A RELIGIOUS leader claims ethnic miniority groups were excluded from celebratory events to mark 60 years since the creation of the Basildon.

Brother Sarfraz Sarwar, leader of Basildon Muslim Association, has criticised Basildon Council by claiming the town’s ethnic groups have been isolated from celebrations to commemorate the landmark.

He says muslim and black community groups were not invited to a special civic ceremony to launch the start of the celebrations of Basildon New Town, held in St Martin’s Square on Sunday.

He also says they have not been contacted even once by the council to be included in any of the other special events set to take place throughout the year across the district.

Brother Sarwar said: “I am fuming at this.

“We are just as much part of the community and we would like to be a part of these celebrations.

“We have lots of interesting history to share and I am very angry nobody from the council – including the council’s own ethnic minorities officer who earns £31,000 a year – has bothered to pick up the phone and get in touch with us.”

Brother Sarwar is so incensed he and other minority residents have organised their own event to mark the birthday.

They will put on a display of old photographs and memorabilia at Vange Community Centre in Hill Drive on March 27, charting how ethnic groups have been integrated into the district .

He said: “The exhibition will show West Indian and black communities moved here 60 years ago and this will be our way of showing people the role we have played in the community.”

Responding to Mr Sarwar’s comments, Paul Illet, head of communications at Basildon Council, said: “We held an event on Sunday in St Martin’s Square to start a year of celebrations across the district for Basildon's 60th birthday.

“This was a public event and the entire community was invited to attend.

“To show the important place Basildon has in the hearts of all Essex people, we invited mayors and council chairmen to represent other parts of the county.

“We are working on a series of events for the rest of the year and hope all parts of the community will want to be involved.”