BATTLING residents stepped up their campaign to block controversial plans to build a new pensioners' day centre on a playing field, by handing a petition signed by nearly 300 residents to Basildon Council.

Proposals to replace the existing George Hurd Centre, in Fauners, with a new £1.8million facility on the green in Audley Way were voted through by the council's development control committee last month despite mounting opposition.

Plans to build 61 flats on the site of the existing George Hurd Centre were also pushed through at the same meeting.

Published Tuesday, November 15, 2005