CAMPAIGNERS are counteracting the threat of new homes in Wickford by urging big name businesses to set up in town.

Members of the Wickford Action Group, formed two years ago to fight council plans to build 700 flats and houses around the town centre, have written to Wilkinson, Argos and JD Weatherspoons.

Chairman Alan Ball explained: “We’ve done this because we want facilities and businesses here as well as all these homes the council wants to build.

“The council has accused us of being an ‘inaction group’ in the past so we thought we’d prove them wrong and do the job ourselves.

“If they aren’t going to entice businesses to come here, then we will.”

The group fired off letters to the companies at the end of January and are eagerly awaiting responses.

It particularly feels cut price home and DIY chain Wilkinson would be ideal to fill the now vacant Woolworth store in High Street.

Mr Ball added: “It would be fantastic to get a Wilkinson here. We really need shops like this.

“I have people coming up to me in the street telling me this is exactly what they want.”

Mr Ball said the group was not against regeneration, but believed too many flats were being planned and not enough amenities.

He added: “We want to rejuvenate the town so we don’t just end up with flats everywhere.”

Basildon council leader Malcolm Buckley is not pleased with campaigners taking matters into their own hands and hinted the council has already sent out feelers to well-known firms.

He said: “It would probably have been more helpful of Mr Ball if he had asked if our regeneration team have already been in contact with those businesses.

“I am aware of a number of multi-nationals which are in active discussion with our staff and potential development partners.

“I have every confidence that if no-one keeps trying to derail the regeneration plan you will see some very major names appear in Wickford High Street.”