I attended the Reede Road Tenants Residents Association meeting this evening.  This association started off with residents in Reede Road, but has extended to include all residents that live in Alibon Ward.  The meeting started off with the police reassuring us that our ward has the lowest crime rate in the borough and the fire in Sterry Road although the cause of the fire is till unknown.  We then had a presentation from DABD a disability organisation in our borough that provides a whole range of services that our residents can take advantage of.  These include advice on entitlements to welfare benefits and advice on this is also provided in the children’s centres in the borough.  They put on Christmas shopping trips to Basildon market and Lakeside shopping centre as well as to popular seaside destinations such as Southend on Sea, Walton on Naze and Clacton on Sea.  They can provide volunteer companions if you do not want to travel alone.  All trips cost £12.50.  They also lend wheelchairs on short term loan, provide maths, english and computing courses and have an independent living shop.  Do visit them on the corner of Parsloes Avenue.