A couple of chaps somewhere in Essex (8)
I believe the answer is:
basildon
'essex' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for basildon that I've seen before include "S East town" , "Essex new town" .)