A GROUP of historians are campaigning to keep the area’s heritage within the district, following the discovery of Stone Age relics in Wickford.

Culture and Heritage for All in South Essex wants a museum built within the Basildon district.

The group’s call comes after a prehistoric camp was found in a field off Old Nevendon Road, Wickford.

Among the items found were flint tools, including an axe, from as far back as 7,000BC.

The group’s members are not happy the relics will be displayed in Southend Central Museum, because no such facility exists in Basildon.

Vin Harrop, 70, chairman of the group, said the area’s history is scattered in museums across Essex.

He said: “The history of Basildon seems to be spread between Southend, Colch-ester, and Thurrock.”

A wooden model of the belfry of St Nicholas Chur-ch, Laindon, is even being held as far away as Swindon, in the London Science Museum’s storage depot.

The group is campaigning for a cultural quarter, containing a museum, library, and art gallery to be set up in Basildon, although they admit it’s a long-term project.

Mr Harrop, of Rosslyn Road, Billericay, said: “Opening a museum would make people feel more connected to the area’s past.”

For more information on the campaign visit www.essexinfo.net/chase-cultural-heritage-for-all-south-essex