BASILDON Council has launched an engagement consultation to get residents' views on what they want for the future of Basildon town centre.

The new Conservative administration has reacted after taking charge of the council and immediately reviewing plans put forward by the previous Labour and independent administration

The £600 million town centre regeneration would have seen the demolition and reconstruction of large areas of the town centre to build mixed-use housing developments, which would include retail and office space alongside housing.

Plans included an £8m 'Youth Zone' which won planning approval but may not now go ahead.

The scheme became a focal point in the pre-election debate and even saw the formation of a new political party known as the Basildon Residents Community Party, led by resident turned local activist Jacob Hogg.

Leader of Basildon Council, Cllr Andrew Baggott, said: "We know how strong residents' views are on the future of Basildon town centre, and that's why we've launched this comprehensive early engagement consultation so the people of Basildon can have their voices heard. We want to ensure that we get the right balance of the things that matter most to our residents, so that in the long term the town centre is a thriving asset that our residents can be proud of.

"This isn't going to be hidden, we want everyone to complete it, and share it, so that as many residents as possible can take part and share their views."

Chairman of the Regeneration and Economic Development Committee, Cllr Anthony Hedley, added: "We recognise that changes need to happen in the town centre, and residents' views are extremely important in this process.

"We want to start a conversation to help us better understand residents' expectations and how they would approach some of the challenges we face in redesigning Basildon town centre. Your views are crucial in helping us shape the Basildon town centre of the future."

The early engagement consultation is available for residents to complete online via this link or via phone by calling the council's customer services team on 01268 533333.

Running for four weeks, it will close on 7 July.