The failure of the leader of Basildon District Council to protect the ''vitality and vibrancy" of Billericay and Wickford town centres has been angrily attacked by two councillors.

Cllr Malcolm Buckley, who represents Wickford South and Cllr Peter Patrick of Billericay East spoke out against Cllr John Potter following last week's policy executive meeting.

There they had failed in their attempt to persuade him to give a clear undertaking that the Labour administration would support future area committees if they opposed planning applications.

They said action needed to be taken to stop both Billericay and Wickford becoming heartless "restaurant centres'' dominated by fast food takeaways.

Cllr Buckley said: "We have reached the point where there are simply too many restaurants and takeaways coming in to our high streets and it is beginning to be a deterrent to any other businesses which might be looking to come into the area."

Cllr Potter replied saying: "The problem is not unique to Billericay and Wickford. It is something seen across the whole country.

"The council is limited in what it can do under planning law and we cannot create businesses to come into Billericay, Wickford or anywhere else."

Cllr Buckley argued: "There seems to be little evidence of investment in the town centres and little indication planning decisions will be allowed to protect these areas. Losing retail outlets rips out the heart of a town centre."

But Cllr Potter hit back saying: "These councillors would have us go right to the wire on appeals, but if we did that the bill would have to be picked up by the whole district.

"We have to get the balance right on whether we go to appeal or not and if certain areas feel aggrieved about this unfortunately that is life."

The current district plan is under review, but local councillors feel the problems within the High Streets brings the whole process into question.

Cllr Patrick said: "The council is looking at developing a new district plan and we will play a full part in that process.

"We have a district plan at the moment, however, which includes a provision to protect the vitality and vibrancy of our town centres, but we are receiving no encouragement to enforce it."

Cllr Patrick also argued the council should invest more in the two town centres, including investing money gained from selling land in Billericay or Wickford into projects such as completing the repaving of Billericay High Street.

Cllr Potter again rejected the suggestion: "To say that is the biggest priority in the district is utter nonsense."

Both Cllrs Buckley and Patrick were expected to raise the issue again at a full council meeting tonight.

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