A TEAM of cleaners and pest control experts have been drafted in to clean up the dilapidated Laindon Centre as the first stage of its longawaited regeneration gets under way.

The Echo revealed last month Swan Housing Association had stepped in to take over the Sixties shopping complex and lead the revamp, which has been in the pipeline for nearly two decades.

Plans are currently being drawn up for a mix of new shops and affordable housing, with public consultations set to take place in the coming months.

In the meantime, work is under way to deter nuisance pigeons, clear up litter and plant new flowers.

Spikes have been put up on top of shops to stop birds perching, and a series of deep cleans have even scheduled.

The project is being led by Terry Webb, community development officer at Swan Housing.

He first became involved with the housing association in the Eighties as a tenant representative on Basildon’s Bluehouse estate, now known as the Churchview estate.

Mr Webb said: “It’s very exciting time for me. Being a local boy, I know just how important this regeneration is. The project is about creating a vibrant space and fulfiling expectations.

“By September we expect the centre to start looking a lot fresher.

“The traders and resident I have spoken to have been really supportive. They’ve been waiting for this for so long and they just want some stability when it comes to ownership.

“It good to see people becoming involved in their communities, and that's the best thing about this job.”

An NHS van, set up to offer health MoTs for residents over the age of 40, was parked up at the centre this week.

A two-week summer camp aimed at local eight to 16 yearolds will take place at James Hornsby School, in Leinster Road, Laindon, next month.

Mr Webb also works closely with residents associations on the Five Links and Craylands estates.

Swan Housing stepped in after Mar City, which exchanged contracts on the Laindon Centre in January, ran into financial problems.

It is the sixth firm to take control of the Laindon Centre over the past 20 years.

Previous owners Lakehill Investments and Colonade, which later became Laindon Regeneration, both drew up ambitious plans for homes, shops, a health centre and supermarket, but work failed to begin.

Terry’s work wins national recognition

TERRY Webb’s work to improve communities across Essex saw him win a national award.

He was named Resident Involvement Officer of Year at this year’s national Tenant Participation Advisory Service awards, after beating other regional finalists.

Judges recognised his work to change lives.

Mr Webb supports residents’ associations, works with youth groups, judges estate flower competitions and even dresses up as Santa at Christmas to deliver presents.

Over the past two years he has also spearheaded a successful public health initiative, encouraging people over forty to get a health MoT.

Sandra Fawcett, director of Swan Housing, said: “I am delighted Terry’s dedication to the communities he supports has been recognised.

“Swan Housing is dedicated to creating communities where people want to live, and his work demonstrates how committed individuals make a real difference to people’s lives.

“We are especially proud of the health initiative, which is on-going.”