A BILLERICAY group has been set the task of finding a location in Basildon suitable for a new community supermarket to help residents struggling in the cost-of-living crisis. 

Billericay Street Pastors have been chosen by Essex County Council to help bring the community supermarket to the Basildon borough.

The community supermarket will offer residents the opportunity to buy food and household essentials at a reduced price.

Essex County Council hope to open one in the Basildon borough by the end of 2022.

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Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, said: “It is very good that Basildon are being picked, that is great.

“It is a seachange in the relationship which was had with Essex County Council under the previous administration, so it just goes to highlight how important it is to work in partnership. And of course, it couldn’t come at a better time, given that some residents in the borough are struggling with the spiralling cost of food and essentials.

“It is down to the group to find a location - we will be as supportive as we can be, but it is a case of where the space is available. It is also not just about space as there would be no point having a supermarket in a place where people can’t get to it cost-effectively, so that also needs to be thought about.

“Hopefully the perfect location can be found.”

Basildon and Tendring are the first areas to receive investment to establish community supermarkets.

Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council councillor responsible for community, equality, partnerships, and performance, added: “I am very pleased that we have appointed Billericay Street Pastors and Jaywick Community Resource Centre to run our first community supermarkets in Essex. Each brings their own knowledge and experience, and they already really understand the needs of their communities.

“However, they are not just about providing low-cost food but will also create a vital community hub where residents can connect with their neighbours and find a warm and welcoming community space with a range of facilities available, supporting the delivery of our Everyone’s Essex strategy.”