RESIDENTS are invited to have their say on proposals to create a new parish council for Wickford.

Letters will be delivered to homes across the proposed parished area this week inviting householders to submit their views.

A campaign group was established in August last year to create a town council for Wickford, with members officially handing over their petition with more than 1,700 signatures to leader of Basildon Council Andrew Baggott in January.

If agreed Wickford Town Council would cover Wickford Castledon, North, and Park wards under Basildon Council, which house 21,354 people.

Residents will be asked whether they support the proposal for a parish council and to comment on matters related to it, such as the name, the number of councillors to be elected and if the parish should be divided into wards.

Andrew Baggott said: “I welcome people wanting to be more involved in their community, and was pleased to receive a petition signed by 1,700 electors requesting the creation of a town or parish council in Wickford.

“It’s important that any new electoral arrangements are effective and convenient and are supported by the community, which is why we want residents and interested parties to have their say. All representations will be taken into account before we decide whether, or how to, move forward with establishing the proposed council.”

Email elections@basildon.gov.uk or write to Community Governance Review, Electoral Services, Basildon Council, The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL.

All representations must be received by Friday May 10.