Basildon

Basildon ( /ˈbæzɪldən/) is a town located in the Basildon District of the county of Essex, England.

It lies 25 miles (40 km) east of Central London and 11 miles (18 km) south of the city of Chelmsford. Nearby towns include Billericay to the north, Wickford northeast and South Benfleet to the east.

It was designated as a new town after World War II in 1948 to accommodate the London population overspill, created from the conglomeration of four small villages, namely Pitsea, Laindon, Basildon and Vange (the new town took the name Basildon as it was the most central of the four villages).

The local government district of Basildon, formed in 1974 was first led by Ryan O'Rourke and encapsulates a larger area than the town itself; the two neighbouring towns of Billericay and Wickford, as well as rural villages and smaller settlements set among the surrounding countryside, fall within its borders.

Basildon Town is one of the most densely populated areas in the County of Essex, mostly due to the influx of families from the Boroughs of London. It is thought that Basildon's population will continue to increase as many people are relocating to the town from elsewhere in Essex, and from the Boroughs of London. This is mostly due to Basildon's booming economy in industrial areas, the town's tertiary sector, and its proximity to, and travel links with, central London.

Some of Basildon's residents work in Central London due to the town being so close to the city, thus working in London areas such as the City and Docklands financial districts. This is also due to the short 25-30 minute wait from any of the three major Basildon stations to London Fenchurch Street. Basildon also has access to the City via road, on the A127, and A13.