Latest news with #BasildonCouncil
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pupils at school in Basildon complete 3K run as part of 'successful' programme
Pupils at a school in Basildon have completed a 3K run as part of a new programme. Northlands Primary School children marked the end of the "Backside to Trackside Juniors" initiative by proudly finishing the race. The effort was made possible by funding from the Pitsea Area Committee, which provided the young runners with starter kits and trainers whilst helping them build confidence, get active, and set goals. Director and head coach of the scheme, Andy Stead, said: "The pilot Backside to Trackside Junior programme has been a huge success. "The children have all put in massive effort and achieved so much, I'm super proud of them." Read more Southend's iconic Rossi Parlour announces extended summer opening hours New shop fronts and children's play area among £86k plans for south Essex town Basildon councillors Jack Ferguson and Pat Reid attended the event to support the young athletes. Grant Taylor, assistant director of community and leisure at Basildon Council, said: "The funding provided by the Pitsea Area Committee has made a positive impact. "It's inspiring to see what they can achieve when given the opportunity and encouragement." Plans are in place to extend the initiative to other Basildon schools.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
All the locations Aldi wants to build new stores as Basildon plans revealed
Basildon is set to welcome a brand new Aldi as part of the supermarket's nationwide expansion push. The store is Basildon is due to open in 2026 at the Westgate Shopping Centre, replacing JD Sports and OneBeyond. The news, announced by Basildon Council leader Gavin Callaghan, marks a major milestone in the council's plans to rejuvenate the town centre. This comes after Aldi revealed its list of priority locations across the UK where it would like to open new stores. Mr Callaghan hailed the development as a 'real coup' for the area, promising 'hundreds of jobs' and increased footfall as part of broader efforts to attract major retailers and bolster the night-time economy. The arrival of Aldi will also bring a revamp of Westgate's parking system, with 90 minutes of free parking on the surface level car park to be introduced. Read more Dozens of colourful penguins waddle into Southend for start of new art trail 'I cried with shock' - Southend man proposes to Timberlake superfan at Essex concert This is a move aimed at tackling long-standing frustrations over punitive parking charges. The Basildon announcement coincides with Aldi's wider plans to grow its UK footprint. Following a public call for location suggestions, the discount retailer has revealed priority areas across the country where it hopes to open new stores. Braintree, Essex Harlow, Essex Rayleigh, Essex Bromley, Greater London Chesham, Buckinghamshire Balby, Doncaster, South Yorkshire Ealing, Greater London Ferndown, Dorset Hitchin, Hertfordshire Kenilworth, Warwickshire Kirkby, Merseyside Largs, North Ayrshire Pickering, North Yorkshire Ponteland, Northumberland South Croydon, Greater London South Shields, Tyne and Wear Tadcaster, North Yorkshire Uckfield, East Sussex Warwick, Warwickshire Wellingborough, Northamptonshire Witney, Oxfordshire Worthing, West Sussex
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Basildon by-election sees Reform win first seat
Reform UK has won its first seat on Basildon Shields polled 922 votes in a by-election at Wickford Park, called following the death of an independent and long-serving councillor. Former mayor David Harrison, who was first elected in 1971, died in April after a long UK had already won four seats at other council by-elections in Essex in May - one seat on Castle Point, one seat on Harlow and two on Thurrock. In Basildon, the Conservatives polled 840 votes, the Liberal Democrats collected 171 and Wickford Independents - Harrison's former party - polled received 146 votes. The turnout for the by-election was 25.5%A further by-election is being held at St Martin's in Basildon on 17 July, due to the resignation of Labour's Maryam Yaqub. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hot air balloon festival to 'highlight popularity of Basildon' this summer
THE skies above Basildon will come alive this summer as the town hosts an exciting new family-friendly hot air balloon festival. Spanning the last weekend of July, the Essex Balloons and Tunes festival will take place at Basildon Sporting Village and feature live music, tribute acts, and stunt shows alongside breath taking hot air balloon demonstrations. The choice of Basildon as the location for the county-wide event has been welcomed by Labour's council leader, Gavin Callaghan, as a sign of the town's growing status as a leisure destination. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Festival - Basildon Sporting Village will host the balloon festival (Image: George Pizani) 'We're delighted to be able welcome such an exciting nationwide event to the borough, which will give residents the opportunity to enjoy some fantastic, family-friendly fun while creating lifelong memories, right here on their doorstep,' said Mr Callaghan. 'This three-day extravaganza has something for everyone, and it highlights the growing popularity of Basildon as one of the top events destinations across Essex.' While the focus of the Balloons and Tunes festival will be the impressive hot air balloons set to hover above Gloucester Park, attendees will also be able to enjoy tribute performances to popular artists, high-energy motocross stunt shows, character meet-and-greets and firework displays. Win - Mr Callaghan says the festival is a sign of Basildon's growing popularity (Image: Basildon Council) In addition to tribute performances, musical entertainment will be provided by The Only Way is Essex's James Argent. The event will be delivered by Balloons and Tunes UK, who run similar festivals across the country, and run from Friday July 25 to Sunday July 27. A description from Balloons and Tunes UK reads: 'Our festivals offer a vibrant mix of attractions, including spectacular hot air balloon shows, stunning performances, exciting Funfair Rides, and a diverse line-up of live music.' Under the leadership of Mr Callaghan, Basildon Council has been working to boost the town's leisure and hospitality offerings. Plans are currently being drawn up for a 5,000-seat live entertainment arena and hotel in the town centre, which Mr Callaghan hopes will be the go-to destination for touring artists and shows in Essex. You can find out more about Essex Balloons and Tunes as well as purchasing your tickets at
BBC News
11-06-2025
- BBC News
Crays Hill man 'refuses to attend court' accused of 41 dog deaths
A man accused of causing the deaths of 41 dogs at a rescue centre he ran refused to attend court, a judge animals were discovered during a raid at a property in Crays Hill near Billericay, Essex, on 13 discovered the remains of four more dogs on 4 June, after a number of buildings at the site were Rahman, 25, of Hope Road in the village, was due to appear at Southend Crown Court charged with three counts of fraud by false representation and two animal cruelty offences. However, Judge Samantha Leigh said he refused to leave the prison cell he was remanded in and attend the adjourned proceedings until the week beginning 23 June. Basildon Council launched an internal inquiry after the discovery, which also led to the seizure of 21 alive dogs in need of treatment.A 25-year-old woman from London and another man who were arrested by police have been bailed until were prohibited from entering Hope Road and being in possession of any animal during that period. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
