We must talk Basildon up not down, was the message from Stuart Geddes last night.
The councillor joined Basildon Council last month and he used his first speech to set out his vision for the district.
The Pitsea South East representative explained that he had been taken in by the reputation of Basildon, but since made the district his home.
He said: "The character bears no resemblance to the reality. Basildon is a great place to be. It is a good place to live and work."
He believes that the actions and words of past councillors have built up the negative view of Basildon and that it is now the council's job to rebuild the area's reputation, despite sniggers from people who do not know the area.
He said: "It is our intention to change the perception of the place. It is a place people will want to come and live. People will speak of us in the same breath as the best of the best."
Published Friday, June 13, 2003
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