A NEW garden has officially been opened at a popular park.

Essex County Council chairman John Aldridge and Basildon mayor David Harrison were on hand to unveil the new sensory garden in Shotgate Park, off Southend Road. It has been funded by the county council’s Community Initiative Fund and Shotgate Parish Council.

Mr Aldridge said: “It is always a great pleasure for me to see the wonderful things done by communities throughout Essex and the achievements of Shotgate Parish Council in particular provide great amenities for all its residents, young or old.”

Parish councillor Keith Allen added: “This is yet another improvement to the park, and we thank the county council for its help.”