CAMPAIGNERS fighting to limit the number of new homes built in Wickford have called a public meeting.

Wickford Action Group, fighting against Basildon Council's masterplan which promises up to 700 flats and houses for the town centre, will be holding a public question and answer session.

The group will field questions about its campaign and introduce its candidate for the Wickford North ward - David Harrison - who is standing in next month's local elections.

Mr Harrison, a former Basildon councillor, said: "We have not been frightened of holding public meetings in Wickford over the last two years, so I thought it was only right to give people the chance to hear my views, and those of the Wickford Action Group - and question us.

"Candidates should not just be a faceless name on a ballot paper. The support that we have been getting in Wickford and during this election campaign gives me great hope of Wickford having an independent voice on the council."

Mr Harrison was pipped into second place by the Conservatives last year, and the group believes it may wrestle the seat from the party next month.

Mr Harrison and his family have lived in Wickford since 1970.

He is vice-chairman of the action group and a Shotgate parish councillor.

The action group says it is independent of party politics.

Mr Harrison said: "The time has come to ignore party politics and have a truly independent voice for Wickford. If elected I will always vote for and support what is best for the people of Wickford and not be tied to any party machine."

Council leader Malcolm Buckley said he did not believe Mr Harrison was a true independent because of his connection to the action group.

He said: "They did well last year because the Lib Dems did not stand a candidate, so they took many of their votes. This time the Lib Dems are standing, so we don't expect Mr Harrison to do as well."

The public meeting takes place on Tuesday, April 22 from 7.45pm at Shotgate Baptist Church Hall, in Bruce Grove, Wickford.