A NEW town council could be set up in Wickford after more than 1,700 people signed a petition.

Basildon Council is set to write to Wickford residents as part of the process to decide whether to allow the creation of a town council.

Should the new council be created, it would cover Wickford Castledon, North, and Park wards under Basildon Council, which house 21,354 people.

A campaign group was established in August last year.

On January 16 members officially handed over the petition to leader of Basildon Council Andrew Baggott.

A spokesman for the group said: “Local councils play a vital role in representing the interests of their communities and improving the quality of life and the local environment.

“They can also influence other decision makers and can deliver services to meet local needs.

“Their powers and duties range from maintaining allotments and open spaces to crime prevention and providing recreation facilities.

“The next couple of years are going to be very interesting for our town and with the support of residents we hope a town council can make a real difference to the lives of residents and those working or visiting Wickford.”

Basildon Council’s policy oversight and strategy committee will discuss the prospect on Thursday.

If approved, the notice will be published on the council’s website, with copies being sent out to authorities in Wickford, and all households under the three wards being individually written to inviting them to share their views.

Basildon Council leader Andrew Baggott said: “This is really good news for Wickford and I welcome people wanting to be more involved in their community.

“I look forward to having a positive relationship if the new council is formed.”

Wickford residents reacted positively to the news.

Sandy Neaves said: “I think it’s only fair people in Wickford should have their own council, there must be more benefits than sharing with Basildon.”

Andrew Gwilt said: “I think Wickford needs a town council so it can’t be controlled by Basildon Council which I think is a good idea.”