Ralph Dartford's "A Town Called Basildon"

Now here's a strange thing. How come this piece hasn't been picked up by the local paper? Apart from "Oxford Blue Shirt" this is one of my favourite Dartford pieces. He compares Basildon to all the new towns that were springing up at the time, and I can definitely see the similarities between Basildon and Harlow. (What's that scuplture just outside the council offices Ralph? At the end of the high street. I remember being impressed but can't recall what it is. I think the guy chipped away at it for months in full view of the general public).

Ralph mentions four things Basildon is famous for (and I love the use of the word "allegedly" when discussing Terry Marsh - although I suppose none of us want to get sued, do we?). However, Ralph neglets to mention the shooting of three Basildon gangters who dealt most of the drugs in the town and handled security at Raquel's.

An excellent piece, though, and well worth a read. It should definitely be printed in the local paper.