THE Pride Team has been hard at work revitalising the communities of Polsteads, Swanstead, and North Crockerford ahead of the colder months. Their recent initiatives have included hedge pruning and trimming, weed removal and spraying, strimming, as well as tree crown lifting and new tree planting.

Since August, the team has been actively improving the Vange Estate, starting in Polsteads and wrapping up in Oldwyk. Their efforts have focused on clearing walkways and paved courtyards, alongside targeted weed control to enhance public spaces.

Throughout September, work continued across Vange Estate, moving from Oldwyk to North Crockerford, maintaining a strong emphasis on clearing public pathways and managing weeds effectively.

Cllr Jack Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport, Children and Young People with responsibility for parks and open spaces, said:

“This programme is about more than just maintenance – it’s about creating spaces people can take pride in. Whether it’s clearing pathways or planting new trees, the Pride Team is delivering real, visible improvements that enhance daily life for our residents.

“Investing in our parks and open spaces is investing in community wellbeing. By tackling overgrowth, litter, and fly-tipping, we’re making our neighbourhoods safer, greener, and more welcoming for everyone.”

To complement these efforts, additional resources have been deployed to increase litter picking and tackle fly-tipping and illegal dumping, helping to keep the area clean and safe.

Infrastructure upgrades are also in progress, including:

• Replacement and removal of bins
• Enhanced community outreach campaigns promoting responsible waste disposal and proper bin use

Looking ahead, the Pride Team is preparing for the next phase, which will feature:

• Winter pruning to reduce, remove, and replace overgrown or dead vegetation
• The 2025/26 weed control programme, involving targeted applications of weed killer on hard-standing surfaces

Cllr Kerry Smith, Cabinet Member for Law, Order & Enforcement and Chair of the Westley Heights Area Committee, commented:

“Basildon Council is incredibly proud of the outstanding work our Pride Team has delivered to transform and maintain these neighbourhoods for our residents. This progress has only been possible thanks to funding from our Area Committee, stepping in where Essex County Council has not.

“Our communities deserve proper investment in their environment, and we will continue to champion this cause while doing everything we can locally to keep our neighbourhoods green, clean, and welcoming.”