TWO Tory MPs have broken party ranks to question the wisdom of selling off Basildon’s playing fields to fund the £38million sporting village.
South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe thinks Conservative-controlled Basildon Council should look into other ways of raising cash to pay for the centre and Olympic-sized swimming pool, in Gloucester Park, Basildon.
Mr Metcalfe said: “I have told the council I am talking to various parties and looking into different options.”
Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron also feels the council should look into borrowing cash for the Sporting Village, instead of selling playing fields off Pound Lane, Laindon, Kent View Road, Vange, and Felmores, Pitsea.
Mr Baron has also been in talks with Tory council leaders about alternative ways of raising the money.
Meanwhile, Basildon Council leader Tony Ball made it clear residents will not be able to speak at tomorrow evening's special full council meeting at the Towngate Theatre to debate the playing fields sell-off.
- FULL REPORT IN THE BASILDON EDITION OF TODAY'S ECHO
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