Plans for millennium festivities in Billericay could be under threat - unless cash can be found from willing sponsors.

The town council has circulated a document to possible backers which details ten ideas for projects or events during the year.

The authority itself has put £4,000 aside to fund the big night but has already committed nearly £3,900 of that sum.

That has gone to pay for a damage deposit to Basildon District Council for the use of Sun Corner - the junction of the High Street and London Road - where a choir will sing favourite songs of the century. It will also pay for fireworks.

The town council was to consider boosting the budget at a meeting last night.

There are still plans afoot for a major project for the town but the authority is keeping it under wraps until details are finalised.

First, the members must combat a general lethargy in the town about the millennium.

A spokesman said: "We hope that will disappear as the event approaches."

Ideas looking for funding include resurrecting the old town pageant and holding a strongest man competition.

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