A SHOPPING centre has created a special charter to help it fulfil its community targets.

The Eastgate Centre, in Basildon, has set up its Community Charter with nine pledges as part of its bid to constantly improve its services, support to the community, customers and staff as well as the town centre.

Some of the pledges include improving facilities and services. A spokesman for the centre said: “We will listen to the views of our shoppers before implementing such improvements, keeping shoppers and the town centre fully abreast of any developments that might impact on their visits to Eastgate and notify the community of progress.”

Other pledges include the on-going support of community organisations, to use local suppliers where possible, to keep its environment clean, green and safe and to keep up the training and education of its staff.

Organisations who work closely with the centre have also backed the initiative.

Eileen Marshall, chief executive of St Luke’s Hospice, said: “As a local charity we are greatly indebted to the Eastgate Shopping Centre for their help and support throughout the year and over many years.

“They are a fantastic team fully committed and understanding of the potential role they can play in assisting vital charitable work within the area.

“Their new Community Charter is a reflection of their commitment to the local community and the difference they wish to make.”

Shvetal Patel, Debenhams Store Manager and Chair of the Eastgate Centre Merchants’ Association, added: “We at Debenhams commend this Eastgate Management initiative, something that can only enhance the prospects for the Basildon community in the future. We look forward to working with Team Eastgate and sharing in this exciting new venture for the Centre as a whole”.

Centre manager Ian Clark said: “This is Eastgate’s Community Charter, and something that we feel should be made available to all, as it will help demonstrate areas upon which we will be focusing; areas where we feel that we can make a beneficial impact; and areas where we feel that there is a genuine need for our time and effort.

“We welcome the input of every recipient of this pledge plus any help you feel you can give in our quest to drive better quality of life in Basildon.”