Police Horses and Dog Star in School Visit

Two police horses and a police dog thrilled more than 220 children last Friday when they were the surprise stars of a ‘show and tell’ morning at West Thurrock Primary School.

PCSO Donna Ribbons, who organised the event had asked children to bring in items or drawings connected to a job they wanted to do when they left school. She had planned to take a few small items of police equipment to show the children while telling them about the work of police officers.

But even she was surprised when she heard that horses Bella and Patrick and their riders Dale Copley and Andy Padfield would be on patrol in the area and could drop in for a short visit. Dog handler Sgt Russ Abbott and his dog Shadow were also on duty in the district and arrived at the same time.

The whole school turned out on their playing field and pupils took turns to stroke Bella, Patrick and Shadow while asking the officers questions.

PCSO Ribbons and colleague PCSO Laura Wiseman, who both cover the West Thurrock district, were joined for the school visit by Purfleet PCSO Kelly-Marie Howell and Sgt Anna Brennan from South Ockendon police station.

The school’s deputy head teacher, Laura Fishleigh, said: “The visit has been absolutely fantastic and the children loved seeing the horses, the police dog and meeting the officers.

“The children brought in a great range of things for the event. One boy who wants to be a vet brought a cat basket and another, a hard hat as he wants to be a builder. Some of the children brought toy police hats. But it was such a huge surprise when we heard who would be visiting us from Essex Police.

“When I told the children during assembly on the Friday morning they were delighted. Some of them even thought that I was joking.

“Some of the children see police horses and dogs only on television so it was wonderful to see them at close hand and be able to talk to the riders, the dog handler and the four local officers.

“The whole event has made a great impression on the children. By getting to know about the police we can teach the children who to go to, knowing they will be safe and get any help they need.”

PCSO Ribbons is a regular visitor to the school.

“It has really helped the children to get to know us and to realise that police officers are just like any other people,” said PCSO Ribbons. “Many of the children were so impressed that they said they would like to join the force. The majority of the pupils will have fond memories of the visit. It will stick in their minds for a long time and they are now more likely to come up and say hello when they see us in the street.

"They will have good memories of the police and rather than give us abuse when they are older they will remember the time when we went to the school with horses and a police dog.”

There are plans to hold similar events in other schools in the district in the future.

John Baron MP Opens George Hurd Centre

John Baron MP today officially opened the new George Hurd Centre, in Audley Way, Basildon. Whilst there, John secured a promise from Lovells to provide free of charge a scooter shelter in the car park to protect against the rain when residents are visiting the centre.

John said: “This fabulous day Centre will allow residents to access a wide range of services all in one place for the first time. With the elderly population growing, this facility will play an important role in helping older people to continue to live independently and to fully enjoy their retirement. It is a great community asset.”

“I am also delighted that today I have been able to secure from Lovells a scooter shelter on behalf of local residents. This is badly needed and our thanks go to Lovells.”

“Congratulations to everyone for working together to produce such a fantastic new day Centre at no expense to council tax payers. Our thanks also go to the teams involved in now making this work for the local community.”

Dozens of elderly residents joined MP John Baron for the official launch of
the George Hurd centre in Audley Way.

The two-storey building is a replacement for the centre’s former home in
Fauners which is due to be demolished and replaced by new housing.

It follows a deal negotiated by Basildon Council giving Family Mosaic and
Lovell the site of the ageing centre in exchange for building the new one.

More than 700 elderly people will benefit from the larger building which
includes new facilities and space for local community and voluntary groups.

Local residents will also benefit from 49 new affordable homes and 12 for
private sale being built by Lovell on the old site.

Councillor Phil Turner, cabinet member in charge of Resources, said: “The former centre was built more than 40 years ago and was struggling to meet the modern needs of elderly residents.

“Instead of using taxpayers’ money to prop up an ailing building we exchanged the land for a new purpose built centre. This has not only saved public money but has resulted in a £2m facility that is both larger and better equipped than the one before.

“The George Hurd centre is a lifeline for many elderly people and I hope this brand new development provides better quality care and support for them.”

Among the new facilities is a hairdressers, medical room, together with a
full-sized snooker room and table. There is also a professional kitchen, lounge, dining room, activities room, main hall and classroom.

Councillor Terri Sargent, who worked on the project as the former cabinet member in charge of Community Services, said: "The George Hurd is one of our most popular day care centres and is relied on by hundreds of elderly people each week.

"The new centre not only offers modern facilities for the elderly but also provides a permanent base for local community and voluntary groups. These have been joined under one roof for the first time and will give older residents convenient access to the services they provide.

"We hope the new centre becomes an even better place for elderly people to meet friends, stay active and get the help and advice they need."

The CVS and BDVC have set up offices on the upper floor, with the Wickford
Talking Newspaper set to join them in June.

Among the activities already on offer at the George Hurd are yoga, keep fit, ceramics, bingo and art. Elderly residents can also take advantage of cheap meals, an evening meal takeaway service and transport to and from the centre.

Angela Smith MP Tackles Vange Flooding Issue

Angela Smith, MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, has been contacted by residents in Merricks Lane in Vange, who have been flooded in recent days.

Back in 2004, Angela raised the threat of flooding with Basildon Council and Anglian Water and was told that appropriate action was being taken.

The recent rainstorms have again caused serious flooding to Merricks Lane.

Angela said, “I am now very concerned to learn that there is again a problem and some of the photographs that have been given to me by residents show how very serious this is. I have therefore made representations to Basildon Council and Anglian Water, requesting urgent action be taken to deal with the immediate problem. I have also asked what will be done to try to ensure a long term solution to the issue of flooding.”

FSB Praises Thurrock for In-County Spend

Thurrock Borough Council has been praised by the FSB (Federation of Small
Businesses) for keeping its trade local with almost two thirds of its
annual budget being spent within the county.

Chairman of the South West Essex Branch of the FSB, David Miles, said:
"Councils have a big budget and spending that money within their own local
economy is an excellent way of helping boost that local economy and helping
keep local businesses viable.

"We have now received information from Thurrock Borough Council and we are very impressed by the proportion spent locally --- around £6.824 million is spent with businesses based within the Borough Council boundary and when you extend the range to include businesses based in any Essex postcode area that figure rises to 59.44 per cent of total spending - an estimated £29.3 million.

"The FSB congratulates Thurrock Borough Council for such a positive approach to encouraging local procurement and would encourage more local firms to find out whether the goods and services they offer are ones the council needs so we can see this figure rise even higher for next year."

Basildon's Annual Civic Service

Councillors from Basildon as well as representatives of community groups, the council's partners, local and voluntary organisations, press and residents will attend the annual service to celebrate the start of the new civic year.

The service will be held in St Martin's Church, St Martin's Square, Basildon on Wednesday 4 June 2008 at 6.00pm.

The retiring Chairman of the Council, Councillor Geoffrey Buckenham, and the leaders of the three parties represented on the council will address the congregation recollecting the past year and their hopes for the next.

The service should last about 40 minutes and all will be welcome to stay on for light refreshments.

'Inspace' Ends Council Housing Repair Contract

Under the terms of their contract with Basildon Council, Inspace has given notice that they wish to withdraw from providing services for the repair of the council’s housing stock. They have given 13 weeks notice as allowed within the contract which was signed in June 2005. This is purely a business consideration by Inspace.

St George's Community Housing, which manages the housing stock on behalf of the council, is discussing alternative arrangements with the council.

Councillor Andrew Baggott, cabinet member for community services, said: “We are committed to ensuring continuation of the repair service with as little disruption as possible. New arrangements will be firmly in place before the end of the notice period”.

John Baron Contributes to Traveller Debate

John Baron MP spoke in a recent debate in the House of Commons on the latest report to Government on Gypsy and Traveller site provision and enforcement against illegal sites. The Report, entitled “The Road Ahead”, was commissioned from an independent task group by the Department for Communities and Local Government and was over a year in the making. In the debate, John: -

- Agreed that more sites are needed, but was critical of the present methodology used to allocate site numbers to Councils
- Argued Report was wrong to claim existing enforcement powers against illegal sites are sufficient, and provided examples
- Provided evidence showing the Report was biased in favour of travellers
- Aired experiences of local residents living next to Dale Farm (Crays Hill)
- Challenged MPs in the debate who argued travellers ought to be allowed to break planning regulations if they have nowhere else to go.
- Challenged Government over its refusal to back his cross-party Private Member’s Bill in 2003

Commenting afterwards, John said: “We urgently need more sites allocated, but the current methodology is corrupt because it confuses need with demand. To base need simply on the number of unauthorised caravans, when such caravans always gravitate towards authorised sites, discriminates against Councils such as Basildon who’ve done most to help travellers. This responsibility needs sharing more fairly.

“Contrary to the Reports findings, existing enforcement powers are clearly inadequate as they cannot stop travellers buying Green Belt land and then speedily and illegally developing it. Tougher policies are required. The only part of the Report I could agree with was when it criticised John Prescott for granting Dale Farm travellers a two-year extension back in 2003.

“The Report itself has a raw bias. Local residents were not members of the Group and were not visited by the Group, whilst Ministers were advised to meet only with travellers. Until the experiences of those living close to illegal sites such as Hovefields and Crays Hill are understood, this problem will not be resolved fairly and local residents will continue to be discriminated against.”

Some MPs suggest travellers should be allowed to break the law and stay on illegal sites such as Dale Farm. This would give a green light for travellers to concrete our Green Belt with impunity. We cannot have one law for travellers and another for local residents.”

The following is a summary of the speech by John Baron MP during a Parliamentary debate on 22nd. May

(1) More authorised Traveller sites are needed

There is currently an estimated shortfall of 4,000 sites nationally.
Well-managed authorised sites recognise the Traveller way of life and help to promote understanding between Travellers and the settled community
The problem of illegal sites will only be solved when more authorised sites have been provided. This is because (a) eviction is legally very difficult if Travellers have nowhere else to go and (b) even if eviction does take place, this often means moving a problem from one place to another.

(2) Existing policy confuses demand with need

In the meantime, ODPM circular 01/2006 has made clear that a significant number of unauthorised encampments or developments in an area shows a clear and immediate need which ought to be addressed.
However, to base need simply on the number of unauthorised caravans, when such caravans often gravitate towards authorised sites, discriminates against Councils such as Basildon who’ve done most to help travellers.

(3) A regional strategy

Traveller site provision does need to be addressed at a regional level and the current Regional Spatial Strategies are a good enough model for doing this. The problem is that a number of relevant factors are not taken fairly into account when site numbers are allocated down to local authorities. Such factors include: -

How many sites the local authority has already provided or recognised compared to its neighbours
The extent of Green Belt land in a local authority area, which restricts the availability of land for development, and the availability of brown-field land for development
Infrastructure considerations

(4) Existing enforcement powers are not sufficient

Appeals can put Enforcement Notices on hold for years, whilst illegal developments continues
Temporary Stop Notices only apply when the development is not a primary residence
Fines rarely work, because of identification problems or delaying tactics
Forced evictions are rare because of the HRA

(5) Conclusion

The solution is neither to argue that more authorised sites are the only change needed to make enforcement work (as Labour has done) nor to argue that enforcement is the only answer (as Conservatives have done).

As promoted in my Private Member’s Bill in 2003, a twin-track approach is needed to (a) require all local authorities fairly to share the duty for site provision on a regional basis and (b) give councils much stronger powers to tackle illegal developments quickly – with extra powers being conditional on addressing genuine need.

The report, "The Way Ahead" can be downloaded from http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/Taskgroupreport

Courier Company Opens Head Office in Basildon

The new Head Office of Abby Couriers, a specialist courier company has been officially opened by West Ham United Football Club star Steve Potts at Stella House in Luckyn Lane, Basildon,in the presence of Basildon District Council
Chairman, Councillor Geoffrey Buckenham.

Managing Director at Abby Couriers, Mr Mark Giles, said: "Abby Couriers is delighted to be opening its new Head Office here in Basildon and our thanks go to Steve Potts and the Chairman of Basildon District Council for joining us to make this day even more special.

"Abby Couriers traces its routes back to 1994 when a taxi firm - Abby Cars (West Horndon) Limited - started operating from the old tea room at West Horndon Station and filling a gap in the market as no taxi firm operated from the station at that time.

"As someone who has lived in Basildon for 14 years I have seen in recent years the investment which is taking place to provide suitable business premises for businesses such as ours and we are pleased to be officially opening the new offices during May.

"Abby Couriers now has a team of around 200 people, including 175 drivers, providing a Same Day Delivery Service across the United Kingdom and Europe and that is set to expand following the opening of our new Head Office which officially takes place on Wednesday 14 May 2008.

"We are looking forward to being based in Basildon and continuing our development and growth as we provide top quality courier services for businesses across the county and beyond."

Commenting during the opening ceremony Councillor Buckenham said that Abby Couriers is exactly the type of firm the Council wishes to attract to Basildon.

Wishing the company every success, he praised it as a modern, forward thinking company which will provide a good service for local firms and bring with it prosperity and job opportunities for local people.

Abby Couriers is a family run firm with a Head Office in Luckyn Lane, Basildon and offices at Welwyn Garden City, Vauxhall and Northamptonshire.

Homeswap Scheme Gives More Choice to Tenants

Council tenants searching for a new home can now swap with other tenants across the country.

Basildon Council has launched a new mutual exchange scheme giving St Georges Community Housing tenants greater choice over where they live.

Homeswapper allows residents to switch properties with other social tenants living both in and outside of the district.

Tenants signed up to the web-based scheme are matched with people looking to swap similar sized homes. They are then alerted to any potential matches by mobile, email or post.

Councillor Tony Ball, deputy leader of Basildon Council, said: “Homeswapper offers tenants greater choice and flexibility over where they live.

“In the past, tenants searching for a new home had to wait for an available property on a lengthy housing transfer list.

“This new exchange scheme gives tenants wider choice, and helps people who want, or need to move, to find a suitable home much quicker.”

The service is being provided at no cost to tenants. People registered on the scheme can run searches for new homes based on type, location, number of bedrooms and cost of rent.

The system is accessed by computers based in Basildon Council’s St Martin Square offices and local area housing offices.

It replaces the council’s old mutual exchange system which offered a limited area of choice and didn’t automatically match people to their specific requirements.


This is free for St Georges Community Housing tenants and no registration fee is applicable.

Local Man Fined for Flytipping and Ignoring Fixed Penalty Notice

Gavin Morgan, 24, from Witchards, having pleaded guilty to flytipping by dumping five black sacks beside a garage block in Bardfields, Basildon, and neglecting to pay a fixed penalty notice of £75, received a fine of £190.

Council environmental enforcement officers rifled through the bags where they unearthed evidence linking them to Morgan. He confessed to dumping the sacks under interview and was given a fixed penalty notice of £75, which he failed to pay.

Consequently, his case went to Basildon Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty, was fined £25 and ordered to pay £150 costs plus a £15 victim surcharge.

Angela Campaigns Against Canadian Seal Hunt

Last week Angela Smith MP joined anti-fur campaigners at Parliament to watch horrific footage of the 2008 seal hunt in Canada and plan the next steps of the campaign to end it.

Angela, who has seen the seals in their natural environment in the past, was particularly disturbed at the footage of baby harp seals being clubbed to death in a Canadian nature reserve.

Campaign group ‘Respect for Animals’ briefed MPs with eye witness reports and were backed by actress Alison Steadman, who showed her strong commitment to end the seal hunt.

(Angela pictured above with Alison Steadman).

Angela said, “the Canadian seal hunt is the largest slaughter of marine animals on the planet, and the footage revealed the killing is clearly not quick or humane. I have now taken the matter up with the UK Trade Minister, who is lobbying our European Union counterparts to attempt to bring in a Europe-wide ban on seal products.

"The Canadian Government should be encouraging eco-tourism for people to visit these magnificent animals in their natural habitat rather than supporting this cull.”

Thanking Angela for her support, Respect’s Mark Glover commented that it is still legal to import the products of this cruel slaughter into the UK. Calling for an end to the slaughter, he acknowledged that it is achievable with the support of MPs like Angela Smith.

The Ongoing Saga of Billericay's GP Surgeries

Billericay GPs, Councillors and John Baron MP met on Friday afternoon to discuss the next stage in their campaign to ensure local GP surgeries are not forcibly closed by the PCT.

They also discussed a letter dated 23rd May from the Local Medical Committees (LMC) Ltd which suggests that SW Essex PCT will be placing adverts in the Autumn seeking expressions of interest from experienced healthcare providers, to provide new local health services from GP-led Health Centres (Darzi centres or Poly-clinics).

John said: “My concern is that the PCT’s Strategic Review is considering closing local GP surgeries across Billericay. Our suspicions were heightened when a joint effort by myself and GPs and Councillors across Billericay to raise this matter with the PCT earlier in the year met a wall of silence. We therefore decided to go public last week, since when I’m pleased the PCT has been in touch to apologise and to agree a meeting. We are now arranging details, and I’ve asked that GPs and Councillors also be invited.

“Meanwhile, I find it worrying that new evidence suggests the PCT will soon be seeking bids to provide Darzi Centres or poly-clinics. These new super surgeries are part of a government plan to replace the family doctor service I highlighted last week. We need to discuss this.

“I now look forward to our meeting with the PCT. We are concerned that the closure of local GP surgeries would hurt communities particularly senior citizens, young mums and the disabled. The PCT’s previous silence has been unfortunate, so let us now hope we can have a full, open and genuine consultation about any proposals affecting our GP services. Like Post Offices, once closed they could be lost forever.”

Minicam Cops to Video Crooks

Police in Basildon town centre have become among the first officers in Essex to use headcams during routine patrols.The mini digital cameras, called Robocams, can capture evidence at the arrest of shoplifters, pickpockets, drunks and people involved in anti-social behaviour.

The camera, fitted with a high quality lens, is mounted on an officer’s helmet and can be activated by a simple push button to save crystal-clear images on to a mini video recorder attached to the officer’s belt.

Four camera kits, each costing £1,100 have been bought with funding from the operators of the Eastgate Centre and also Basildon Market. They will be used by officers from the town policing unit and by security staff at the Eastgate Centre.

Sgt Josie Hayes, of the town policing unit said: "The cameras will help us to ensure that offenders are brought to justice, because when the camera is filming there can be no argument as to what is said or done in connection with an offence. It will also, hopefully, give more security to officers on patrol and reduce the number of assaults on police because criminals will know that their actions are caught on film and they cannot dispute it."

Members of the unit came up with the idea of using the cams on a permanent basis and were delighted that Eastgate Centre and Basildon Market came forward to buy four cameras to help make the shopping area more secure and increase public confidence.

Chief Inspector Mark Wheeler, the Basildon district commander, said: "This is an excellent example of partnership working between the town policing unit, the Eastgate Centre and Basildon Market.

"The evidence captured by these cameras is of excellent quality which means we are unlikely to get protracted court cases, as criminals will be unable to dispute the evidence.

"Witnesses also won't have to face the heartache of giving evidence. It will also, hopefully, reassure people that cases caught on camera will get to court and be dealt with quickly."

The cameras were officially handed over to police at a special ceremony in the Eastgate Centre on Thursday, May 22.

Upper photo: Chief Inspector Mark Wheeler receives a Robocam kit from Hans Wustefeld, general manager of the Eastgate Centre. With them are Angela Smith, the Basildon and East Thurrock MP, members of the town policing unit and headcam users Pc Colin McCabe, Pc Simon Gray and Eastgate security officer Lee Riches.

Lower photo: Pcs Simon Gray (left) and Colin McCabe with their headcams

Basildon District Council Leader Names Cabinet

Councillor Malcolm Buckley, elected as Leader of the Council at the annual meeting on May 22nd, has named his cabinet.
Deputy Leader will be Tony Ball who also retains responsibility for housing strategy.
The following are also appointed to the cabinet :
Stephen Horgan Cabinet member for Regeneration and Green issues
Terri Sargent: Environment
Kevin Blake: Leisure and the Arts
Phil Turner: Resources
Richard Moore: Customer Services
Andrew Baggott: Community
Lynda Gordon: Cabinet member (Labour)
Allan Davies: Cabinet member (Labour)
The new council chairman, not a member of the cabinet, is Councillor Frank Tomlin and the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Sandra Hillier.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee chairmen will be :
Sylvia Buckley: Overview Commission
Michael Mowe; Housing and Community
Stuart Sullivan: Environment and Regeneration
Dan Morris: Leisure, Arts and Customer Services
Chairmen of other committees :
Stephen Hillier: Development Control and Traffic Management
Anthony Hedley: Audit and Risk
David Abrahall: Licensing
Malcolm Buckley: Appointments

Basildon Council Leader's Adddress to AGM

Councillor Malcolm Buckley, newly reelected as leader of Basildon Council, addressed the annual general meeting of the council on 22 May. The following is the text of his speech :

"Our priorities are the environment, community and regeneration underpinned by a continued drive on value for money.
Improving services
· Members will have seen the council’s new customer service facilities on the ground floor. The investment initiated by Councillor Blake is paying dividends in improving services even before work is finished. Our customer service is now recognised as amongst the best nationally. Recently we were commended by the MJ- national recognition of the strides forward under a Conservative administration. And under Councillor Moore further progress will be made to improve the customer experience.
· Services will be transferred from Church Walk House to the Basildon Centre. This will help to further enhance our customer services in the future as well as saving over £500,000 per year in rent alone.
· High level service reviews were undertaken last year delivering efficiencies. Those reviews will be repeated this year, in much greater detail, with even greater emphasis on seeking better value for money and reaching into the depths of the services.
· Benefits service times for processing new claims have been slashed from 33.5 days in 2006-07 to 19 days last year. The processing of changes of circumstance was reduced from 15 to 9 days by the last quarter of 2007-08. This transformation will be sustained and improved over the coming year. I thank all those involved in this step change in service delivery to the most vulnerable, especially Scott Logan and colleagues and Councillor Phil Turner.
· Recycling has increased dramatically across the district we are currently recycling over a third of all domestic waste, thanks to the efforts of Councillor Hillier, but we still need to do more, and Councillor Sargent will be working to this end.
· This Conservative administration gives an absolute commitment to retain weekly refuse collections with no local bin taxes, despite pressures from Mr Brown and his cronies.
· We are investing resources in streetscene, particularly graffiti removal and the results of this initiative will benefit the whole district. The continued emphasis on maintaining clean and sustainable environment has been supported by more cash in the budget.
· The new George Hurd Centre is about to open – providing better services for the elderly in accommodation designed for the 21st century. A £2m facility provided and provision for further housing also created – at no cost to the community. And Labour didn’t want it to happen. I am pleased that Councillor Sargent and Mowe were able to attend the ribbon cutting a few days ago.
· Pantomime has returned to the Towngate Theatre after 10 years, bookings are being taken for this years event even now. The Theatre is now firmly re-established on the cultural map of the area.
· The Basfest is continuing to develop and become even bigger and better and we hope to make an announcement very soon about next years event with a high profile additional event.
· The Annual Audit and Inspection Letter praised the council for the improvements it has made in priority areas. The Auditors letter identified equalities, recycling, benefits, planning and regeneration as areas in which particular progress had been made.
· Protection of the greenbelt remains a priority with all of the challenges that brings. Recently we have seen a resident fined a five figure sum for breaking planning rules.
· I can also confirm the council has served papers on the court confirming that we are appealing against the decision of L J Collins in the judicial review of the development by Travellers in the green belt. There will be a twin track approach to achieving compliance at Hovefields and Crays Hill with the court judgement returning to planning committee.
Organisational Culture Change
· Business transformation agenda in hand to meet efficiencies, develop an organisation that delivers for the community and identify resources for investment in priority area.
· Underpinned by new technologies to supporting new ways of working at the Basildon Centre.
· Voice recognition analysis (VRA) technology is to be introduced in benefits this year as part of the continual improvement of this vital service. Let the fraudster beware.
· The council chief executive recently commissioned a report from security specialists to advise on improving information security. Many people took part in this project and we look forward to an even better level of protection of privileged information.
Regeneration – plans moving forward quickly
Promotion of a prosperous economy despite Labour government:
· The quality of the schemes developed for the regeneration of Basildon town centre has ensured market confidence despite the economic conditions. A development partner will be announced later this year.
· Partners will also be confirmed for the development of the Sporting Village and Wickford will be announced by the end of the year, ensuring delivery of these key projects.
· Within the next year will know which teams want to use the facilities for Olympic and Paralympic training members will be aware of a preliminary approach from Russia, however the training camps are officially launched at Beijing in the summer and further interest is anticipated. A top team in Basildon will not only help encourage local participation in sport, but will inject a substantial sum into the local economy. I thank Councillor Hedley for his work on this project and his ongoing support through Essex CC.
· A planning application is expected imminently for an exciting new project in Pitsea which will, if approved, be the cornerstone of Pitsea’s regeneration. Councillor Horgan and officers have undertaken a great deal of work behind the scenes to ensure a prosperous future for Pitsea Town Centre.
Community Safety Partnership
· This is a safe area. Crime in targeted areas reduced by 16.7% over last 3 years. We are confident that government audited figures over the last 4 years will show even more dramatic improvement. Our Community Safety Partnership is renowned as one of the best in the country, many thanks to Councillor Ball, Ken Venables and our partners in the police.
· Targeted activity will continue on hot-spot areas through creating Community Safety Action Zones.
· High visibility policing of young people in hot spot areas recently adopted as a government best practice nationally.
Education
· Plans for a new college in the town centre are advancing well and the college will be making an announcement on the location shortly.
· Funding from National Learning and Schools Council announced last week for the 3rd phase of Prospects College. Will provide training for young people, mainly 16-19, who are often outside the school system. This will provide high-end skills in the engineering sector.
· The council participated in a simulated disaster exercise for school sixth formers from Chalvedon and Barstable schools. This is the second year the Authority has helped to organise the event which this time was hosted in a cold war nuclear bunker deep underground at Kelvedon Hatch. The session also contributes to the BTEC Course ‘Public Services’. The chief executive and I attended and I at least was delighted to find that the prime minister was still Mr Major – oh for such happy times!
· The Council is seeking further opportunities to support local education.
· Youth Champion Councillor Mackenzie will be working with officers and members to improve awareness of municipal matters and participation in the democratic process.
Housing
· Will continue to support the ALMO in the drive for decent homes across the district. Major redevelopment about to start in Craylands and Fryerns.
· Town centre regeneration plans will deliver housing which will bring life back to the towns at night.
Value for Money
· Challenge to find resources to meet the increasing demands of the community, particularly under the reducing support from government.
· Efficiency and value for money at the heart of all we do – this provides resources to meet priorities.
· Over the last 3 years the Council has exceeded its savings target through Gershon. Last year close to £1m in efficiencies was identified over and above the target that helped keep the Council Tax at a reasonable level and enhance quality service delivery.
· On target to achieve the efficiency savings handed down by government for the next 3 years.
· Keeping down the increase in council tax remains a priority despite challenging settlements and new responsibilities.
After increasing the number of Conservative councillors every year since 1998 we have an ongoing mandate. The direction of this council is clear:
We will deliver improving services
We will keep the tax burden on residents as low as possible
We will deliver our regeneration projects
BUT
We will not impose a bin tax
We will not reduce the weekly domestic refuse service
We will not give up the fight to protect green belt
That’s what you get from a Conservative council ".

Council Staff Absence Through Sickness Hits Record Low

Sickness levels among Basildon Council workers have fallen to a record low. Figures released by the authority show sickness has dropped from a high of 12.2 days per employee in January 2007, to just above eight.

The fall means average sickness levels have now been driven below the council’s target of nine days per worker. Councillor Phil Turner, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for Resources, welcomed the reduction.

He said:“We are pleased our sickness figures have continued to fall and are now below our target level. Sickness has dropped by 33 per cent in the last 15 months, which equates to an extra 20 staff delivering services to residents. We have introduced a range of measure to tackle sickness absence while at the same time continuing to support our staff as they deserve. This approach is helping to boost productivity, protect the health of our staff and ensure taxpayers’ money is being used efficiently.”

Staff on long-term sickness were included in the average figures and the majority of employees take fewer sick days. Among the measures being used to tackle sickness includes an occupational health service which requires staff to report in when they are sick. This allows for better monitoring of sickness trends and offers individuals immediate support from day one of any illness. Managers have also been given specialist training in dealing with sickness absence that includes interviewing individuals returning to work after a bout of illness to identify any underlying causes.

Green Art Exhibition for Eastgate Centre

A 'green art' exhibition is opening in Basildon to promote environmental awareness among local businesses. Dozens of companies from across the district are entering artwork into the show being held in the Eastgate shopping centre. The exhibition opens to residents on Friday 30 May and closes on Saturday 7 June.

More than 45 paintings, pictures, and sculptures will go on display for shoppers during a week long exhibition outside Debenhams. They include a dragonfly made out of recycled shopping trolleys and a five-foot tree constructed from recycled materials.

There will also be a garden waste wheelie bin sprouting a giant daffodiland a life-size bust made from recycled rubbish. The Basildon Art Challenge, expected to become an annual event, is being organised by the Green Business Forum. The forum, funded by Basildon Council, offers free advice to help businesses reduce their impact on the environment and make efficiency savings.

Colin Stroud of the Green Business Forum said:“We challenged local businesses to come up with artwork that reflects their view on how green Basildon is. We are delighted so many companies have shown a commitment to adopting greener ways of working by entering the competition. We hope the exhibition encourages both shoppers and businesses to become more environmentally aware.”

The artwork will be on display for a week before a panel of judges picks a winner from among three categories – best under 16, best over 16 and best professional artist. In the last year, businesses working with the forum have saved nearly a million pounds through environmental improvements.

Forum experts helped businesses save £735,000 on energy, £165,000 on cardboard waste and £17,000 on water. Among the businesses taking part in the competition are McDonalds, Waterstones, Anglian Water and Hobby Craft. The exhibition is being sponsored by English Partnerships, Basildon ArtsTrust, Eastgate and IFDS.

Motorist Lands £240 Fine for Dumping Rubbish

A motorist has been fined £240 after dumping rubbish from his car window. Terrance Ormandy, 45, was stuck in traffic in Cranfield Park Road last year when he chucked paper out of his silver Ford Focus.

He was spotted by an official from the Environment Agency who reported his car registration details to Basildon Council. Officials tracked down Ormandy, of Henderson Gardens, Wickford, and issued him with a fixed penalty notice of £75. He failed to pay and was ordered to appear before Basildon magistrates court (22 May) where he was found guilty of littering under the Environmental Protection Act.In his absence, he was fined £75, and ordered to pay costs of £150 plus a victim surcharge of £15

Home Secretary Backs Angela Smith's Guide to Anti-Social Behaviour Law

The Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith (above, right), joined Angela Smith, MP for Basildon & East Thurrock (above left), to launch her new guide to the law on anti-social behaviour at Parliament this week.

The 32-page “Basildon & East Thurrock Anti-Social Behaviour Handbook” is a guide to the law on a range of nuisance issues from fireworks to graffiti and vandalism to noise.

Angela Smith said, “too many residents have to contact me about nuisance neighbours, youth vandalism or noisy parties, not knowing who to turn to for help or what the law is on different matters. That is why I have published this handbook, which spells out what action people can ask the police or local authorities to take on each matter.”

Speaking at Angela’s launch of the booklet at the House of Commons, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said, “the community needs to know what tools the Labour Government have provided to take action on anti-social behaviour. I welcome the active support of Angela Smith in helping publicise this information to her constituents”

Angela added, “I am proud of the tough legislation this Labour Government has brought in to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. But it’s not going to be effective unless everyone knows what the law is, and how to take action. I hope this will help empower individuals and local communities to improve their neighbourhoods.”

Copies of the “Basildon & East Thurrock Anti-Social Behaviour Handbook” can be obtained free from Angela’s parliamentary office on 020 7219 6273.

Angela Smith MP wants to Hear About Unfair Wheelclamping

Following representations from Angela Smith MP, the Home Affairs Select Committee is to set up an investigation into excessive wheelclamping in car parks.

After hearing of her complaints on behalf of her constituents, Keith Vaz MP, the Chairman of the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee has written to Angela asking her to provide evidence of constituents who have been treated unfairly on this issue.

Angela said, “too many people have fallen victim to over-zealous private car park operators, who have clamped cars and charged excessive fees for their release. I would like to urge anyone who has suffered in this way to contact me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A OAA or call me on 020 7219 6273.”

For further information, please contact Angela Smith MP 020 7219 6273 or text 07889 821037.

Baron Challenges Government over Post Office Closures

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, John Baron MP challenged Business Secretary John Hutton MP at Question Time over the future of the Post Office Card Account and the viability of small Post Offices. With branches closing across the constituency, John believes the Card Account could provide valuable business for Post Offices and help keep more open.

In his question, John asked: “Given that the National Federation of sub-Postmasters believe that a failure to keep the Post Office Card Account will result in a further 3,000 Post Office closures, will the Secretary of State now listen to residents up and down the country who are fed-up with Post Office closures and give a firm undertaking that the decision on the Card Account will be announced before the Summer Recess in a statement to the House?”

In reply, John Hutton said it is widely accepted that some Post Offices must close.

Later, John pressed Leader of the House of Commons, Harriet Harman MP, on the contradiction between John Hutton forcing Post Office closures on communities up and down the country whilst campaigning against closures in his own area.

Afterwards, John said: “There is huge public interest in the fact that, on the one hand, the Government is forcing 2,500 Post Offices to close whilst, on the other, the Secretary of State for Business is opposing a closure in his own back yard. This smacks of hypocrisy and I am pressing the Government to come clean in a statement to the House.”

Billericay GP Surgeries Closure Threat --- Meeting

For those press wishing to discuss the threat to GP surgeries in Billericay, John Baron MP, GPs and Councillors are hosting a brief meeting at 2.00pm on Friday, 23 May at 125 Bramble Tye, Noak Bridge, SS15 5GR.

If you are concerned about the threat, attend the meeting, find out more and make your views heard.

High Sheriff Praises Police and Organisations Helping Victims of Domestic Violence

Police and organisations that help victims of domestic violence have been praised by the new High Sheriff of Essex for their “professionalism and compassion.”

Mrs Sarah Courage made the comments after meeting domestic abuse specialists at Basildon police station and visiting a women’s refuge and 'move on' housing in the area.

“It was the first time I have seen this vital work at close hand and everything I saw and heard showed what a professional, well-organised and compassionate service is being provided by excellent people,” said Mrs Courage, who was appointed the 828th High Sheriff of Essex last month.

In her capacity as the Queen’s representative on law and order she will spend her year in office visiting Essex police stations and other organisations involved in tackling crime. She will also be raising money to fund voluntary work aimed at reducing crime and also the fear of crime.

During her visit to Basildon Mrs Courage spoke at length with police officers who investigate domestic violence in the South West Division of Essex Police which also includes the Thurrock district. The Basildon domestic abuse team dealt with 2,264 incidents (the second highest number in Essex after Southend with 2,826) in the district in the year to March 2008, while colleagues at Grays police station investigated 1,652 incidents (the fifth highest in Essex) throughout the Thurrock district.

In both districts 60 per of the attackers were convicted, charged or cautioned. The majority were men, although a small number of women were prosecuted or cautioned for violence against a spouse. Ds Lydia George from Grays and Dc Andy Jackson, based at Basildon, told Mrs Courage and her husband Charles, about some of the most serious cases they had dealt with, but both expressed concern at the number of cases being dropped because women were often reluctant to press charges against violent husbands, partners and children.

“Most of the time the innocent victims are the children who see their father continually beating their mother and grow to accept it as the norm,” said Dc Jackson.

The High Sheriff was also told of cases where domestic violence had led to child abuse, or of fathers harming a family pet in front of children, using attachment to a pet to ensure continuing control of their victims. Domestic violence is caused by one party (usually the man) exerting power and control over another (usually the woman) and often the rows are precipitated by a general breakdown in a relationship, the loss of a job or financial hardship.

But statistics also show an increase in violence when a favourite football team loses. Domestic violence increased on the day the England football team was knocked out of the European championships and there have been cases linked to the defeat of London premiership teams.

Insp Nick Burston, vulnerable victims co-ordinator for Essex Police, said that a domestic violence court set up last year at Grays had speeded up the handling of the high number of prosecutions from Basildon and Thurrock districts. The court is held before a team of specially trained magistrates and uses specialist facilities such as video links and screens to avoid further conflict between couples.

Insp Burston also said that police in South West Division were also helping to pioneer a scheme for closer co-ordination with other agencies to help to identify cases of domestic violence quicker. She said: “Multi-agency risk assessment conferencing (MARAC) is proving very successful in Basildon and Thurrock and will be rolled out across the whole of Essex during this year.

“The project is victim-focused and has allowed various agencies to share information and put forward action to provide all-round safety plans for victims of violence and their children.”

The High Sheriff later saw evidence of the safety plans when she visited a women’s refuge run by Basildon Women’s Aid and a further location which helps rescued families to adapt to life in a new home.

Mrs Courage spoke to workers at the refuges and also to women who were being cared in the secure shelters. She said: “Wonderful work is being carried out in the refuges. They have thought of everything to help women who have felt so much unhappiness in their lives.

"The residents in the refuges are very brave to have left their husbands to step into the unknown. But they have broken away from a life of violence to find somewhere welcoming and safe.”

Pictured with the High Sheriff and her husband are from left: Insp Nick Burston; Ds Lydia George; Dc Andy Jackson and (far right) Sophie Bartlett, an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor who is based at Basildon police station.

To report cases of domestic violence contact:

The domestic abuse units at Basildon or Grays on 0300 333 4444.

National Women's Aid helpline 0808 2000247

Basildon Women’s Aid ( weekdays 01268 521666)

Victim Support on 0845 4565995

The Men’s Advice and Inquiry Line on 0845 0646800

Respect Phoneline (Advice for violent and abusive men) 0845 1228609

Financial Protection for Future Council Budgets

Basildon Council's financial management team is to take advantage of rule changes introduced by the government to build in extra safeguards to protect future council budgets.

As a result of changes in the law, the council has a unique opportunity to use the money it had previously been required to set aside to meet its debt management expenses to make significant savings against its budget forecasts over the next few years.

Councillors at next week’s (22 May) annual meeting will be asked to agree to put the savings made in 2007-08, estimated at £239,000, into the council’s contingency fund and that all similar sums up to March 2013, estimated at a further £2.6 million, be also transferred to the contingency fund.

The changes allow the council to keep and manage this element of its own money rather than be directed by the government on how to use it. In Basildon’s case, this money would be put to one side and used only for any unfunded exceptional expenditure.

The decision will not affect the actual level of debt outstanding or the actual repayment of any loans due. The proposed approach has been declared acceptable by the council’s external auditors.

Councillor Phil Turner, cabinet member for resources, said: “Here is another example of the council’s creativity and prudent financial management paying dividends. We have followed the regulations to the letter and taken great care in developing this initiative.

“This has now allowed us to take advantage of changes in the rules and use the extra funds released to help protect the council in the current uncertain financial climate, and help us produce prudent, balanced and affordable budgets over the next few years. This is good news for our residents as it gives us greater financial stability and will therefore help avoid any sharp increases in council tax levels from year to year.”

Become a Good Companion

Do you fancy doing something to help in the community?

Rethink Good Companions is a befriending service which covers South Essex and has over 140 volunteers. However, the Basildon area is in great need of more volunteers. Could you be one? Would you be prepared to befriend someone?

Rethink Good Companions ask for one or two hours per week or fortnight to simply be a friend to someone. This could involve meeting for a chat over coffee, sharing a hobby or going for a walk.

The service is now 10 years old and volunteers enjoy the new social life they gain whilst helping those affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life.

A new course of training starts in Pitsea on Wednesday evenings through June - to find out more phone Alison on 01702 343222.

Radio Station Seeks Volunteers

On visiting a community radio station, Andy Burnham MP, Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport said: “I’m incredibly impressed by what I’ve seen so far. Just by speaking to the people involved it’s clear that it’s passion, and it’s a passion that’s changing lives. It’s a great thing, and as we look to the future, and look at the things that technology will make possible I think that more communities will be taking control of their own media, rather than being spoon fed media from the top down by a very remote media company. Let’s have some media from local communities speaking to local communities.”

We rather like that. In fact it's just what is happening in Basildon and East Thurrock. If you are interested in getting involved with information and entertainment, with news and reviews, with lifestyle and interests, music and technology ---- then join Gateway FM. Simply call 01268 521299 or email info@gatewayfm.com to arrange a visit so you can see what is going on and join the most exciting team putting together a package that will make a real difference, that will help build real community spirit and give opportunities to people young and old, whatever their backgrounds or experience.

Vange Cops Get Better Bikes

Two top-of-the-range mountain bikes have been presented to a neighbourhood policing team in Vange to help them patrol their beats more effectively. South Anglia Housing, which manages 700 of the 1,200 homes in the area, bought the bikes so that officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) could reach incidents quicker and cover more ground on the estate.

It is the latest partnership project between South Anglia Housing and Essex Police who have been working together since 2004 to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

Caroline Kaldani, acting head of community development for South Anglia Housing said: “I am delighted to present the new mountain bikes to the Vange policing team.

“We are committed to working together with Essex Police to make the Vange estate a safer place for all residents to live. Working with our local policing team and providing them with the best tools for the job to prevent and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is another way of striving towards this.”

Pc Gareth Lee, the neighbourhood specialist officer (NSO) for Vange said: “We are very grateful to South Anglia Housing. The bikes are superb and will help us to get around the estate and meet more residents. They will also help officers who would normally be on foot to reach incidents faster.”

Pictured outside the estate offices shared by Essex Police and South Anglia Housing are from left: Hannah White from South Anglia; PCSO Helen Damiano, Pc Gareth Lee, Caroline Kaldani; PCSO Jacqueline Jones and Vicky Brooke from South Anglia.

Free Football Coaching for Kids

Young footballers can practice their skills at free coaching sessions in Basildon. Players can learn new tips and tricks at the Swan Mead multi-use games area in Church Road, Vange.

It comes after Basildon Council secured £18,000 of funding to run training sessions using its own top coaches. The sessions run on Tuesdays from 6pm to 8pm for ages 12 to 15. Wednesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm for ages 18 and over. Thursdays for girls from 6pm to 7pm and boys from 7pm to 8pm, ages 11 to 16. The funding has been provided by Barclays spaces for sport football foundation.

European Paintball Championship Comes to Basildon

An army of extreme sports fans is set to invade Basildon this weekend for the European paintball championships. More than 140 teams from 32 countries are preparing to do battle in Gloucester Park during the three-day competition.

Known as the Millennium Series, it is the pinnacle of world paintball and will see 2,000 competitors and support staff flood into the district. The event is returning to Basildon – the only UK leg of the competition –after being held in the athletics stadium for the first time last year.

Paul Brace, Basildon Council’s cultural services manager, secured the event for the district. He said: “We are delighted to have persuaded the tournament to return to Basildon following its success last year. This is one of the most prized competitions in world paintball and it’s great for the district to be staging such an important event. Gloucester Park will be transformed into a world-class paintball venuewhere more than 600 matches will be played on five purpose built pitches. The action is free for people to watch and we hope hundreds of spectatorscome along to enjoy the excitement.

“The tournament not only promises great fun for residents but also a bonanza for local businesses as thousands of player and fans descend on the district.”

Basildon is staging the second leg of the European tour, which also stops off at other countries including France and Germany. Competitors from as far away as Russia will take part in the action, with the winning teams set to go on to compete in the US later in the year.

The teams battle it out across a range of professional and amateur leagues. They typically include between five and seven players, with many of those in the top leagues competing as paid professionals.

The games are highly skilled, the contestants accomplished athletes. The action is rather like extremely high speed chess in which each team carefully plans its moves and countermoves in an attempt to neutralise the opposition and hit the target buzzer.

It's a young sport with a youthful, trendy profile. Don't for a minute imagine it has anything to do with middle aged wannabe soldiers playing games in the woods.

In addition to the competition, there will be a paintball trade exhibition, fair rides, bar and food court.

The championships are being held in the Basildon athletics stadium in Gloucester Park. The event opens to the public and competitors on Thursday 22 May. Competition starts on Friday 23 May and culminates with the finals on Sunday 25 May.

Laptop and Broadband Prize Draw for Over 50s

As part of St. Georges Community Housing’s (SGCH) Adult Learners Week activities, Basildon council tenants and leaseholders have the chance to win a laptop computer and a year's broadband internet subscription.

Gareth Allcock, Account Director for the sponsor, Connaught
Partnerships, said: “We are delighted to help encourage wider use of
technology among older people, by supporting our partner in this innovative
campaign.”

To be in with a chance of winning, residents must be:
1. Over 50
2. Not already have a broadband Internet access
3. Not be an employee of Basildon Council, SGCH or one of its contractors

Qualifying Basildon Council tenants or leaseholders attending one of the internet taster sessions provided by St George's will automatically be entered into the prize draw.

Steve Shynn, interim Chief Executive of St George's, said: "Adult Learners Week
gives SGCH the opportunity to build on the success of last year’s Silver Surfers
Day. With the support of Essex Libraries in Basildon, we are offering
opportunities across Basildon district for people to try the internet. Connaught
have generously offered to sponsor this prize as part of the ongoing partnership
with St Georges".

The sessions lasting 45 minutes will be held at venues across the district, including; Dunton Court, Laindon on Monday 19 May and Thursday 22 May, and at the Tenant Resource Centre in Westgate on Wednesday 21 May. All three venues will be operating from 10:30 – 14:30. To book your place contact SGCH on 01268 465100.

Join a Conservation Work Party to Keep Fit Creatively

If you really want to keep fit and enrich our environment, then how about getting plent of fresh air and exercise by joining a conservation work party at Noak Bridge nature reserve.

Volunteers are invited to help build stag beetle pyramids throughout the beauty spot on Wednesday 21 May from 1pm to 3pm. The pyramids are made out of long and short logs buried vertically in the ground. They provide a habitat for insects which rely on dead or rotting wood, helping them, and the animals that eat them, to thrive.

Gloves, tea and coffee are provided. All ages welcome. Meet at the entrance to Noak Bridge nature reserve in Wash Road. For more information call Mark Williams on 01268 562921.

This really does seem a sensible way to get fit --- perhaps the Council should consider promoting much more of this sort of thing.

Basildon Choral Society Concert Date

Basildon Choral Society will be giving their next concert on Saturday 14th June at St. Martin’s church in Basildon.

The concert – ‘A Little Light Music’ will include a variety of different works including folk songs, negro spirituals, songs from shows and several light classical pieces.

The concert rounds off an eventful time for the choir which will be performing these pieces in Germany at the end of May as part of their visit to Northern Bavaria.

Ticket prices for 14th June are £10, and £8 concessions. Young people under 16 have free admission as usual.

New Criminal Record Screening to Cost £64

The good news for people who want to work with children and vulnerable adults is that a new vetting, barring and registration scheme will begin in October 2009, the new Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) has announced. The scheme will keep a list of people who are barred from working or volunteering with children and vulnerable adults.

The downside is that there is a £64 fee that will include the existing £36 fee for clearance from the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB). The advantage of the new system is that applicants will only have to pay once and will not need new clearance when changing jobs or places of work. For volunteers and the organisations taking them on, the process will be free.

However, a volunteer with ISA clearance who later begins paid employment, will be required to pay. The CRB will be responsible for gathering information on applicants and passing it on to the ISA which will then decide whether a person should be barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

The ISA assessments will include so-called ‘soft information’ that includes details of allegations made against applicants, even if proved false. It will also include details of disciplinary procedures in former employment.

The chief executive of the ISA claims that the new system will not allow every detail about a person’s life to be passed to the ISA. However, if someone is found not guilty in court, or a case were to be discontinued, there can be many complicated reasons, including the vulnerability of a witness for example, so that decisions about what information to pass to the ISA 'will be taken very seriously and will be appropriate, proportionate, carefully considered and consistent.'

How reassuring.

Ian Huntley's history was not apparent to those who employed him as a school caretaker partly because people made mistakes, partly because he lied.

When people make decisions, albeit careful, appropriate, proportionate etc., they may still make mistakes. Some of those mistakes may be of fact. Indeed, it is disconcerting to think that this administrative body should be administering judicial decisions affecting a person's future on the basis of 'soft information' --- unattributable allegations, hearsay, gossip --- the sort of thing a court would dismiss as unreliable evidence.

Evidentiary rules may be strict: but they offer valuable protection against malicious, mischievous or downright false allegation.

It is claimed that as well as extending the scope of the present vetting and barring arrangements to a much wider category of people, the new scheme will constantly be updated. Thus the ISA will monitor reports made to it so that in the case of a person receiving a conviction that could make him or her unsuitable to work with children or vulnerable adults, the authority would decide whether to put an entry on the list and whether to inform the employer.

People will have to register only once, unlike in the current system in which multiple CRB clearances may be necessary to cover every workplace, paid or voluntary. Once a person is registered with the scheme it is claimed that the monitoring will be consistent and continuous.

This ongoing nature of assessment requires that employers will need to inform the ISA of their concerns about staff who have been dismissed for 'inappropriate behaviour'. It is interesting to speculate whether employers should contact the ISA about staff they have dismissed, or positions that they have constructively made redundant, on different pretexts to avoid implying concerns about 'inappropriate behaviour' as the cause in order to avoid litigation.

After all, an employer may need to be extremely careful about dismissing somebody on the basis of the sort of 'soft information' the ISA may consider appropriate to bar a person from registration. This situation seems a trifle absurd.

At present, the plan is to phase in the scheme over the next three years. The Home Office will not be drawn on its assessment of the phasing in period, and some charities are suggesting it might take ten years. Some 11.3 million people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will need to be registered.

Previous history is not too encouraging. When Criminal Records Bureau checks were first introduced to check the criminal backgrounds of everyone working with children or vulnerable adults in schools, voluntary organisations or professional bodies, the scheme was launched six months late because of IT difficulties. An emergency rescue plan was introduced that used computer operators in India to input details of 35,000 people. Although those problems are history, it still takes far too long to process checks - especially in London, which accounts for 15 per cent of them.

The present system requires an employer recruiting someone to work with children or vulnerable adults to apply to the Criminal Records Bureau for a 'disclosure' showing a candidate's current and spent convictions, cautions, reprimands and any warnings held on the Police National Computer.

An 'enhanced disclosure' also includes 'any relevant and proportionate information held by the local police forces'. This information enables the employer to decide whether the candidate is suitable.

The ISA, offspring of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, goes further: it seeks to bar unsuitable people. Registration of people already working with vulnerable people will start with those whose CRB clearance dates back furthest. Once the system is fully operational, employers will be allowed to take on only registered people. They will still be able to apply for enhanced disclosures.

Is it a good thing or an over reaction to a problem highlighted by the Huntley case? Is this yet another layer of quasi-judicial organisations, albeit accountable to Parliament (it has to report annually)? It is supposed to be self financing, the theory being that fee income will pay for the premises, equipment, maintenance, 250 staff, Board of distinguished worthies etc. Let us know your thoughts.

MPs Need to Get to Grips with Epilepsy --- Charity Says

Nine out of ten MPs don't know how many people in the UK have epilepsy. This is despite the fact that it is the most common serious neurological condition, affecting 456,000 UK residents. MPs' lack of awareness has been revealed today by national charity Epilepsy Action, as part of a campaign to mark National Epilepsy Week 2008 (May 18-25).

The figures were uncovered by a survey carried out by ComRes, which asked a cross section of MPs how well they were informed about epilepsy. As well as asking how many people live with epilepsy, the survey asked about the current state of epilepsy care in the UK.

Over half (54 per cent) said they didn't know how many neurologists there are in the UK. In fact, there are only 486 consultant neurologists, which falls far short of the 909 recommended by the Royal College of Physicians. This significant shortage is highlighted by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Epilepsy report 'Wasted money, wasted lives', launched in June 2007.

Simon Wigglesworth, Epilepsy Action's deputy chief executive, said that a number of MPs have shown great commitment to highlighting the needs of people with epilepsy. For example, in producing the APPG report and bringing to notice the plight of epilepsy specialist nurses under threat last year. "We are fortunate to have some excellent supporters in the House of Commons but we need more. It is only when more people understand epilepsy that we can take real steps to deliver better healthcare for people living with the condition."

The problems facing people with epilepsy in getting the recognition they need were brought into sharp focus this week after Health Services Minister, Ann Keen for the third time pulled out of a meeting to discuss epilepsy services. Attempts to reschedule a meeting with the minister have so far failed.

Simon Wigglesworth said: "Hold ups in establishing meetings to discuss proposed improvements to services only lead to longer delays for patients waiting for much needed better care."

Epilepsy Action is urging members of the public to raise awareness of epilepsy by visiting or writing to their MP. Template letters are available on www.epilepsy.org.uk

The hope is that this will re-focus their attention on the 30 recommendations in the APPG report. Without these improvements, people with epilepsy will continue to experience unnecessary seizures and face an unnecessarily increased risk of avoidable death.

Ryan's Back on The Air

Year 10 Sawyers Hall student Ryan Stokes is currently working with the local radio station for Basildon & East Thurrock, Gateway FM.

The station is community based so will feature lots of information from around the area. It broadcasts live from the Eastgate Centre at the heart of Basildon, from their shop next to the 99p Store on the first floor.

He started work with them in November last year, when he first took the drivetime co-presenting position up until Christmas Eve, when the station went off air.

Since then Ryan has been taking weekly visits to the station for training sessions, online shows, road shows, or anything else that might come up. But Gateway FM will be back on the air from 23rd June until 20th July, and Ryan will once again be working along side Ros Connors in the drivetime position.

However, there is one difference this time round from back in December. Each Friday Ryan will also be presenting his own show between 9-10PM. This show is aimed at school kids, and will feature news from the schools, bands from the Battle Of The Bands, and much more.
To listen to Ryan on Gateway FM tune into 87.7 during 23rd June – 20th July or listen online from http://www.gatewayfm.com. He’ll be on the airwaves weekdays between 4 and 7, and also with Schools Out from 9-10 on Fridays.

(First published on Sawyers Hall College website)

Laindon Man Lands £10k Fine for Planning Breach

A LAINDON man has been fined a total of £10,000 with £4,000 costs for refusing to stop work on his home extension for which he had no planning permission.

Basildon magistrates imposed the fines on Douglas Dunn, 50, yesterday (14 May) after finding him guilty on two counts of breaching a temporary stop notice by continuing to build a large and prominent front extension at his home Wheatfield, in Wash Road, without planning permission.

The enforcement notice, which orders him to take down the extension, remains in force. The case began late in 2006 when Basildon planners issued a temporary stop notice as the large extension was being built. A second stop notice and an enforcement notice followed in 2007 when work on the structure continued.

Mr Dunn applied for retrospective planning permission but this was refused. An appeal against this decision also failed. More time was allowed for Mr Dunn to comply with the enforcement order and when this was not implemented, the council prosecuted.

Council Provides New Offices for CAB

The major refurbishment of the council’s headquarters building, the Basildon Centre, has created an added bonus for the voluntary sector.

First to benefit is the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) whose new offices on the ground floor of the centre were opened today (Thursday) by Councillor Terri Sargent, cabinet member for communities.

The refurbished public area of the Basildon Centre has been designed to give better and more efficient access to services to the many thousands of residents who visit every year. For the CAB this means new, larger offices, an improved layout, extra advising rooms and a staffed reception area. These will allow the bureau provide a more efficient service to its clients and to deliver high quality and highly valued advice to those who look to the CAB service to help with their problems.

Basildon Council is a major supporter of the CAB and provides them with an annual grant of nearly £129,000. The new offices will also benefit from a 90 per cent reduction in the council’s normal rent charges and council tax.

Other voluntary organisations are due to benefit from the changes as building works at the Basildon Centre are completed. Basildon CAB office offers clients scheduled appointments during the week and a drop in service on Saturday mornings.

They provide free, confidential and impartial advice and information on a wide range of issues including debt, benefits, housing, employment, health and immigration.

Councillor Terri Sargent said: “This has been an exciting project for all involved and we are proud to have played such a key part in providing a new home for a service which is so highly valued not only by the council but also by all our residents".

John Baron Meets Royal British Legion in Parliament

Yesterday in Parliament, John Baron MP attended the annual Royal British Legion Parliamentary Reception. This event is an opportunity for MPs to be briefed on the excellent work and campaigns which the Legion coordinates and a chance for the Legion to thank those Parliamentarians who have helped to raise these issues in the House of Commons regarding our Armed Forces.

John said: “The Legion does great work supporting the ex-service community and our soldiers around the world. But we as MPs also have a duty to ensure the Government upholds its end of the Military Covenant. Having raised a number of issues in the House during the past year, this event was a good opportunity to meet with the Legion and reflect on past achievements and future challenges.”

Stephen Metcalfe Renews Call for Better Road Links

Stephen Metcalfe, Prospective Conservative Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock has renewed calls for a second access road to the £1.5 billion super-port at Coryton.

He has expressed deep concern over local transport infrastructure after the Department of Transport issued a Harbour Empowerment Order, giving the final seal of approval for work to start on the new London Gateway development.

Construction work at the 1,850 acre site could start later this year: the port's first berth is expected to open by 2011 and the port should be fully operational by 2018. As part of the deal to win Government approval, Dubai based DP World, the company behind the London Gateway port, has pledged £100 million to be spent on improving local road networks.

Improvements include:
• Installing noise barriers
• Resurfacing The Manorway from Corringham to Stanford-le-Hope with low-noise tarmac
• Moving the Sorrells roundabout away from nearby homes
• Widening the A13 and improving the junction with the M25
More detailed plans should be released next month.

Stephen Metcalfe said: "I welcome the measures that have been put in place, but I am still disappointed that no new roads are planned to the London Gateway port and business park. The Government needs to ensure adequate road and rail infrastructure is in place to cope with the massive increase in traffic when the port is fully open and running."

"The need for a second access route was first called for by the Shell Haven Project Action Committee (SPEAC) but firmly rejected by the Government planning enquiry. I have met with Local and County Councillors and have been meeting and listening to people on the doorstep. I have also met with SPEAC and heard their frustration about the lack of proper access to the site and the effect it will have on surrounding areas.

"I would like to see a second access route put firmly back onto the political agenda. We already have the tanker traffic to and from the refinery at Coryton and when the port is completed the site will generate thousands of lorry movements a day along the Manorway, let alone the additional traffic from the port employees. I am concerned that the pollution, noise and fumes will be intolerable for local residents and want to see more done to help them."

Caption: Stephen Metcalfe and newly elected Thurrock Councillor Danny Nicklen share concern about impact of super-port on local residents.

Basildon Cops Raise £3,000 --- Walking

Five Essex police officers have completed the first section of a gruelling 630-mile sponsored walk to raise money for a young constable left severely disabled after a sporting accident.

The team from Basildon police station trekked nearly 104 miles in six days and expect to raise more than £3,000 for Arron Williams, 25, who was based at Pitsea before he broke his neck playing rugby last September.

The walk is around the South West Coast Path which runs from Minehead in Somerset around the coast of Devon and Cornwall to finish at Poole in Dorset. The Basildon team completed the first phase to Hartland Quay, Devon on Saturday (May 10) before handing over to a team of officers from Pitsea police station who are now tackling the section from Hartland Quay to Perranporth.

Five other teams will cover four further sections of the walk to reach Poole on June 14. It is hoped that together the 50 officers involved will raise more than £12,000. Inspector David Miller, who organised the walk, was on the first section with district commander Chief Inspector Mark Wheeler, Insp Simon Dobinson, Insp Pat Mahoney, Sgt Cathy Gray and their support van driver Mim Moy.

“Despite our training walks and preparations the first few days of the walk were a real shock to the system,” said Insp Miller. “It was much harder than we thought and at first we struggled to keep going up and down over steep hills with gradients of about one in four. We all had blisters for the first few days but then we really got into our stride and we were easily coping with 12-15 miles or so in a day even in blazing sun and temperatures up to 70F.”

As well as raising money through sponsorship the Basildon team also returned with £430 raised from donations given by people along the route and also from a charity skittles match in a pub at Ilfracombe. The event was arranged by Ted Davidson, a retired Essex police office who now lives in Devon.

"We stopped at Ted’s place for a huge cream tea one afternoon before pressing on. We later returned to Ilfracombe for the skittles match against teams from the pub, local police and a local rugby club. A local businessman laid on a large buffet and some special raffle prizes were donated, including a voucher for a meal at Ilfracombe’s trendy Quay Restaurant, owned by the artist Damien Hirst.

“It was a fantastic night and thanks to the remarkable generosity of the local people it raised £360," said Insp Miller. "We held our own in the skittles match and managed to come a close last. We were presented with a wooden spoon engraved with some very strange skittle terms and we shall present it to Arron.”

Insp Miller was also given another usual gift for Arron when he stopped at a Devon farm to buy some sheepskin fleece rugs for his children. “The chap who runs the farm asked us about the sponsored walk and we told him that is was for Arron, after he was involved in a rugby accident. The farmer said that he was a rugby fan and had played himself and he wanted to do something for Arron. So he gave a special sheepskin for Arron to use on his wheelchair. It was a marvellous gesture.”

Money was also raised along the route when local people and tourists stopped the walkers and asked about their fundraising. Insp Miller added: “We met people from Essex who wanted to help by donating a few pounds and other walkers also chipped in. We raised about £70 from donations along the way.”

The team camped for the first four nights but the second two were spent at an hotel after the owner heard of the charity walk and wanted to help.“We were given free accommodation for the last night at the Hartland Quay Hotel. This was a truly charitable act by the managers Jill and Chris which meant that we could divert more funds towards Arron,” said Insp Miller.

Arron has been keeping in touch with the walkers by mobile telephone and is looking forward to a get-together at the end of the walk where he will thank all the walkers personally.Insp Miller said that the money raised would be used to buy equipment to help Arron lead as normal a life as possible. But Arron has also asked that about £6,000 should be donated to Stoke Mandeville Hospital to buy a special piece of equipment to help people in his position at the early stage of their injury.

Around £200 has been donated by people visiting Basildon police station and anyone wishing to support the walkers should send cheques, made payable to the Basildon Police Sports and Social Fund, to Insp David Miller, Basildon Police Station, Great Oaks, Basildon, SS14 1EJ.

Pictured from left are: Insp Pat Mahoney, Chief Insp Mark Wheeler, Sgt Cathy Gray, Insp Simon Dobinson and Insp David Miller on a track high above the Devon coastline

MP Hails New RSBP Lease as Good News for Wildlife & Conservation

On Monday, John Baron MP was shown the site of a proposed new sustainable wetland system on 270 hectares of land at Pitsea Marsh and Bowers Marshes. The project, which will include extensive wet grassland, scrapes and salt marsh, has been made possible by the granting of a 150 year peppercorn lease of land by Veolia Environmental Services (the operator of the adjoining Pitsea Waste Management facility) to the RSPB.

Commenting, John said: “This exciting new wetland system will provide a range of habitats for rare wildlife such as water voles and bitterns. Public access to the South Essex Marshes will also be extended significantly, allowing people to enjoy nature as it’s meant to be and learn more about protecting the environment.

“Too often we see the over-development of our green spaces, so congratulations to Veolia and the RSPB for conserving the natural environment and encouraging local wildlife. The new project will be a fun resource for the whole family and help raise awareness of conservation issues. This ambitious scheme will really help to put the Essex Marshes back on the map.”

John Baron MP Opens Landfill Gas Engines

On Friday, John Baron MP helped Pitsea landfill operators Veolia reduce global warning and promote renewable energy by officially opening two new landfill gas-to-energy engines at the Pitsea landfill site.

The gas is produced when household rubbish rots down in the landfill. It is collected and pumped to a compound where special engines turn the carbon dioxide and methane into ‘green’ electricity.

Cutting the ribbon between the two new engines, John said: “Turning this landfill gas – which would otherwise make a significant contribution towards global warming – into a renewable energy source is a double bonus for the environment. It reduces the unsustainable consumption of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil and also reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.

“Even the gas collection system itself is sustainable – using solar and wind power to operate electric pumps in the furthest corners of the site.”

John Baron Backs Silva Island Way Anti-pub Campaign

On Friday, John visited Silva Island Way, Wickford to see for himself the proposed extension to existing shops which would create an additional retail unit and public house.

John said: “A pub would not be a good idea. There are schools and nurseries very nearby, which is a factor given the increased traffic and possible disorderly behaviour from the pub. In addition, the increased noise would not be welcome, whilst anyone who wants a drink can visit the community centre next door.”

“This proposal is not needed or wanted. I shall therefore be writing to Basildon Council to voice my objection by the 21st May deadline, and I would encourage others to do the same.”

Contact your MP

Angela Smith MP for basildon and East Thurrock is always pleased to hear from constituents and anxious to keep them informed about her work in the area.

This is what she writes:

Dear Resident,
I am always happy to respond to enquiries from my constituents. Just email my parliamentary office at flackk@parliament.uk.
To keep in touch with my local activity please go to www.mpangelasmith.org
Yours faithfully, Angela Smith MP

Young Bands Wanted for BasFest Boom Room

Young bands and DJs have the opportunity to perform live on an exclusive stage in front of thousands of fans at the two-day Basildon Festival in Gloucester Park.

The two-day event, held in Gloucester Park, attracted more than 30,000 revellers last summer.
Among the headlining acts at this year’s festival are the X-Factor finalists, Journey South, and the Bootleg Beatles.

Grant Taylor, a community development officer for Basildon Council, said: “This is a fantastic chance for young stars to climb on stage and perform live in front of a festival crowd. We’re searching for talented musicians across any genre ranging from rock and R&B to techno and drum and base. We hope it gives young people a chance to showcase their talent and live their dream of performing live on stage.”

The event is part of the council’s live gigs programme, known as the Boom Room, which gives up and coming bands the chance to perform at venues such as the Towngate Theatre. As well as picking who gets to play, young people control each gig, learning new skills in fields such as sound engineering and stage management.

Mr Taylor added: “The Boom Room has been hugely popular with local youngsters since it was set up. It offers a springboard for ambitious bands to win new fans in front of a live audience and for other young people to learn career-focused skills."

The Basildon Festival is being held on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July. Entrants must be under-25 years of age. They will be asked to supply a demo tape. To apply, contact Grant Taylor on 01268 294785.

New George Hurd Centre Nearing Completion

The new £2m George Hurd day care centre for elderly people in Audley Way Basildon is preparing to open its doors now that construction work is complete. The two-storey building is to replace the ageing George Hurd centre in Fauners.

It follows a deal negotiated by Basildon Council giving Lovells the site of the former centre in exchange for building the new one – saving taxpayers more than £2m. Pensioners using the new George Hurd are set to benefit from a larger centre, which includes brand new facilities and additional activities such as snooker.

Local community and voluntary groups are also celebrating after being given permanent office space on the top floor. Councillor Phil Turner, cabinet member in charge of Resources, on handing the building over to Councillor Terri Sargent, cabinet member for Community Services. explained that the former centre was built more than 40 years ago and has been struggling to meet the needs of elderly residents as its ageing facilities are becoming unsuitable for modern care and are weighed down by a growing burden of repairs.

Cllr Turner added: "Instead of pouring taxpayers money into propping up an ailing building wesought a solution with the private sector. This has resulted in a much larger and better equipped centre at no extra cost to local taxpayers. The new purpose built centre will provide improved care and support for elderly people and we look forward to opening it for them."

Cllr Terri Sargent, cabinet member for Community Services, said: "The George Hurd is one of our most popular day care centres and is relied on by hundreds of elderly people each week. We are delighted to have a brand new building that will provide the first class facilities local residents deserve.

"The new centre not only offers modern day care for the elderly but also provides a permanent base for local community and voluntary groups. These have been brought together under one roof for the first time and will give older residents convenient access to the services they provide. We hope the new centre becomes an even better place for elderly people to meet friends, stay active and get the help and advice they need."

The centre includes a kitchen, lounge, dining room, hairdressing facilities, activities room, main hall, medical room and classroom. The CVS, BDVC and Wickford Talking Newspaper will are yoga, keep fit, ceramics, bingo and art. Elderly residents can also take advantage of cheap meals, an evening mealtakeaway service, day trips and transport to and from the centre.