IT HAS become a household name used by thousands of people from right across the county.

But one man claims he was the first to coin the phrase “Bas Vegas” to describe the Festival Leisure Park, in Basildon.

John Cord, of Mistley Side, Basildon, claims he was the first to come up with the tag after using it in a sarcastic story on his website, Basildon Eye, in 2001.

After 12 years of anonymity he decided it was now safe to reveal his identity.

Mr Cord, 67, who describes the website as a local versionof the satirical magazine Private Eye, said: “I just wrote it as a story, then gradually, over the years, people around Basildon used it.

“The Echo has used it, it has been on Gateway FM and the council has even used it.

“It’s wonderful. I’ve made no money from it, but now I would like some recognition.”

John makes up funny stories about Basildonand the sitehas several characters.

The website started with about 200 visitors a month but now it attracts more than 1,500.

John, who has lived in Basildon for 15 years, added: “The website is serious about stupidity.

“My proof might only be circumstantial, but no one else has got any circumstantial evidence.

“I think the youngsters like the phrase because it is cool.

Bas Vegas gives some prominence to the town.”

To read the stories visit basildoneye.com