News in Basildon

DONATIONS from customers at the Basildon store of discount retailer QD are helping support The Salvation Army food bank in the town this Christmas.

QD in Basildon introduced a food collection point in its store in Great Oaks earlier this year to collect donations of tinned goods and packaged food for The Salvation Army. With shoppers really taking the scheme into their hearts, QD has just handed over the latest collection, which will go towards the church and charity's food bank this Christmas.

POLICE are looking for a Basildon man, Ivor Menton, who officers want to speak to in connection with a recall to prison.

The 39 year-old is described as 5ft 6ins tall, slim, with short black hair. He has a scar on his eyebrow, one on his knuckle, one on his hip and one running from his hip down his leg.

THE Gloucester Park Community Group were out and about in the Basildon park yesterday (Saturday, 20 November) during their latest litter pick.

A statement by the group says: "Great work yesterday by everyone in planting all the plants supplied by Basildon council, bringing the beds on to the next stage, just shows you how the local community works together to make their local park an amazing place."

A FARM at Wickford played a key role in a modern slavery rinmg which has been cracked wide open by Essex Police and five men have been sentenced.

Following a two-year investigation into modern slavery and drug supply across the county, five men responsible have been sentenced. Four of the five have been jailed.

DESPITE recent upbeat news about the maternity unit at Basildon Hospital, the trust that runs it and hospitals in Southend and Chelmsford says the region continues to suffer from a shortage of midwives.

Last month Nub News reported on the caring work carried out by nurses in the maternity unit at Basildon which had been recognised with an award.

COUNCILLORS at Basildon Council have rejected calls to pay its staff the living wage as a minimum pay level.

The Conservative-run authority's regeneration and economic development committee voted down an opposition motion to sign up to the campaign while debating its 'Good Employer Charter' at a recent meeting.

THE A13 was blocked westbound following a major crash near the Pitsea junction this morning (Friday, 19 November).

The multiple vehicle incident happened at around 10am and created tailbacks into Benfleet, on the A130 and onto the Canvey Island link road.

MORE than a quarter of hospital staff in the wider south Essex region, including Basildon hospital, who take sick leave have mental health and stress-related problems, it has been revealed.

Latest figures for the Mid and South Essex Hospital Trust show 26 per cent of staff on sick leave have mental health related sickness.

MOTORISTS and residents are reminded that once again there will be disruption to traffic through local towns and villages this weekend because ongoing A13 widening project.

The A13 will be closed in both directions between the A1014 (Manorway) and A128 (Orsett Cock) junctions this weekend for road surfacing, lining and lane re-alignment works.

THIEVES have struck a blow against a local hospice by stealing a van and tools used for maintenance of facilities.

The theft happened when the van was parked at the home of an employee of St Luke's Hospice.