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

Detailed questions in the survey run by the council cover a number of areas, including future social and cultural offerings; and what types of housing residents would want and the answers will be used to help the development of a new regeneration strategy for Wickford's town centre.

Basildon Council leader Cllr Andrew Baggott, says: "We have launched this comprehensive early engagement consultation so the people of Wickford 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.

"Your views are crucial in helping us shape the Wickford town centre of the future."

Chairman of the Regeneration and Economic Development Committee, Cllr Anthony Hedley, added: "We recognise that changes need to happen in our town centres, 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 Wickford town centre."

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.