A £10 million bid to revamp a run-down Basildon estate has been mounted by council chiefs.

An all-weather sports pitch, community resource centre and a youth drama group could come to the Five Links estate if Basildon Council is given Government cash.

The Laindon estate has already pocketed £20 million which has been used to pull down and replace crumbling homes.

Council chiefs have applied for an extra £2.2 million, with matched funding of £7.6 million to finish the scheme and improve housing on the Laindon estate.

But controversially, tumble-down homes will not be replaced if the project gets the green light.

Council chiefs have been told the cash must be used for community projects.

A new road will be built around the estate's central green, safer parking areas provided and funding given for community groups on the estate, if the scheme is given Government backing.

Other projects could include setting up a lone parents' scheme, establishing a healthy living centre and a community handy person's team to help with repairs on the estate.

Councillor Paul Kirkman, chairman of the council's housing committee, said: "We will be seeking to gain as much funding as possible and we will continue to seek other sources of funding to enable the good work already being done to improve the quality of life of people living on the estate to continue."

The Government has indicated it only has up to £2 million to give to six new schemes this year.

With Basildon not in the top 50 of most deprived areas in the country, Five Links residents may not necessarily get the cash.

Mr Kirkman said: "We are committed to our aim of regenerating Five Links and will continue to seek funding from every possible avenue to make sure we keep our promise to the residents of the estate."

Flats in Somercotes, Brendons and Handley Green still need either bulldozing or redeveloping.

Ironically, council chiefs have been told they are more likely to win cash for a scheme started to improve housing on the estate if they keep housing out of the bid.

Mr Kirkman said: "We have been told the bid will stand more chance of success if we focus on the community regeneration aspects of the scheme.

"We have to stay within the guidelines of the bid."

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