BASILDON MP Stepehen Metcalfe visited a part of the town where a commercial parade has been reenergised by a number of new shops.

Mr Metcalfe recently visited Felmores Shopping Parade, where he was invited to have coffee at 'Mother's Kitchen'.

The café is much more than just a place to eat and drink. It has fast become a hub for community action.

Owners, Maz and Oz, are involved with so many community action projects and have sparked life into the area. Mr Metcalfe praised the enterprise and thanked them for all the work that they do.

He also visited the new Tesco Express store which had just opened its doors. Along with the new Morrisons store, the updated Felmores Shopping Parade has breathed new life into the local area.

Mr Metcalfe learned that all staff at the new ventures are local residents – adding further value to the community.

On Saturday (9 December) the South Basildon and East Thurrock MP was back on the Parade for the Felmores Christmas Fair which was very well supported and attended by local residents and organisations alike.

He thanked all those involved in re-establishing such a wonderful community event. Mayor Cllr Luke MacKenzie was also in attendance with Pitsea Conservative councillors Stuart Terson and Sam Gascoyne.

Mr Metcalfe said: "It is great to see retailers returning to Felmores Shopping Parade. I know that Basildon Council has been working hard to improve the area with the Safe and Sound Estates Programme.

The new Tesco, new Morrisons and the fantastic local business, Mother's Kitchen, are transforming the Parade and making life better for Felmores residents.

"A huge thank you also goes out to Mother's Kitchen for hosting the Felmores Christmas Fair on Saturday. It was a fantastic day out."