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Council-Managed Sites The River Walk Witham’s River Walk was conceived as a way of bringing a touch of the countryside through the middle of the town as it began its expansion in the early 1970’s. It meanders for about 3.3km along the River Brain, and covers an area of 36 hectares, from Ebenezer Close in the north, to the Whetmead Nature Reserve in the south-east. The River Walk is managed to encourage wildlife, and as such some areas are left untended. As you walk through, you may be lucky enough to glimse heron, kingfishers, muntjac deer and even otters. Whetmead Nature Reserve Whetmead is an area of meadow, woodland and open water. The site is rich in wildlife and covers around 10 hectares. The site was passed into the care of Witham Town Council in 2005, and is today home to many species of plants and animals. The rivers Blackwater and Brain merge on the reserve, and a path follows both river banks. You may be lucky enough to glimpse a basking lizard on a sunny day, or a water vole on the riverbank. James Cooke Woods The woodland is planted with British trees local to the area. The main tree species are Wild Cherry, Oak, Silver Birch, Alder and Ash. Some further areas are planted with smaller, shrubby species such as Hazel, Field Maple, Guelder Rose and Spindle. This variety of trees provide the maximum benefit for wildlife. The woodland is surrounded by hedgerows that originally acted as the boundary to the former arable field. The hedges are especially important for threatened farmland birds, such as the yellowhammer, providing them with a food source and a place to nest. The Closed Churchyard On 20th March 1991, the All Saint’s Churchyard was closed. In accordance with the Local Authority Act, the Town Council, in conjunction originally with the PCC of St Nicolas Church, took over responsibility for its management. The Church was dedicated in 1842 as a Church of Easement, and was made redundant in 1969. It was later sold to the Roman Catholic Church to become, after extensive renovation, the Holy Family and All Saint’s Church in 1989

Community Special Constables Scheme Essex Police Community Beat Surgery Essex Police hold a regular Community Beat Surgery at Witham Information Centre in the Town Hall where you can pop along and chat to an officer about any concerns you may have: Tuesday 12th May 11-11.45am Tuesday 19th May 11-11.45am Tuesday 2nd June 11-11.45am Tuesday 9th June 11-11.45am Tuesday 23rd June 11-11.45am Tuesday 30th June 11-11.45am Tuesday 7th July 11-11.45am The Community Special Constable scheme was launched in June 2018, with a media event at Witham Town Hall, to celebrate the occasion. This also formed part of Essex Police’s National Volunteers Week, which was part of a big media campaign for Essex Police to recruit more volunteers. Each Special will volunteer a minimum of 16 hours each month in Witham to target and disrupt anti-social behaviour, respond to community concerns and carry out high visibility foot patrols in the town. The Specials have the same full policing powers and uniform as regular police officers. We are really pleased that Witham Town Council was the first local council to ‘go live’ with the Community Special Constables Scheme. This was the first such scheme in Essex (and possibly the first of its kind in the country). This was the result of close co-operation between Essex Police and Witham Town Council over a long period of time and sees the Council funding any expenses for our volunteer police officers to be based in the town. The development forms part of the Town Council’s 4-point attack on crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Recruitment of local special constables Extending and link up of CCTV throughout Witham Help residents to self-help with advice and information Promotion of resident’s associations across the town alongside existing Neighbourhood Watch scheme. In June 2023 we celebrated five years since the launch of the Police Specials Scheme. We currently have four fully qualified Police Specials in Witham, and funding available for a further one. Should you be interested in being a part of the Community Special Constable Scheme, please visit: www.essex.police.uk/join-the-police/special-constabulary/ or email: les.hawkins1@essex.pnn.police.uk Essex Police Recognition Awards On Wednesday 18th January, Essex Police held their first Recognition evening for the Braintree & Uttlesford Special Constable team. It was a great evening with most of the team there celebrating the achievements of 2022. The district's special constables volunteered 14,573 hours in 2022. Winner of the officer who has made the biggest contribution to the Specials team in 2022 as voted for by his regular colleagues was SC Charlie Watts. Charlie volunteered the largest number of hours in the team last year as well. Winner of the Community Special Constable award was Sp Sgt Simon Jesse. Simon has made a real impact in Witham since 2018 when the CSC Role began and is very well known by the residents of Witham. Sp Sgt Jesse also won the Community Contribution Award. Congratulations Simon. Acting Sp Chief Insp Lorne Campbell and Sp Sgt Simon Jesse received their 5 year service awards and recognised for all the hours they contributed during 2022. Special Constables are volunteer Police Officers. They have the same police powers, uniforms and equipment as regular Police Officers but sacrifice their free time on a voluntary basis. To learn more visit https://www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/ca/careers/special-constabulary/ Witham Town Council currently fund three Community Special Constables. Since November 2020, they have provided us with a monthly report of their activities for the month. These are in PDF format 2026 April 26 PDF March 26 PDF February 26 PDF January 26 PDF 2025 Dec 25 PDF Nov 25 PDF October 25 PDF Sept 25 PDF August 25 PDF July 25 PDF June 25 PDF May 25 PDF April 25 PDF March 25 PDF February 25 PDF January 25 PDF 2024 Dec 24 PDF Nov 24 PDF October 24 PDF Sept 24 PDF August 24 PDF July 24 PDF June 24 PDF May 24 PDF April 24 PDF March 24 PDF February 24 PDF January 24 PDF 2023 Dec 23 PDF Nov 23 PDF October 23 PDF Sept 23 PDF August 23 PDF July 23 PDF June 23 PDF May 23 PDF April 23 PDF March 23 PDF February 23 PDF January 23 PDF 2022 Dec 22 PDF Nov 22 PDF October 22 PDF Sept 22 PDF August 22 PDF July 23 PDF June 22 PDF May 22 PDF April 22 PDF March 22 PDF February 22 PDF January 22 PDF 2021/20 Dec 21 PDF Nov 21 PDF October 21 PDF Sept 21 PDF August 21 PDF July 21 PDF June 21 PDF May 21 PDF April 21 PDF March 21 PDF February 21 PDF January 21 PDF Dec 20 PDF Nov 20 PDF

< Back VE Day 80 Anniversary Event & VJ Day 80th Anniversary Event Friday, 15 August 2025 2025 saw the 80th anniversaries of both VE Day and VJ Day. At 9am on the morning of Thursday 8th May, there was a proclamation by the Mayor of Witham on the steps of the Town Hall and the VE Day flag was raised. On the evening of Thursday 8th May, there was a parade from The Avenue to Chipping Hill, where there was a bar, fish and chips and a band while we awaited the lighting of the beacon at 9.30pm. The parade was led by the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band, whilst at Chipping Hill, the band was the Bocking Concert Brass Band. On the evening of 6th June 2024, the residents of Witham came together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Our parade, filled with members of local groups, Councillors and residents, was led by the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band from The Avenue down to the River Walk at Chipping Hill Bridge where, after a short service, a beacon was lit. Photos by David Islip Previous Next

Information Centre Our Information Centre is a welcoming place in the heart of Newland Street. As well as being the reception for the Town Council, we provide a number of services, local gifts and products. Well worth a visit, you can find a gift for someone special, or even yourself. We also sell and accept Witham Gift Vouchers. Find out more about the Witham Gift Voucher Scheme We often find that we can help people who have no access to the internet in a world increasingly reliant on the public having online access. We are happy to help volunteer-run clubs promote themselves with posters and leaflets, and we are often asked for such information by members of the public. If you run a local club or group, make sure we have the correct information to include on our information leaflets. If you find a lost wallet, glasses or other valuable items, we can provide a safe place for those items while we try to track down the owner. In our 'Heritage Room' you can see our 16th century fireplace, commemorative book and a changing display of Witham historical artefacts. If you enjoy local history, we have in the Centre the original workings from the clock outside and a water pump, thought to date back to when the building was a coaching inn called 'The George'. Contact: Tel No: 01376 520627 Email: infocentre@witham.gov.uk or simply pop in and say hello. You will find us in Newland Street, opposite Morrisons and Helen Rollason Charity Shop, next to the old Barclays Bank. Please note, there is no public parking at the Town Hall, but you can park for free in Newland Street for up to an hour. Services: Local Information Local gifts and products National Express coach bookings and enquiries Local coach trip bookings First Bus season tickets Recycling sacks Free dog waste bags Photocopying and printing Days out leaflets Self help leaflets Local clubs, groups and events posters & leaflets Public Hall event tickets Gift hampers Opening Times: Monday............9am-4.30pm Tuesday............9am-4.30pm Wednesday......10am-4.30pm Thursday...........9am-4.30pm Friday................9am-3.50pm Calendar Competition

Precepts, Budgets & Accounts 2026-2027 Precept for 2026-2027 PDF Approved Budget 2026-2027 PDF 2025-26 Precept for 2025-2026-PDF Approved Budget 2025-2026-PDF 2024-25 Precept for 2024-2025-PDF Approved Budget 2024-2025-PDF Annual Accounts for 2024-25-PDF 2023-24 Precept for 2023-2024-PDF Approved Budget 2023-2024-PDF Annual Accounts for 2023-24-PDF 2022-23 Precept for 2022-2023-PDF Approved Budget 2022-2023-PDF Annual Accounts for 2022-23-PDF 2021-22 Precept for 2021-2022-PDF Approved Budget 2021-2022-PDF Annual Accounts for 2021-22-PDF 2020-21 Precept for 2020-2021-PDF Approved Budget 2020-2021-PDF Annual Accounts for 2020-21-PDF 2019-20 Precept for 2019-2020-PDF

Witham Town Council Celebrates the Success of the 'Witham Teddy Bears' Picnic' < Back Witham's Teddy Bear's Picnic 2024 9 Aug 2024 Witham Town Council Celebrates the Success of the 'Witham Teddy Bears' Picnic' Witham Town Council is delighted to announce the resounding success of the 'Witham Teddy Bears' Picnic,' that took place on Friday, 9th August, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on the Witham River Walk. This free event brought together families and friends from across the community for an afternoon of fun-filled activities. Attendees were encouraged to bring their own picnic and, of course, their favourite teddy bear, to enjoy an afternoon full of entertainment and creative activities. Upon arrival, each child could collect a free activity pack and had the opportunity to visit the 'Teddy Bear Adoption Station.' Here, they could choose a cuddly new friend to take home, thanks to the generous donations from the Witham community. The Town Council extends its thanks to everyone who donated. The event featured a variety of activities that kept both children and their teddy bears entertained, including a children's entertainer, craft station where you could make Minions and Unicorns, colouring station, 'Hunt the Teddy Bears' game and even Paddington Bear! As well as this, there was an ice cream van on site. Witham Town Council would like to thank everyone who attended the Teddy Bears' Picnic and contributed to its success. We hope all participants had a fantastic time. Our next event is ‘Music on the Brain’ and is being held on Saturday 24th August from 3.00-10.00pm along the River Walk by Chipping Hill Bridge. Come along and listen to live music and enjoy some food from one of our vendors or visit our licensed bars. We will have children’s rides and bouncy castles and they can meet the Sparkle Meetings Princesses. This event is free to attend (a fee is payable for the children’s rides and bouncy castles) and no booking is necessary, we look forward to seeing you there. Previous Next

Witham Town Council Meetings of the full Town Council are held throughout the year at the Town Hall. Meetings start at 7.30pm unless otherwise specified on the agenda. Agenda for Annual Meeting 18th May 26 PDF Minutes for 18th May 2026 will be available here

Agenda & Minutes from Civic Year 2025-26 Full Town Council Agenda for Meeting 5th May 2026 - Cancelled Minutes for Meeting 5th May 2026 - Cancelled Agenda for Meeting 7th April 2026 PDF Minutes for Meeting 7th April 2026 PDF Agenda for Meeting 9th March 2026 PDF Minutes for Meeting 9th March 2026 PDF Agenda for Meeting 9th February 2026 PDF Minutes for Meeting 9th February 2026 PDF Agenda for Meeting 12th January 2026 PDF Minutes for Meeting 12th January 2026 PDF Agenda for Meeting 25th November 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 25th November 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 28th October 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 28th October 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 29th September 25 PDF Minutes for Meeting 29th September 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 1st September 2025 PDF Minutes for 1st September 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 11th August 25 PDF Minutes for 11th August 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 7th July 25 PDF Minutes for 7th July 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 9th June 25 PDF Minutes for 9th June 2025 PDF Agenda for Annual Meeting 13th May 25 PDF Minutes for 13th May 2025 PDF Planning & Transport Committee Agenda for 5th May 2026 - Cancelled Minutes for 5th May 2026 - Cancelled Agenda for 20th April 2026 - Cancelled Minutes for 20th April 2026 - Cancelled Agenda for 7th April 2026 PDF Minutes for 7th April 2026 PDF Agenda for 23rd March 2026 PDF Minutes for 23rd March 2026 PDF Agenda for 9th March 2026 PDF Minutes for 9th March 2026 PDF Agenda for 24th February 2026 PDF Minutes for 24th February 2026 PDF Agenda for 9th February 2026 PDF Minutes for 9th February 2026 PDF Agenda for 26th January 2026 PDF Minutes for 26th January 2026 PDF Agenda for 12th January 2026 PDF Minutes for 12th January 2026 PDF Agenda for 9th December 2025 PDF Minutes for 9th December 2025 PDF Agenda for 25th November 2025 PDF Minutes for 25th November 2025 PDF Agenda for 10th November 2025 PDF Minutes for 10th November 2025 PDF Agenda for 28th October 2025 PDF Minutes for 28th October 2025 PDF Agenda for 13th October 2025 PDF Minutes for 13th October 2025 PDF Agenda for 29th September 2025 PDF Minutes for 29th September 2025 PDF Agenda for 16th September 2025 PDF Minutes for 16th September 2025 PDF Agenda for 1st September 2025 PDF Minutes for 1st September 2025 PDF Agenda for 19th August 2025 PDF Minutes for 19th August 2025 PDF Agenda for 4th August 2025 PDF Minutes for 4th August 2025 PDF Agenda for 22nd July 2025 PDF Minutes for 22nd July 2025 PDF Agenda for 7th July 2025 PDF Minutes for 7th July 2025 PDF Agenda for 23rd June 2025 PDF Minutes for 23rd June 2025 PDF Agenda for 9th June 2025 PDF Minutes for 9th June 2025 PDF Agenda for 27th May 2025 PDF Minutes for 27th May 2025 PDF Agenda for 13th May 2025 PDF Minutes for 13th May 2025 PDF

Christmas Fayre is a Resounding Success! < Back Witham Christmas Fayre 4 Dec 2023 Christmas Fayre is a Resounding Success! Witham Town Council is delighted to announce the resounding success of the Witham Christmas Fayre 2023 that took place on Saturday, 2nd December. This year saw an increase in the size of the event with stalls along Newland Street, within the United Reformed Church, and both the Newlands and Grove Shopping Centre. The festivities commenced with a traditional Church Carol Service held in the Grove Shopping Centre at 2pm, setting the stage for the afternoon. The event reached its pinnacle with the Christmas light switch-on at 6pm. The Witham Christmas Fayre showcased an array of stalls offering unique and locally crafted goods, alongside a selection of festive food and drink. The main stage featured live performers, while the 'Crafters' Corner' within the United Reformed Church provided a haven for those seeking one-of-a-kind handmade gifts. Many local shops and businesses chose to stay open late to capitalise on the increased footfall in the town which also contributed to the atmosphere of this event. Some families had the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his Grotto in the Town Hall and receive a special gift while the Grove Shopping Centre played host to live reindeer, Blitzen and Steve. Witham Town Council would like to express its sincere gratitude to all who attended and participated in the Witham Christmas Fayre 2023 and to its sponsors, Holmes & Hills Solicitors and the Grove Shopping Centre. Our thanks also go to the Witham Community Hub for providing the PA system for the Carol Service. Councillor Phil Barlow, Leader of Witham Town Council said “Witham Town Council has held several Christmas events, such as the Dickensian and Cockney Market but we feel that this has been our most successful to date. By working with local businesses to include a larger area than last year we have been able to ensure the whole of the town centre benefit from the Christmas Fayre. We look forward to continuing this free event next year for the residents of Witham”. Photographs provided by Actual Radio Previous Next

< Back Crittall Windows Factory 'C' The orange 'C' from the front of the building Many will remember the Crittall Windows factory in Braintree Road that stood where Morrison's now stands. It's name was emblazoned on the front of the building in these orange letters. The factory was built around 1919, trading in Witham until the factory closed in 1990. Over the years, the Crittall factory was an integral part of the town. It was used for war production during World War II, and was bombed, although thankfully there were no injuries and little damage. The building was demolished in 1992, but town historian Janet Gyford rescued many items from the building before the site was cleared. Witham Town Council are lucky to have these items in our archives and will be including them in this online museum. Crittall Windows later returned to Witham and continue to trade from the Freebournes Industrial Estate.

< Back Clock Workings The original workings of the town clock outside the Town Hall Mounted on the wall in the Information Centre, you can find the original inner workings for the clock outside. It's soporific ticking marks the passing of time through the day. The clock was placed on to 61 Newland Street, now the Town Hall, in 1910. Originally, however, this clock (or an identical one) was on the front of the Constitutional Club at 90 Newland Street. This building was next to what is now Holts, and in front of the United Reformed Church, but burned down in 1910. The clock, then either replicated or rescued, was mounted on the front of 61 Newland Street, where we see it today. The inner workings were replaced in 1932, and these are the workings on display today. When the clock was changed to an electric movement, these workings were refurbished for display in the Information Centre.

< Back Council Chamber Clock Council Chamber Clock made by King & Son, Witham In our Council Chamber, we have this lovely clock hanging on the wall, together with a framed explanation of how it came to be there. The clock was presented to Witham Town Council in 1998 by the committee of Abbeyfield Witham Society Ltd when the Society dissolved. Abbeyfield Society was established to provide relief for 'aged, impotent and poor people of all classes, for the advancement of religion and education and for other charitable purposes beneficial to the society'. The clock, made by E. King & Son of Witham, had been presented to the Abbeyfield Society in 1969 by Leslie King, who was the first chairman of the Society. The clock was to be used in Poplar Hall, a property owned by the Society in Hatfield Road, Witham. The property was considered unsuitable for continued use for the increasingly frail residents in 1997. Poplar Hall is now a private residence and still stands on the corner of Hatfield Road and Spinks Lane. Residents were moved to other modernised Abbeyfield properties in the locality.