranger Mark Williams will lead the bird walk, guiding visitors on what to look out for and what not to miss as the birds busy themselves defending their patches and courting their mates.

The Bird Walk at Nevendon Bushes is free, children should be accompanied by an adult and dogs must be on a lead. Wheelchair users are also welcome. For more information contact Mark Williams on 01268 562921

John Baron at PMQ

John Baron MP has raised concerns at Prime Minister's Questions about planned 42-day detention in terrorist cases and pointed out that the Government is out of step with those of other Western democracies.

Harriet Harman MP, Leader of the House, was standing in for Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Afterwards John referred to the lessons that need to be learnt from the disastrous ‘internment’ policy in Northern Ireland .

In his question, John said: “The PM has talked a lot about Britishness, but it is certainly un-British to lock someone up for over a month purely on the grounds of suspicion and not evidence. Given that pre-charge detention periods in the vast majority of western democracies do not exceed a week, can the Rt. Hon. Lady now do one thing which the Government’s entire Home Office Front Bench has failed to do so far and explain what is so unique about the British that we need over a month?” In her reply, Harriet Harman claimed that international comparisons are spurious.

Afterwards, John said that depriving people of their liberty is a more fundamental infringement of their rights than perhaps any other. He went on to say that the Government has consistently failed to provide any evidence to suggest that the extension to 42 days is actually needed and that in a liberal democracy, freedom should not be denied simply on the basis of suspicion. He stressed that evidence is absolutely essential.

He said: “This policy could even be counter-productive in the fight against terrorism. It is easy to see how longer pre-charge detention could lead to a strong sense of injustice amongst some of the communities which will inevitably bear the brunt of this legislation.

“Although not directly comparable, having served in Northern Ireland during the 1980’s, I saw first hand how the injustice of internment had fuelled support for the extremist factions within the Province. Such a policy made our task even harder and was certainly a factor in the terrorist’s ability to recruit from local communities. We must not make that same mistake in this country. If we do, many innocent people will pay the price.”

Choir Becomes De-bassed

Although the Essex Police Choir has recruited ten new members this year, they have all been to the soprano, alto and tenor sections. The loss of a couple of members from the bass section means that balance of sound from the choir has been affected.

While new members for all sections are welcome, the Choir would particularly like to find some new bass voices. If you are interested, then come along to the Essex Police College on Tuesday evenings and give them a try.

For more information visit their website on www.essexpolicechoir.co.uk where you can also sample their CDs. And if you're thinking 'I can't join because I'm not in the Police' --- you're wrong!

Norsey Wood Walk

Nature lovers can enjoy a spring stroll at Norsey Wood in Billericay this weekend. Countryside rangers are leading a wildflower walk around the beauty spot on Saturday 5 April from 10.30 to 12.30.

The ancient woodland is renowned for its wildflowers, especially the display of bluebells at this time of year. Other flowers in bloom include the wood anemone, primroses and lesser celandine.

The event is free. For more information contact Chris Huggins on 01277 624553.

Bond Star's New Film Preview

Fans of Bond actor Daniel Craig can get a sneak preview of his new film Flashbacks of a Fool in a special early screening in which all proceeds go to Tommy's, the baby charity.

In association with Empire Cinemas and Miramax Films, the screenings takes place on Thursday 17th April at 6pm for a 6.30pm start at the Empire Cinema Basildon - Festival Leisure Park. Normal ticket prices apply.

Bookings can be made in person at the box office or on line at www.EmpireCinemas.co.uk or by calling 08 714 714 714 (booking fees apply.) Every penny of the admission price goes towards funding Tommy's vital research into finding the causes of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

Right now in the UK 1 in 4 women will lose a baby during pregnancy or birth, by 2030 Tommy's aims to halve this number and make sure more babies have the best chance of being born healthy. "This a great chance for cinema goers to see a new film before it can be glimpsed anywhere else and to support Tommy's into the bargain," said Tommy's Chief Executive Jane Brewin. "We're absolutely committed to improving those horrible statistics, but we need your help to do it."

The film (certificate 15) is directed by Bailie Walsh. As well as Craig it also stars Helen McCrory (Interview with the Vampire) and Olivia Williams (The Sixth Sense). It tells the story of a fading but handsome Hollywood star Joe Scot, whose hedonistic lifestyle of sex, drugs, and celebrity has taken its toll.

The story flashes back 25 years to Joe's rites of passage as a young man in a tiny British seaside community, which lay the foundations for the Hollywood dream he goes on to experience.

Back in the present day, Joe returns to England for the funeral of an old friend. Once there, he must face the ghosts of his past; his family, his friends and his first love, Ruth.

Music at the Towngate Cafe

Come to the Towngate Cafe every Saturday 11am-3pm and enjoy a drink or snack to the music of Mike Beecher, well-known professional keyboard player currently appearing at Orsett Hall’s new Pavilion and the Ivory Rooms. He is also the Event Coordinator of the Rotary 'Basildon District Young Musician Of The Year 2008' competition.

During the day at the Towngate Cafe, Mike will be inviting past young performers as well as forthcoming entrants to the competition to play their instrument or sing to you. Recently appearing was Jamie Lee Pike, a local Basildon singing star, who will be on tour with a musical company all over the UK and Ireland this summer.

So this is a great place to be on a Saturday to meet local artists and relax to their music!

If you would like to perform, ring the Towngate Cafe promotions manager on 07931 562699.

Revised Animal Welfare Charter for Basildon

Animals are to receive greater protection from cruelty and neglect under a new animal welfare charter being drawn up by Basildon District Council to help safeguard the district's pets and wild animals.

The charter sets out the council’s responsibility for ensuring animals are properly cared for in pet shops, riding schools and breeding houses. It also covers the licensing of dangerous pets, the dog warden service, and animal handling in circuses.

Although the council is not obliged to draw up a charter, it is doing so to ensure animals are afforded greater protection. Naturally, the review process will involve consultation with residents and businesses.

Basildon on Target for Crime Reduction

An ambitious aim of achieving a 16% reduction in crime is on target thanks to the work of the local Community Safety Partnership*. Although Basildon District was already recognised as a safe area, three years ago the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) agreed ambitious targets with the government in order to achieve a further overall reduction of 16.7% across 10 crime categories. The latest figures show the Partnership to be on course to achieve this by the end of this month.

Bala Mahendran, Chairman of the Crime Reduction Partnership and Chief Executive of Basildon District Council said, “The effectiveness of theBasildon Partnership is recognised nationally and this was reflected in theMinister’s visit last year. I would like to praise all the organisations involved, and especially our Police colleagues, for their effective contributions. The 16% reduction is an outstanding achievement and makesthe District an even safer place.”

Chief Inspector Mark Wheeler, Vice Chair of the Community Safety Partnership added, “I am delighted that the hard work by the Partnership has delivered such visible results. This demonstrates that all members ofthe community have an important part to play in helping to reduce crime.”

The Partnership has co-ordinated a wide range of initiatives including setting-up activities to keep young people off the streets and introducing mobile automatic vehicle numberplate recognition technology. A regional first was the introduction of Community TV to inform people about simple precautions they can take. Other moves have included anti-drugs work and the setting-up of Community Safety Action Zones which are organised in association with their local communities.

The Zones have been the focus for concerted activity over a period of months in specific locations. In addition to reducing anti-social behaviour they have left behind a legacy such as the creation of new drop-in centres.The impact of these and other initiatives has been significant. Provisional figures show that theft of motor vehicles has been reduced by 23%, criminal damage by 18%, theft from vehicles by 17%, criminal damage by 18% and theft from a person by 47%.
The figures will now be audited by the government before the final results are published in July. The work of the CDRP continues and new targets will be agreed over the next few months to continue the drive against anti-social behaviour.

* Basildon’s Community Safety Partnership includes Basildon District Council, Essex Police Basildon District, St Georges Community Housing, Essex County Council, Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Interlock!, Family Mosaic Housing, Drug & Alcohol Service, Swan Housing Association, South Essex YOT, Connexions, Victim Support, GO East, Basildon & Thurrock University Hospitals, South West Essex PCT, British Transport Police, The Federation of Small Businesses and the Essex Probation Service