Over 30 shops close in Basildon Town Centre

Over 30 shops have shut down in Basildon over the past couple of years.  Shop owners blame the high business rates and rents, causing the mass exodus of shops.  Many top name shops have closed, including Jessops, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Peacocks and many more.  There has been an increase in discount shops leading to criticism that there is a lack of variety in the area.

Malcolm Buckley, Basildon Councillor for regeneration is hoping businesses hold on while the Council makes changes to the town.  He said the Council have big plans for Basildon with the market moving to St. Martins Square and establishing a leisure quarter in the Town Centre.  Negotiations are ongoing to try and cut car parking charges.