RESIDENTS of Wickford will have their say on whether the town should get its own council.

Basildon Council’s policy and strategy oversight committee has approved a local governance review which will see residents consulted over a new Wickford Town Council.

Should the new council be created, it would cover Wickford Castledon, North, and Park wards under Basildon Council, which house 21,354 people.

A campaign group was established in August last year, with members officially handing over their petition with more than 1,700 signatures to leader of Basildon Council Andrew Baggott.

Clare Gregory, one of the group founders, told Thursday’s meeting that they wanted Wickford residents to benefit from “exciting ideas” a town council could bring.

She said: “The group of residents including myself who have submitted the petition being discussed tonight are passionate about Wickford.

“We believe a town council is vital to the future growth and prosperity of the town.

“It’s an opportunity for residents to take an active role in the decisions affecting their daily lives and we hope to see a diverse group of residents from across the town to stand as councillors.

“Across the country town and parish councillors are bringing innovative and exciting ideas to their communities and we feel Wickford deserves to have the same opportunities.”

The local governance review notice will be published on the council’s website, with copies being sent out to authorities in Wickford, and all households under the three wards being individually written to inviting them to share their views.