Local Conservatives have called on Basildon Council to light up the famous 'Bas Sign' red, white and blue for Armed Forces Day

The iconic Basildon Sign has recently been lit in blue for NHS workers and green to commemorate the anniversary of the awful Grenfell fire. 

Cllr Jeff Henry, Conservative Spokesman for Housing and Communities, has written to the relevant Committee Chairman, requesting that the Basildon Sign be lit red, white and blue in honour of Armed Forces Day.

"Given that it would not be appropriate to hold our normal services during this time it would be nice way to mark the occasion." ~ Cllr Jeff Henry, Spokesman for Housing & Communities

Councillor Henry wrote, "I am writing to make a request on behalf of several residents that we make some effort to mark the occasion of Armed Forces Day on this coming Saturday. Specifically, that we raise the Armed Forces Flag on the Basildon Centre and that we follow the popular tributes paid recently by illuminating the Basildon sign in red white and blue. Given that it would not be appropriate to hold our normal services during this time it would be nice way to mark the occasion."

"Even in these trying times, we can still show our gratitude and appreciation to those who have made sacrifices to protect our freedom and values." ~ Cllr Andrew Baggott, Leader of Basildon Conservatives

Leader of Basildon Conservatives, Cllr Andrew Baggott, himself an ex-serviceman, said: “We have always been active participants in Armed Forces Day but clearly the usual events will not be possible this year. Our community has long been proud supporters of our Armed Forces personnel who live, work in or visit the borough, and this small mark of honour would be a powerful demonstration that, even in these trying times, we can still show our gratitude and appreciation to those who have made sacrifices to protect our freedom and values."

Paul Findlay, Conservative Spokesman in Nethermayne and also a veteran, said: "Armed Forces Day is a wonderful opportunity for the public to take a moment to give thanks to all who have served and continue to serve our Armed Forces. I am proud to have served and know that there are a number of veterans and serving personnel who are Basildon residents and Armed Forces Day is a way we can all thank them together."

Basildon Conservatives look forward to a positive response from the Administration.