We have the very high cost of Basildon’s Sporting Village, estimated at £38million, and the cost of evicting travellers from Dale Farm, at £8million plus, which could possibly have been prevented a few years ago with correct guidance.

Then there are the large sums paid to Jack Barker for “revamping” Basildon Golf Course, plus the legal costs of the golf course battle.

We have seen £9,000 paid unnecessarily to a water company for a bill which should have been paid by others.

All this is coupled with the selling of leisure centres and playing fields around the district, again to fund the dreams of our elected councillors, at enormous loss to local residents and youngsters. This is completely at odds with the aims of the developers of Basildon new town, which were to encourage local community spirit and outdoor activities.

To top it all, another development in Gloucester Park has been approved with no social housing, so not many benefits to the residents of the borough. Is this the beginning of goodbye Gloucester Park?

This all makes me wonder if Basildon Borough Council should face a charge of maladministration.

Ron Francis
Crouch Street
Basildon