Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) says that it is delighted that under its stewardship Saffron Walden Town Council is now the second best council in Essex.
The ‘Council of the Year’ annually awarded by the Essex Association of Local Councils to the best town or parish council in the county. Saffron Walden Town Council has been awarded second place in the 2017 contest. In making the award, a council’s operation and delivery is considered, including governance procedures, council structure, service delivery, efficiency and effectiveness. Key council programmes were also considered, including operation of the town market, and renovations of Bridge End Gardens.
Richard Freeman (R4U)“When we were elected we inherited a near £1m hole in the town’s finances, there was high staff turnover, public assets were crumbling, and important things weren’t getting done. Since then we’ve worked hard to fix the finances and repair landmark assets such as Bridge End Gardens and the Town Hall. We’ve also brought forward important programmes for the town, such as the refurbishment of existing sports fields. We are also progressing our proposal for a better foot and buggy path along the bottom of the Common, which will also make the play area accessible in all seasons.”
Essex Association of Local Council Awards 2017: Saffron Walden Town Council – Council of the Year, Runner Up. Cllr Dr. Richard Freeman, Mayor of Saffron Walden (L) & Mrs Lisa Courtney, Town Clerk (R), receiving the award.
Mayor Cllr Richard Freeman continued “Transparency and democracy at the town council has also been improved; council meetings are now recorded and the mayor is elected rather than appointed. And most importantly we appointed an outstanding new clerk in Lisa Courtney, who has improved processes, delivery and team morale.”
“This award is testimony to all the hard work, effort and energy from all involved in the delivery of council services and especially the clerk and town council staff. I’d also like to give special thanks also to all the volunteers that support the council, including town councillors of all parties, who do not get paid, and kindly donate their time and energy to the town and its residents.”