LABOUR’S Parliamentary candidates for Basildon have visited the revamped probation trust to discuss the controversial Felmores Bail Hostel.

Gavin Callaghan, the party’s candidate for Basildon and Billericay, and MikeLe-Surf,who is vying for the South Basildon and East Thurrock seat, visited the new-look Essex Community Rehabilitation Company. They spoke about the controversial Pitsea hostel – which under new laws, is going under Government control.

Campaigners have been battling to have the building moved for years, and Basildon Council’s previous Tory administration had been locked in negotiations with the Probation Trust.

Mr Callaghan said: “It is hard to know what effect the change will have on relocation efforts because many people in the Ministry of Justice will not be familiar with this facility and the sensitivities that surround its current unsuitable site.

“Mike and I have already sought to facilitate a meeting with the director of Approved Premises, to discuss Felmores and make sure the campaigners’ hard work is not undone by rushed Tory policy.”