Mystery surrounds work to be started on improving the beleaguered Five Links estate, after the contractor was appointed in autumn 2002, but no contracts have been drawn up.

Lovell - an outside contractor - has been appointed to start work on phase two of the £2.1m project by Basildon District Council and Basildon Community Housing Association.

Lovell completed the first phase of the plans three years ago, and the planning application for this next phase was submitted in 2001.

A Basildon council spokesman said: "Lovell has been appointed as the contractor, but we have still got to draw up a contract so the work can be started."

Lovell is set to demolish 163 houses and flats on the estate and replace them with 244 new homes - 172 for rent and 72 flats and houses for sale on the open market.

Published Thursday, January 23, 2003

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