A MEMORIAL bench and tree will be installed in memory of two children who were killed in a crash, after the council agreed funding for the project.
Basildon Borough Council’s Pitsea area committee agreed to invest £2,849.44 towards the purchase and installation of a memorial bench and tree in memory of the two children. Sixteen-year-old Roman Casselden and nine-year-old Darcie Casselden died following the crash in February. The pair had been riding an electric scooter when they were hit by a car.
The committee agreed on the funding at a meeting on October 23, when the meeting heard that the bench and tree will be at the corner of Plumleys and Little Searles, Pitsea. There will be two plagues, one of each of the children, and it is hoped it will be in place by early February for the first anniversary, the meeting was told.
Councillor Emma Callaghan said: “I just want to express my full support for anything we can do for that poor family that lost those poor young kids. The family have really shown so much dignity and grace, and really held themselves together the best they can, and it’s great to see the community has rallied behind them. I understand the bench will be in a field where the kids used to play with their friends, so it’s got significance to the family, the community and the kids who knew them.”
Councillor Mike Baker also praised the community support for the family of the children. He told the committee: “I am delighted to support this proposal. It was clear from the reaction we saw first-hand at the vigil and funeral and so on, what community support the family has had and what a priority this would be. It’s very heartening to see that.”
The deaths saw an outcry and anger across the community, as well as demands to make the area safer. Deimante Ziobryte, 21, of Merrivale in Benfleet, has been charged with failing to stop at the scene of a crash. She appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on August 28 and is next due to appear at the same court on January 8 2026. She remains on bail in connection with other driving offences.
Categories: Crime Finance
Authorities: Essex County Council
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