BASILDON Council has defended itself after plans for the giant £25m cinema project faltered.

The council appointed Simons Construction to lead the project but the firm has gone into administration before building work even started just months after contracts were signed.

Demolition work has halted while the council works to revive and restart the scheme with a different firm.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: “The procurement exercise was conducted in compliance with the EU requirements set out in the Public Contracts regulations 2015 and the organisations Contract Procedure Rules. The process was carried out via Basildon Council’s fully compliant e-tendering solution Delta.

“A full tender process via the restricted procedure was carried out due to the estimated value of the contract.”

Leader Gavin Callaghan also claimed a replacement contractor would be appointed to minimise any delays and Basildon Council is working diligently to make sure this happens.

The huge development was set to house the ten-screen Empire Cinema - including the biggest screen in the UK outside of Leicester Square, as well as six new restaurants.

Critics have claimed the council has questions to answer given the problems.

Resident Jerry Shear, 59, said: “What happens to due diligence and checking a firm out before you hand them cash? Surely any respectable company, business, council, whoever, checks on contractors before they’re handed huge contacts, worth multi millions.

“It doesn’t add up. something like this should never have come as a shock to the council, firms don’t just go bust in the blink of an eye.

“Work on the site started, demolition has happened, what now? We all just sit and look at this in the town centre.

“You hope a new construction firm is given the job and gets on with the work, You do worry.”

James Chilvers added: “The council should have found out about this company before they gave them the opportunity to start work on the project. This will become an eyesore.”

Simons Group was established in 1944, and its administration puts 125 jobs at risk.

Squibb Demolition has been stood down midway through its work. The site has now been secured and made safe while alternative plans are considered.