Nominations have been coming in for the Basildon Council elections - now less than a month away!

They include Labour's candidate in Laindon, Tony Bennett.

He is 31 years old and married with one son. He was born in Tottenham, London, and moved to Basildon at the age of two.

He grew up in Basildon, attended Barstable School and then attended the Universities of Wales and Cambridge. He returned to teach in a local secondary school.

His record of voluntary service to the public included a three-and-a-half year spell as a special constable in Essex Police, including a period at Laindon police station.

He is particularly keep to stop youngsters causing vandalism.

He said: "The problem of vandals targeting pensioners in Cromer Avenue must be tackled urgently, but it cannot be left entirely to the police.

"We must work together as a community to stamp out this anti-social behaviour, if left unchecked where will it end?

However we must be careful not to brand all teenagers as mindless thugs and look at different ways in which their energy can be directed towards activities that are more constructive than at present."

Protesting pensioner Sid Chaney is also standing in May's council elections.

The former National Front candidate and activist is to fight Laindon ward as an independent in the district's elections on May 6.

Mr Chaney, 77, of Noak Bridge, Laindon, is calling for free TV for pensioners and an end to expensive and unsightly building projects in the town.

He is best known for his epic campaign against Barclays bank, climaxing with a paint attack on the bank's chairman. His ten-year battle for £400,000 in compensation claims was waged on behalf of his nephew.

After standing for election as a National Front candidate in Islington, Mr Chaney moved to Essex.

He stood in the 1996 council elections as a Pensioner's Candidate True Brit for Laindon ward, coming last with just over 200 votes.

Mr Chaney said: "I intend to fight a strong campaign. I feel an independent voice is sorely needed in the council chamber. I am funded by donations and have a good strong team."

Mr Chaney takes an anti-Euro stance.

Candidates should send their nomination information to Sandra Hembery at Evening Echo, Chester Hall Lane, Basildon, SS14 3BL

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