A shake up of Basildon Council will give residents more of a say in the way decisions are made.

People will get a chance to comment on everything from traffic matters to how entertainment licences are awarded.

The council's plan to eradicate area committees and move planning decisions to a central body have been criticised by Labour councillors.

But a Basildon council spokesman said: "In a drive for greater speed and efficiency - and to ensure residents have an opportunity to have their say - Basildon District Council is considering whether planning applications should be dealt with by a single committee.

"The new committee would include councillors from across the council with expertise on planning issues representing all parts of the district."

To have your say, write to Freepost ANG11276, Basildon District Council, St Martins Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL. E-mail chris.norrington @basildon.gov.uk by June 30.

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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