Town council's leader reflects on the past year

Coronavirus was clearly the most important thing for residents and local businesses this year.

Saffron Walden Town Council concentrated on trying to make our roads and pavements Covid-friendly and ensuring that the town centre and the market in particular remain safe and support social distancing.

Our thanks go off to the officers at SWTC. Many of the SWTC councillors and staff also volunteered with local organisations or helped with pharmacy deliveries, supporting those most at risk.

Covid has had a significant impact on the income at SWTC, with the Town Hall and Golden Acre being unavailable for much of the year. SWTC responded by cutting costs, including moving its offices into the Town Hall until things return to normal.

SWTC's refurbishment programme of community assets has continued, although at a slower pace than we would have liked. This has included the renewal of the paths and much other work in Bridge End Gardens.

The council has also managed to plant another 750 trees and hedging shrubs as part of its environmental re-greening programme. Meanwhile the council’s playgrounds continue to win more awards for their upkeep by the Grounds Team.

Finally R4U is delighted that SWTC has invited tenders to renew the playground at Golden Acre, which is hoped to be completed in the late spring / early summer of 2021. Something for nearby residents to look forward to!