Wickford's new look revealed (From Echo)

Wickford's new look revealed

3:56pm Tuesday 25th September 2007 in News By Nicola Fenn

PLANS to transform Wickford into the "new Billericay" have been unveiled as the first phase of a public consultation.

Boards, showing artists' impressions of the new-look town were put up in the town's community centre, for residents to look at.

The plans include revamping the public service buildings, incorporating the swimming pool into a two-storey fitness centre and building a health centre and a new library.

Basildon Council is also proposing to incorporate Wickford market into the High Street and add pedestrianised areas.

High-quality flats are also planned for the town centre and on the bank of the River Crouch.

Rab Fallon, project director for the Wickford town centre development said: "We need to do something because the town is looking very tired.

"These are big plans, but if they come off, it will totally change the way Wickford looks. The town will become the new Billericay."

Mr Fallon said feedback on the public buildings had been encouraging and residents' views would be reported back to the planning committee.

Work on the public buildings should begin in January 2008, but a developer is being sought for the town centre plans.

Once a consortium is in place, work on the rest of the project should begin in September 2008.

A steady flow of people walked through the doors to scrutinise the plans and question councillors, officers and project managers.

Lorna Pottinger, 50 of Maitland Road, Wickford, said: "I know there is a desperate need for housing, but my concern, as a resident, is how public transport links, car parks, the schools and the doctors' surgeries are going to cope.

"It's already a nightmare and these facilities need to be in place before they start work, otherwise it's going to be madness.

"A lot of the area needs revamping though, so it's good the council is finally doing something about it."

Alan Jasper, 54 of Coppens Green, Wickford, had concerns about flooding. He said: "The river is contained in a concrete, rat-infested ditch.

"If they are going to create these riverside homes and raise the level of the river, like they show in the artists impressions, they need to install a dam or lock gates because Wickford has been flooded so many times in the past.

"Of course Wickford needs developing, but I don't see why we can't have flats like in Dunmow which are in keeping with the traditional Essex style - rather than concrete blocks the council can make a load of money from."

l There will be two further public consultations.

Today at the Wick community centre, Silva Island Way, Salcott Crescent, Wickford, between 4.30pm and 8pm.

On Saturday at Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford, from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.