- Basildon Hive
- Posts
- Cheaper bus fares are live in Basildon | Planned roadworks | Where to make friends in Basildon
Cheaper bus fares are live in Basildon | Planned roadworks | Where to make friends in Basildon
Ada Powers
December 08, 2025
In partnership with
Good evening, Basildon
I hope your week has brought you moments of peace, joy and steady progress. As the festive season wraps tighter around us, I’ve curated another round of local jobs, opportunities, events and helpful updates to keep you informed and supported.
But before we get into everything lined up for the week, pause and enjoy this lovely autumn photo of Langdon Hills discovery park
P.S: If you have any recommendations for this newsletter, please email them to [email protected]. Every single email is read by a real person :-)
Weather in Basildon this week
According to the Met Office weather forecast, the week will be a mix of sunshine and clouds with temperatures ranging between 11° C to 15°C.The days will feel mostly mild, so keep a light jacket handy especially for the cooler evenings.
Finally, longevity science that's digestible.
Join 74,000 readers who wake up with Livelong, the fastest growing Longevity newsletter that empowers you with information to feel better, and live longer. Get actionable information based on the latest health studies from leading research institutions, medical professionals, and longevity scientists. Join the medical professionals, early adopters, and health enthusiasts who already read Livelong.
What's New?
Cheaper Bus Fares? Yes Please!
First Bus is trialling reduced fares across Basildon on routes B1–B5 plus Basildon sections of the 9, 22, 25, 28, 100, 200, 201 & 300.
Here’s what’s changing:
🚍 One-stage fare: £2.80 ➜ £2
🚍 Fares covering two+ stages: £2.80 ➜ £2.50
🚍 Basildon → Laindon Town Centre: £3 ➜ £2.50
A little win for your wallet while the trial runs!
Roadworks on Laindon High Road (Heads up!)
Important upgrades are coming to Laindon High Road, affecting the junctions at:
New Century Rd, Worthing Rd, Manor Rd & Danacre. Expect disruptions for two weeks from late November.
Road closure times:
1–6 Dec: Overnight works 9pm – 5:30am
Sun 7 Dec: 6pm – 5:30am (Mon)
8–12 Dec: Overnight works 9pm – 5:30am
What this means for you:
Temporary traffic controls & diversions
Access to homes maintained (with short restrictions possible)
Some noise expected
Allow extra journey time
All works aim to improve road conditions & upgrade infrastructure.
A New Aldi Is Officially Coming to Basildon!
Basildon Council has approved plans for a brand-new Aldi at Westgate as part of the area’s huge regeneration project.
Here’s what’s planned:
Aldi taking over two former units
New delivery area
Updated shopfronts, windows & doors
Car park changes & extended pedestrian zones
A new trolley shelter (no more runaway trolleys!)
Residents have reacted positively, and Aldi is just the start…. future plans include:
✨ New homes
✨ A hotel with a rooftop bar
✨ A major live entertainment arena
The future of Westgate is looking very, very exciting!
WIN Family Bowling at Hollywood Bowl
Stand a chance to win by commenting with a bowling emoji, closes 11:59pm Thu, 11 Dec. T&Cs Apply by dropping your comments here: https://bit.ly/3FhopP3
Where to make new Friends(Young people)
Winter Holiday Club
Give your child a fun and active holiday experience awith creative activities, games, and healthy meals every day. Spaces fill fast, so book early and meet other local parents while the kids enjoy amazing activities.
Location: Fairhouse Community Primary School Long Riding, Basildon SS14 1QP
Dates: 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 26th December
Time:10am – 2pm
Cost: FREE for children on free school meals benefit
Contact: 07707 861027
Kids Christmas party Basildon
Venue: the jolly friar, Saturday, 20th December, 2025 2pm-4pm
SANTA'S COMING TO BASILDON!
The Big Moji Christmas Party is happening December 23rd and your kids are going to lose their minds with excitement!Two jam-packed sessions of festive chaos:
Morning: 10:30-13:00
Afternoon: 13:30-16:00
Perfect for ages 3-11
Book your slots here
Tuesday
Unlimited FREE Visits to LEAPSPROGS – Children’s Classes |
Wednesday
FREE Kids Chess Trial Classes |
FREE Fun & Teatime at Briscoe |
Thursday
Sports & Activities at James Hornsby (Ages 12–24) |
Leapsprogs for Toddlers (18 months–5 yrs) |
Forest School Fun – FREE Nature Play (Ages 0–11) |
Free Yoga for Children |
Messy Madness at Monkey Madness |
Friday
Youth Club at Basildon Sporting Village (Ages 12–15) |
Multisports + Food for Teens – FREE |
Support for young people
BoxSmart Youth Programme - Thursday |
Express Yourself Drop-In - Friday |
Where to make friends (Adults)
Free funded fitness class -Billericay
Enjoy trampoline workouts, boxing, circuits,etc
Support for Adults
SEND Parents Drop in Support - 9th Dec. |
9.30 - 11:30am, The Hive, Honeypot lane, SS14 2JZ. This is for you especially if your child/teen is struggling with school, anxiety or more? Email [email protected] to book. |
🏃 Active Essex Foundation Training |
Community Wellness Café |
Happy Feet Toenail Clinic |
Need Someone to Talk To? |
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers – Basildon Emergency Night Shelters
Urgently needed this winter, especially mornings! Provide warmth, meals, and support to those facing homelessness from 8 December to end of March.
📱 Text: 07375 622117 | 📧 [email protected]
That's it for this week Basildon!