Latest news with #BasildonCouncil
The Independent
2 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Woman arrested after police find bodies of 37 dogs at Essex home
A 25-year-old London woman has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after the discovery of 37 dead dogs. Essex Police confirmed the woman was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon as part of an ongoing investigation. Authorities also found the remains of four additional animals at the scene. Officers, together with staff from the RSPCA and Basildon Council, discovered the 37 dead dogs during a joint visit to a property in Crays Hill, Billericay, last month. A 25-year-old man, Ovaeed Rahman, of Hope Road in Crays Hill, Billericay, was last month charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Rahman is also charged with an offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and three counts of fraud by false representation. He appeared before Southend Magistrates' Court last month and was remanded in custody until a plea hearing at Basildon Crown Court on June 9. A second man, who was arrested on suspicion of fraud relating to transfer of ownership of dogs and animal cruelty offences, has been conditionally bailed until July. Police said that 21 live animals were recovered. The force said that following information provided by a member of the public, officers from Essex Police and the RSPCA carried out further investigations at the Crays Hill location on Wednesday. The original scene had been stood down on May 14. Police said the remains of four further animals were identified when buildings were dismantled by the landowner, with liaison with Essex Police. An Essex Police spokesperson said: 'We are now working to respectfully remove these remains from the scene and the Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team will work to establish if they are linked to our investigation.' Inspector Steve Parry, of Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: 'We understand the concerns of the local community. 'We would ask people not to speculate and allow us to carry out our complex and thorough investigations.'
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Woman, 25, arrested in probe after 37 dead dogs found at animal rescue centre - a police confirm more remains have been found
A 25-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty as part of an investigation into the discovery of 37 dead dogs at an animal rescue centre in Essex after more remains were found. Essex Police confirmed the woman, from London, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and remains in custody. The arrest comes after officers, alongside the RSPCA and Basildon Council, uncovered 37 dead dogs during a joint visit to a property in Crays Hill, Billericay, last month. Police have now confirmed the remains of four additional animals have also been found at the same site. The original scene was stood down on May 14, but further investigations were carried out this week after a member of the public came forward with new information. The fresh remains were found when buildings on the site were dismantled by the landowner in coordination with officers. Police said they are working to 'respectfully remove' the latest remains and determine whether they are linked to the ongoing investigation. So far, 21 live animals have been recovered from the property. Ovaeed Rahman, 25, of Crays Hill, was previously charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and three counts of fraud by false representation. He appeared before Southend Magistrates' Court last month and was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing at Basildon Crown Court on June 9. A second man, arrested on suspicion of fraud relating to dog ownership and animal cruelty, remains on conditional bail until July. Inspector Steve Parry, of the Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: 'We understand the concerns of the local community. 'We would ask people not to speculate and allow us to carry out our complex and thorough investigations.' Anyone with information is urged to contact police via: As previously reported by MailOnline, the operation followed reports to Action Fraud and unsubstantiated concerns raised online about Save A Paw in Crays Hill, Essex, which is owned by Rahman. Save A Paw takes in dogs from people who can no longer look after them or mistreated pets and offers to find them new owners in loving homes. Dog rescues do not have to be registered like a kennel with the local council and take donations rather than charge fees. An online biography states Rahman has 'operated his one-man rescue since late 2024 and he claims to have rehabilitated and rehomed dozens of reactive large-breed dogs'. In a recent Facebook post Rahman confronted negative claims, writing: 'I've personally taken down few dog fighters and saved their dogs with staples and all sorts of dodgy repairs to their bodies. 'I taken in the worst of worst kind of dogs reactive with bite history then rehabilitate them.' Supporters posted comments including: 'Ignore the haters - those of us who know you and who have actually visited your rescue know it's lies.' The rescue home's website states: 'At Save a Paw UK, we're dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need, giving them a second chance at life.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Registration opens for Basildon's first ever half marathon
RUNNERS in Basildon are set to hit the streets as the town holds its first half-marathon later this year. The Basildon Half Marathon will be organised by RunThroughUK and will see amateurs and athletes from across the borough test their metal on Sunday September 14. Registration is now open for the event, which promises to be a 'supportive and rewarding' challenge for runners of all abilities. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. 'This is an exciting time for our borough - the first ever Basildon Half Marathon,' said Jack Ferguson, Labour councillor for culture, sport, children and young people. 'RunThroughUK have hosted events all over the UK, and now they're coming to Basildon to get runners of all abilities involved. 'I can't wait to see everyone at the start line on September 14 - it's going to be an incredible day.' RunThroughUK organises and hosts running challenges across the country, but this year's will be the first half marathon to take place in Basildon. Excitement - Council leader, Gavin Callaghan, has welcomed Basildon's first ever half marathon (Image: Basildon Council) A spokesperson for RunThroughUK said: 'Whether you're chasing a new PB or completing your first ever half marathon, everyone is invited to be part of this fun, supportive race day. 'The course offers a mixture of urban and countryside roads with gentle undulations, making it both a rewarding challenge and a great day out. 'With a Junior Race included, it's a family-friendly event perfect for getting young runners involved too.' In addition to a child-friendly race, the half marathon is also set to feature a 'vibrant event village' complete with food, drinks and music. Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, is keen to make the upcoming half marathon a community-wide event. 'If you want to raise money for charity, if you want to walk it, if you want to get involved in anyway, then please do,' he said. 'It's going to be a great event, if you're not going to run, make sure you've got the date in your diary so you can come out and cheer from the side-lines.' Basildon Half Marathon will take place on Sunday September 14 and you can sign up at
Yahoo
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Rental e-scooters are removed from Basildon's streets after years of complaints
CONTROVERSIAL e-scooters have been removed from the streets of Basildonafter years of complaints. E-scooters provided by firm Dott had been available to rent via an app since 2020 as part of the council's efforts to improve sustainable public transport. While their removal has largely been welcomed by Basildon residents, some have criticised the ending of the trial as 'a knee jerk decision'. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Decision - Basildon Council voted to end the trial at a meeting earlier this year (Image: Google Maps) Following a vote to end the trial earlier this year, a spokesperson for Basildon Council has now confirmed that Dott staff visited the town over the weekend to remove the vehicles. The scheme has attracted criticism since being launched, with many residents and councillors claiming the scooters were often ridden and parked inappropriately. 'The e-scooter trial could have been a fantastic initiative rolled out to support people to be able to reduce their reliance on cars for shorter journeys and to get out more,' said Basildon resident and The Childcare Guide founder, Larissa Hazell. 'However, due to users' use of them, it has failed. Hazards - The scooters were regularly left dumped around Basildon (Image: Newsquest) 'In the years since the trial was launched, I have only seen a few scooters considerately parked – most of the time they have been dumped on the pavement, causing an obstruction and danger to those using wheelchairs, buggies and those with visual impairment. 'Many users have been riding them dangerously as well, leaving drivers and pedestrians unsure of where the e-scooter rider is going.' Ms Hazell added that while she understand why some riders may be disappointed by the e-scooters' removal, she believes 'they only have themselves to blame'. When Basildon Council announced its decision not to continue the rental scheme, the risks posed to both pedestrians and riders were cited as an important factor. The discarding of the scooters on pavements and footpaths also raised concerns, particularly for those with disabilities or additional needs. Resident Guy Heather said:'I think it's a shame that the council have made such a short-sighted, knee jerk decision to cancel the e-scooter scheme.' 'They should have worked with the scooter operator to improve things rather than lazily chucking the whole thing in the bin. The council would do well to embrace modern, green initiatives like this.' A spokesperson for Dott said: "As the trial in Basildon has now officially ended, our team has removed the vehicles from the area. "We remain committed to collaborating with local authorities to promote safe and sustainable transport solutions in the future."
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Public consultation launched for 1,100 new homes on south Essex green belt
A PUBLIC consultation has been launched over plans to build 1,100 new homes on green belt land in Dunton. Developer Bloor Homes is in the early stages of the planning process for the major new residential community, which would also feature a primary school, shops and other community facilities. Residents are now being given the chance to offer their views on the Dunton Road proposals as part of a four-week consultation, with two public drop-ins also set to take place. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Vision - The area would be transformed if the proposals are approved by Basildon Council (Image: Bloor Homes) A spokesperson for Bloor Homes said: 'We want to work closely with the local community to deliver a neighbourhood that reflects their needs and aspirations. 'This is a chance for residents to shape the future of Dunton Road, and we're keen to meet as many residents, and hear as many views as possible.' Incorporating 1,100 homes alongside a new primary school, café and shops, the development would significantly alter the area's existing rural character and follows the approval of plans for up to 3,700 new homes at the nearby Dunton Hills Garden Village development. Green - The proposed sites on land north and south of Dunton Road are currently undeveloped (Image: Google Maps) According to Bloor Homes, the site will also prioritise green infrastructure, with space set aside for allotments, children's play areas, playing fields and footpaths along the River Crouch. 'The development goes beyond bricks and mortar,' said the firm's spokesperson. 'Bloor Homes is committed to creating a vibrant, well-connected neighbourhood, with proposals for a new local centre featuring a café, local shops, and flexible community spaces. 'Local highway improvement works will also be a feature of the development. The plans also include land for a new primary school to support families moving into the area.' The two public drop-ins will take place on Friday June 6 from 2.30pm to 7.30pm and on Saturday June 7 from 9.30am to 12.00pm. They will be held at Noak Bridge Village Hall on Coppice Lane and will provide residents with the opportunity to meet the team behind the project and make their views heard. For those unable to attend the drop-ins, feedback can also be submitted via the developers online form at
