Town Council chairman Trevor Stansfield has called on Billericay residents to stop complaining and join them in bringing new life to the town.
Speaking at the annual town meeting, Mr Stansfield said the future was bright for Billericay, but residents need to show their support for it to reach its potential.
The chairman said he felt "strongly" about the lack of support the council received from residents and called on them to become involved either by standing as councillors or by showing more interest in its plans and work.
The town council has met with strong opposition from residents over a number of issues, including plans to install a fountain in Lake Meadows.
Mr Stansfield said he was frustrated by people's indifference and lack of interest in the work of the town council.
He said: "We need to think about the services the town council can provide and we would welcome the input from local people and businesses.
"There are 21 of us to moan at. Tell us what you want and we will try to provide it."
Mr Stansfield said that when the town council began operating, in 1997, it suffered from a lack of support and funding from Basildon Council.
The district council has now recognised the town council and its powers have increased, Mr Stansfield said.
To gain even more influence, however, requires the support of local people.
He said: "It is a chicken and egg thing. We can start things off, as we have done in the past, but we need support from the residents."
Published Monday, April 14, 2003
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