COUCH politics will be coming to Billericay and Wickford in the coming weeks as the council tries a new form of engagement with the populace.
Basildon Borough Council is holding a series of Let's Talk events across the borough to discuss its aims and priorities with local people.
There will be events held in Billericay, Wickford and Basildon town centres on successive Saturdays throughout September, starting this weekend.
The events will involve councillors and council officers sitting on a couch in the town centres encouraging people to share their views.
It is also hoped the initiative will help people learn how to get more involved in working with the council for their local area.
Council leader Tony Ball, will be among those on the couch to hear people's views.
"These are difficult times for our country and Basildon is no different," said Cllr Ball.
"The economic downturn and continuing reduction in public expenditure are making it difficult for councils like ours to maintain standards for local people.
"In Basildon, however, we are not simply content to maintain standards, we have an overarching ambition to create greater opportunity for local people.
"That is what I believe is the job of all councils, but in Basildon we intend to deliver on that responsibility.
"Our aim to create opportunity is being underpinned by five core promises, which will now be at the heart of all that we do."
The five council promises are: provide value for money, get the basics right, demand good public services, support and develop the local economy, and transform the borough.
Mr Ball continued: "But the world is changing. The council can no longer do everything for the local area on its own. To be really successful we need to work together.
"And that's why we need to use these events to talk to as many local people as possible, both about what matters most and about how they can get more involved in their local area.
"We are running three of these Lets Talk events between September 8 and 22.
"I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to join us, we really need to know how we can better work together for the benefit of our borough."
The couch, coffee table and councillors will appear in Billericay High Street, next to St Mary Magdalen Church, on Saturday, between 10am and 4pm.
The initiative will be located at Nevendon Park, Wickford, as part of the town carnival on Saturday, September 15, between midday and 5pm.
Finally, it will be in Basildon Town Square on Saturday, September 22, between 10am and 4pm.
