Long-standing chairman to step down from role on Stansted Mountfitchet Parish Council

Long-standing chairman of Stansted Mountfitchet Parish Council, Geoffrey Sell, has stood down from the role.

Cllr Sell, who had spent eight years in the hot seat, announced his decision at last week’s Stansted annual meeting, stating that “it was time to recharge my batteries”.

The length of service is a post war record, but Cllr Sell, who will remain a member of the council, said: “I never intended to emulate William Fuller Maitland, our first chairman who served for 25 years.”

He added: “It has been enormously interesting and has been a real privilege to serve the community in which I have spent most of my life.

“I have attempted to ensure that the council remained relevant and pro active. We have actively helped residents defeat speculative planning applications at Bentfield Green and Pines Hill. We are also campaigning to keep Barclays in Stansted. The parish council makes a difference to the quality of lives of residents, whether it be planting daffodil bulbs or providing new play equipment. I was pleased to have been one of those who helped set up the Stansted Business Forum, which provides a voice for local business.

“I would like to thank my family for their forbearance, residents, staff and members of the council for their support.”

Cllr Sell will become vice-chairman and has pledged his support to his successor, Maureen Caton.

Cllr Caton has been chairman of the open spaces committee and had been vice-chairman. She also played a big part in the success of Stansted Christmas fayres.

“I am confident the council, under Maureen’s leadership, will continue to be transparent and inclusive,” said Cllr Sell.