In the midst of the freezing cold weather we’re experiencing, did anyone notice a bit of a thaw in Basildon town centre as a result of the emission of a considerable amount of hot air? We’re asking because the leader of the Labour Party, Kier Starmer, was in town today (Monday 8.2) to meet up with the leader of Basildon Council, Cllr. Gavin Callaghan (Lab): Labour leader Keir Starmer pays a visit to Basildon. https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/19073517.labour-leader-keir-starmer-pays-visit-basildon/
Judging from the report in the Echo, it would appear that one of the main topics under discussion was the ‘regeneration’ of Basildon town centre. A project which has been very enthusiastically promoted by Callaghan to the point of obsession. The problem about obsession is that it blinds you to what other people may think about your pet project. We’d like to remind Callaghan that a lot of people do NOT share his obsession with sticking up high rise towers across the town centre. To aid that, here’s a selection of posts we’ve published on his ‘vision’:
GAVIN IS FEELING ARTY.. OR IS THAT CRAFTY?
Here’s some advice for Cllr. Gavin Callaghan (Lab) – the leader of Basildon Council
More thoughts on the ‘masterplan’ for Basildon town centre
We’ve said this before – Basildon town centre does need a rethink. The point we’ve always made is that should be done in partnership with the residents of the town and those who work in and visit the town centre. It should NOT be a developer led process. If Callaghan doesn’t learn that lesson pronto, when he’s next up for re-election, he may well get his arse kicked!
Callaghan already has a few ‘local difficulties’ across Basildon. Here’s one in Laindon: An uncertain future for a valued community asset. Member ship of the Facebook group fighting to save the Laindon Community Centre is now well into four figure territory and growing. People do NOT like hubris and bullshit from their leaders…
thurrockbasildonheckler.org 