A ROW has broken out over Basildon’s new £8million Youth Zone - as an “ideal” location is finally revealed.

The Youth Zone is set to host an array of activities seven days a week ranging from DJ-ing to climbing, basketball coaching through to support into employment.

It has now been announced it could be built on the current car park behind Cherrydown Vets and along Ashdon Way if plans are given the green light.

Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, says the new location - which sits opposite Trafford House - is ideal because it’s so close to the train station, bus station, new college and the town.

But Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Conservatives, believes the location is “irrelevant” and is against the plan for a Youth Zone altogether.

He said: “Having spoken to a number of youth workers who said that the opportunities which are out there for kids just aren’t signposted enough, I think it would be better to do this than the youth zone. There are already a lot of facilities which are underused because people aren’t aware of them.”

The announcement comes after a meeting on Wednesday night between the borough’s policy and resources committee, who negotiated with Basildon Town Centre Management to acquire land for the project.

Mr Callaghan, Labour, added: “We’ve now found the ideal location and have released the funding to begin the planning application.

“Crucially, it will be in the town centre, close to all the transport links and the college meaning all eight to 19 year olds in the borough will have access.

“We want the young people to choose the name for this, its brand and colour scheme, what activities they want - this is about them.”

A consultation will start in November for youngsters to voice their opinions.