Action group to meets again (From Echo)

Action group to meets again

7:40pm Tuesday 21st August 2007 in News

A PUBLIC meeting has been called over fears Wickford is being overrun with flats.

Wickford Action Group, which formed to fight what it sees as over-development of the town, has arranged its second get-together as plans for the town's masterplan gather momentum.

Basildon Council has launched a Europe-wide search for a developer for the £100million project and a number of applications for flats in the town have recently been given planning permission.

Alan Ball, chairman of the action group, said: "The last meeting had more than 200 people and not everyone could get in.

"There is a groundswell of concern too many flats are being planned and we promised another meeting. This time we have got a bigger room and are expecting as many, if not more people."

Mr Ball insisted his group was not opposed to regeneration in Wickford, but said more thought was needed over the number of flats and infrastructure needed to support new developments.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, Septem-ber 27, in the main hall of Wickford Community Cen-tre, Market Road, from 8pm.

All Wickford councillors have been invited.

Stephen Horgan, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We attended the first meeting of the group and at that time promised there would be more consultation, and this remains the case."

A planning application to improve the community centre with a new swimming pool is thought to be imminent.