News in Basildon

TRIBUTES have been paid today to a charismatic and popular showbiz figure in South Essex who has passed away after contracting Covid-19.

Comedy entertainer Johnny Clark became well known to thousands of people during his years as the MC and host at Canvey Island's Kings Club.

BASILDON'S top councillor has called on residents across the district to seize the opportunity to get tested for Covid-19.

Council leader Gavin Callaghan says that, with or without symptoms, people should get tested to help ease the strain on the NHS - and in particular local hospitals.

A VIRTUAL launch meeting next week will mark the creation of a new organisation that aims to help improve the lives of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities who live, work and visit Basildon.

Basildon Side by Side is a social movement that also aims to bridge gaps that currently exists in local communities.

BASILDON Council has announced that it will not be asking for any increase in the share it takes from local people's council tax.

Despite the financial implications that Covid-19 has had on the authority council leader Cllr Gavin Callaghan says its precept will be frozen for the second consecutive year.

SUPPORT continues to grow in South Essex for a company's plans to create a new tram network connecting regional centres like Basildon, Thurrock and Canvey Island with north Kent via a new tunnel under the Thames.

For the past year our sister site Thurrock Nub News has been following the development of the cross Thames tramway being proposed by Thames Gateway Tramlink to be known as KenEx.

A TEAM of three new Macmillan support workers have taken up positions at Basildon Hospital alongside three busy cancer teams at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, helping cancer patients to access the help and support that they need.

Based at Basildon Hospital, the Macmillan support workers will contact all lung, breast and urology cancer patients within two weeks of receiving their diagnosis to evaluate their medical, practical and emotional needs.

FIREFIGHTERS rescued a woman after a road traffic collision close to the Sadlers Farm Roundabout near Basildon yesterday (Saturday, 16 January) at 9.18pm.

On arrival, crews from Basildon and Grays reported that a car and lorry had collided and a woman was trapped in her car.

A MASS Covid-19 vaccination centre that could offer the jab to hundreds of people a day and will be available to anyone living within a 45-minute drive will be opened in Runwell, Wickford, tomorrow (Monday, 18 January).

The new centre is one of 10 new super hubs announced by the Government this weekend and is the first of its kind in Essex. It comes in addition to the local sites already in operation at the Nevendon Centre in Wickford, Emmanuel Archer Hall in Billericay and Holy Trinity RC Parish Church Hall and George Hurd Centre, Basildon. Vaccinations are also being given at Basildon & Thurrock Hospital.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a life-changing accident caused by a dog whose legs are mounted on a wheeled mobility aid.

It happened on Clay Hill Road, Basildon, near the junction with Swan Mead at 4.30pm on 10 December, 2020.

POLICE are looking to trace witnesses to a robbery in Basildon on Saturday, 9 January.

Three men jumped in front of the 35-year-old man as he rode his bike through the underpass between Long Lynderswood and Westgate Shopping Centre at 8am.