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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 Meeting 15th June 26 PDF Minutes for 15th June 2026 will be available here Agenda for Annual Meeting 18th May 26 PDF Minutes for 18th May 2026 PDF

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 Community Committee Agenda for Meeting 24th February 2026 PDF Minutes for Meeting 24th February 2026 PDF Agenda for Meeting 10th November 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 10th November 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 19th August 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 19th August 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 27th May 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 27th May 2025 PDF Environment Committee Agenda for Meeting 20th April 2026 - Cancelled Minutes for 20th April 2026 - Cancelled Agenda for Meeting 26th January 2026 PDF Minutes for 26th January 2026 PDF Agenda for Meeting 13th October 2025 PDF Minutes for 13th October 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 22nd July 2025 PDF Minutes for 22nd July 2025 PDF Policy & Resources Committee Agenda for 23rd March 2026 PDF Minutes for 23rd March 2026 PDF Agenda for 9th December 2025 PDF Minutes for 9th December 2025 PDF Agenda for 16th September 2025 PDF Minutes for 16th September 2025 PDF Estimates Committee Agenda for Meeting 16th December 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 16th December 2025 PDF Staffing Committee Agenda for Meeting 18 November 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 18 November 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 24 June 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 24 June 2025 PDF Open Spaces Management Sub Committee Agenda for Meeting 4th March 2026 PDF Minutes for Meeting 4th March 2026 PDF Agenda for Meeting 3rd December 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 3rd December 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 3rd September 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 3rd September 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 6th June 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 6th June 2025 PDF

Witham Town Council Staff Witham Town Council is staffed by a team of 15 dedicated staff, headed by the Town Clerk To contact any member of staff, please contact the Town Hall on 01376 520627 Nikki Smith Town Clerk Responsible Financial Officer townclerk@witham.gov.uk Nikki joined Witham Town Council in May 2019 as Assistant Responsible Financial Officer, becoming Deputy Town Clerk in June 2020. In early 2022, Nikki was appointed as Town Clerk and Proper Officer and is responsible for overseeing all council matters, developing strategy across all council activity and managing the council’s staff. Nikki is also the Responsible Financial Officer with responsibility for the management of the council’s finances as well as Data Protection Officer. Nikki obtained the Certificate of Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification in 2020, the Certificate of Higher Education in Community Governance with merit in 2023 and a Foundation Degree in Community Governance in January 2025. Hayley Andrews Deputy Town Clerk deputytownclerk@witham.gov.uk Hayley joined the Town Council in 2019 as Assistant Proper Officer and was promoted to Deputy Town Clerk. Hayley is responsible for the Council’s outside assets which includes overseeing the River Walk, Whetmead Nature Reserve, James Cooke Wood and the Closed Churchyard and supporting the Operations Team. Hayley has also managed the allotments in Witham since June 2021 when Witham Town Council took over ownership of the site in Cut Throat Lane. Other duties include being the clerk for the Environment Committee and several different working groups relating to open spaces, town centre regeneration, climate change and healthcare, as well as running the Essex County Council Highways Devolution Scheme. Hayley obtained the Certificate of Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification in 2020. Sarah Puckey Open Spaces Administration Assistant openspacesadmin@witham.gov.uk Sarah joined Witham Town Council in January 2023 as the Open Spaces Administration Assistant. Sarah is responsible for the day to day running of the allotments and supports the Deputy Town Clerk in the management of Witham’s Open Spaces. Additionally, Sarah promotes initiatives to counter-act the effects of Climate Change in Witham including encouraging greater use of existing recycling schemes. Since joining the council Sarah has gained her ILCA qualification (Introduction to Local Council Administration). Finance Assistant finance@witham.gov.uk Nadia Zaviazun Nadia joined Witham Town Council in May 2025 as the Finance Assistant. Since joining the council Nadia has gained her ILCA (Introduction to Local Council Administration) and FILCA (Financial Introduction to Local Council Administration) qualifications. Geraldine Kennedy Planning & Democratic Officer comsec@witham.gov.uk Geraldine is the longest serving member of staff, originally employed as a Committee Clerk before becoming Assistant Clerk. Geraldine is now our Planning and Democratic Officer and is responsible for preparing the minutes and agenda’s for the standing committees as well as dealing with all matters related to planning. Julie Furse Information Centre Manager infocentre@witham.gov.uk Julie joined Witham Town Council as Community Officer in November 2018 in a role that combined organising events with working in the Information Centre. Julie took over as Information Centre Manager in June 2019 and has since overseen the refurbishment of the Information Centre into a welcoming, modern Centre. Julie’s other duties include maintenance of the website and our social media accounts. Simon Jesse Simon joined Witham Town Council in 2026 as a our Facilities & Community Support Officer. Simon is responsible for supporting community projects and the upkeep of the Town Hall and the new Community Centre. Simon is currently working towards his ILCA qualitfication. Facilities & Community Support Officer communitysupport@witham.gov.uk Viktoriia Goldspink Events Co-ordinator events@witham.gov.uk Viktoriia joined Witham Town Council in January 2022 as our Events Co-ordinator. Viktoriia gained her ILCA qualification in September 2022. Viktoriia has responsibility for organising Witham Town Council events such as our Halloween and Easter Trails, Christmas Fayre and Witham Street Entertainment Festival P.A to the Council admin@witham.gov.uk Jackie Brown Jackie joined Witham Town Council in June 2025 as our PA to the Council. Organising the Mayor's diary and assisting with Council meetings and events. She is working towards her ILCA qualification (Introduction to Local Council Administration). Spencer Dyer Operations Manager operations@witham.gov.uk Spencer joined Witham Town Council in July 2012, becoming manager of the Operations Team in early 2019. As manager, Spencer is responsible for implementing the River Walk Management Plan, as well as coordinating the maintenance of James Cooke Wood, Whetmead Nature Reserve, the Closed Churchyard and Cut Throat Lane Allotments. Hannah Smith Operative Operations Team Hannah joined our Operations Team in 2019 to look after and maintain the assets managed by Witham Town Council, including the River Walk, Whetmead Nature Reserve, James Cooke Wood, Cut Throat Lane Allotments and the Closed Churchyard. Rob Moore Operative Operations Team Rob joined our Operations Team in 2022 to look after and maintain the assets managed by Witham Town Council, including the River Walk, Whetmead Nature Reserve, James Cooke Wood, Cut Throat Lane Allotments and the Closed Churchyard. Katrina Drury Operative Operations Team Kat joined Witham Town Council in 2010 as a cleaner/caretaker. In 2019, she joined our Operations Team, working to look after and maintain the assets managed by Witham Town Council, including the River Walk, Whetmead Nature Reserve, James Cooke Wood, Cut Throat Lane Allotments and the Closed Churchyard. Paul Wiseman Street Warden streetwarden@witham.gov.uk Paul joined Witham Town Council in 2023 as our Street Warden and is responsible for maintaining and facilitating community safety by being a visible presence in the town. Paul has gained the Community Safety Scheme Accreditation since joining the Council.

Member's Attendance at Meetings Witham Town Councillors are required to attend meetings of the Full Town Council, plus meetings of any other committees, sub-committees and advisory groups of which they are a member. Should they be unable to attend for any reason, they must give their apologies directly to the Witham Town Council office. The following attendance information relates to councillor's attendance at Full Town Council, Standing Committees and Sub-Committees. It does not include advisory groups. Meeting Attendance Policy Member's Meeting Attendance 2025-26 Councillor Percentage Attendance Expected Attendance Actual Attendance Apologies for Absence Absent Without Apologies Leave of Absence Cllr E Adelaja 46% 46 21 16 7 2 Cllr L Barlow 71% 21 15 6 0 0 Cllr P Barlow 84% 45 38 7 0 0 Cllr JC Coleman 47% 45 21 16 8 0 Cllr JM Coleman 61% 46 28 10 8 0 Cllr B Fleet 71% 28 20 8 0 0 Cllr J Goodman 91% 11 10 1 0 0 Cllr L Headley 98% 47 46 0 1 0 Cllr P Heath 92% 26 24 2 0 0 Cllr J Martin 68% 25 17 8 0 0 Cllr R Playle 67% 45 30 15 0 0 Cllr R Ramage 79% 48 38 3 7 0 Cllr J Robertson 100% 46 46 0 0 0 Cllr A Sloma 28% 40 11 17 12 0 Cllr B Taylor 63% 19 12 5 2 0 Cllr E Williams 44% 41 18 18 5 0 PDF Member's Attendance 2025/26 in detail Member's Meeting Attendance 2024-25 Councillor Percentage Attendance Expected Attendance Actual Attendance Apologies Given Absent Without Apologies Leave of Absence Cllr E Adelaja 69% 48 33 10 5 0 Cllr L Barlow 86% 22 19 3 0 0 Cllr P Barlow 90% 48 43 4 1 0 Cllr JC Coleman 74% 50 37 10 3 0 Cllr JM Coleman 67% 43 29 13 1 0 Cllr B Fleet 77% 30 23 6 1 0 Cllr L Headley 87% 46 40 6 0 0 Cllr P Heath 62% 26 16 10 0 0 Cllr J Martin 77% 47 36 8 3 0 Cllr R Playle 66% 32 21 11 0 0 Cllr R Ramage 63% 54 34 11 9 0 Cllr J Robertson 100% 29 29 0 0 0 Cllr A Sloma 80% 10 8 1 1 25 Cllr B Taylor 67% 21 14 6 1 0 Cllr E Williams 58% 43 25 13 5 0 PDF Member's Attendance 2024-25 in detail

< Back Witham Urban District Council Chair Chair from the final Witham Urban District Council before they were disbanded We have very kindly been gifted this chair which formerly belonged to Witham Urban District Councillor J.E.B. Gyford. Each of the Councillors that sat on the final Witham Urban District Council before it was disbanded in 1974 were gifted their chairs. This chair has been reupholstered, with the plaque kept separately, and is available to view in the Heritage Room in the Information Centre. We have two other chairs in our collection from this set, formerly belonging to Cllr W Marsh and Cllr P Ryland, which are kept in our Council Chamber.

Witham Town Council Events Boasting picturesque outdoor spaces and a central high street, Witham is the ideal spot for a variety of events. Alongside some fantastic independent arrangements, Witham Town Council hosts a range of community focused events for residents and visitors alike. From long-standing family events such as the Puppet Festival, now the Witham Street Entertainment Festival, to the revamped Christmas Fayre and Hallowe'en Spooktacular trail, you are sure to find an event for all ages. Always looking to engage the community and offer variety and entertainment for all, Witham Town Council is committed to providing enjoyable events for all ages. PDF Version of our Events Calendar Easter Trail 4 April 2026 Bio-Blitz 28 May 2026 Witham Music Festival 4 July 2026 Summer Fayre 22 August 2026 Halloween Trail 31 October 2026 Witham Christmas Fayre 21 November 2026 Witham Dog Show 2 May 2026 Witham Open Gardens 20 June 2026 Teddy Bear's Picnic 6 August 2026 Witham Street Entertainment Festival 19 September 2026 Remembrance Parade 8 November 2026 Christmas Grotto 22 November 2025

< Back Dance Leaflet Advertising Leaflet for Dancing and Physical Culture This leaflet advertising Miss Betty Page and her Dancing and Physical Culture lessons. The leaflet is among a collection of papers previously belonging to tenants of 61 Newland Street during the renovations when it was converted into the Town Hall. A date inside the leaflet shows it to be from 1927/28. Miss Betty Page has given her address as 'The Grange, Witham', a property that is featured on the Witham Town Trail here: https://www.withamtowntrail.com/copy-of-ch-the-railway

Call for Gardeners - Witham Open Gardens < Back Witham Open Garden Scheme 11 Jun 2025 Call for Gardeners - Witham Open Gardens Do you have a garden you're proud of? Big or small, wild or wonderful? We're looking for local residents to take part in our Open Gardens 2026 event! Whether it's a hidden courtyard, a flower-filled haven, or a quirky green space, we'd love for you share it with the community. This is a great way to meet fellow garden lovers, support a good cause and celebrate the beauty right on our doorstep. If you are interested, please contact openspacesadmin@witham.gov.uk or call 01376 520627 Let's make 2026 bloom with community spirit! Previous Next

< Back Crittall Windows Factory fire notice Crittall Windows Factory notice to telephone operators in the event of fire Crittall Window Factory in Braintree Road was a major employer and landmark in the town. The factory closed in September 1990, but town historian Janet Gyford visited in 1991, while it was empty but before it was demolished. As well as taking photographs, Janet was able to retrieve various items which she kindly donated to Witham Town Council. This notice to the telephone operators explains what to do in the event that a fire is reported to them. Three bits of tape have been applied to amend the notice, and the names have been crossed through. It is mounted with drawing pins onto a wooden board, and has yellowed with age. It appears to have been part of a wider notice since the right hand side has a jagged edge and no printed border.

Witham Mayor presents hampers to Witham Food Bank < Back Witham Town Council's Advent Hamper Scheme 7 Dec 2023 Witham Mayor presents hampers to Witham Food Bank Witham Town Council is delighted to announce the overwhelming success of the Advent Hamper Scheme, an initiative that brought the community together to support those in need during the festive season. Throughout the month of November, Witham residents answered the call to kindness as Witham Town Council launched the Advent Hamper Scheme. The appeal was simple yet powerful: individuals and families were encouraged to acquire a box and, each day leading up to December, add an item, creating a mix of non-perishable essentials and festive treats. The Witham Information Centre served as the collection point for the hampers, with residents contributing essential groceries and special Christmas treats. On behalf of the Town Council, Mayor Cllr Susan Ager had the honour of presenting these hampers to the Witham Foodbank, which were gratefully received. The Mayor of Witham, Cllr Susan Ager, said “Witham Town Council have been delighted by the response to their Christmas Hamper donation scheme. We would like to thank all that took part and gave so generously” The Witham Town Council extends its deepest gratitude to every individual and family who participated in the Advent Hamper Scheme. The outpouring of generosity has made a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Previous Next

Vibrant showcase of creativity < Back Community Art Event at Witham Skate Park 20 Aug 2025 Vibrant showcase of creativity Witham’s skatepark has been transformed into a vibrant showcase of creativity following a successful community art project organised by Witham Town Council. Funded through developer’s Section 106 public art contributions, approved by Braintree District Council, the project brought together the skills of professional artists and engaged local young people to create bold new artworks for the skatepark in Spa Road. In the run-up to the event, Professional Street Artist Scott from Brave Arts visited The Hangout , Witham’s Youth Club, where he worked with children and young people to talk about design ideas, sketch out concepts, and learn about spray-can techniques in a safe, supportive environment. Alongside this, the wider skatepark community were also consulted for their design ideas to be reflected in the final artwork. This ensured the project captured the voices of those who use the space most and strengthened the sense of ownership and pride across the community. On the day of the installation, around 50 children and young people joined Scott and his fellow artists to help shape and apply the final designs. Guided by the professionals, the young participants played an active role in bringing the skatepark to life, leaving behind vibrant artworks they can proudly call their own. Witham Town Mayor, Councillor Paul Heath, said “This project has been a fantastic way to bring young people together and provided the opportunity for them to be involved in a positive creative activity. The new artwork is a welcome addition to the skatepark and has enhanced the space for existing users and the wider community.” Previous Next

Witham Town Council launches a petition opposing the charges intended to be implemented by the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) < Back Petition Against Proposed Parking Charges 21 Feb 2024 Witham Town Council launches a petition opposing the charges intended to be implemented by the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) intend to convert current free parking spaces in Newland Street to paid ones, which Witham Town Council has taken action in actively opposing. The Town Council has argued that because the use of these spaces will be no different, converting free spaces to charged will do nothing to reduce congestion, nor will it improve air quality. They have raised concerns that access to services will be adversely affected, as will be the economic vitality and vibrancy of the Town Centre and Newland Street. As well as this, that the electronic payment system will have an adverse impact on those who do not have electronic payment abilities. The Council has therefore opposed the NEPP’s proposed new charges, as they fail to meet the Partnership’s Policy framework. There has been no evidence shown, particularly with regard to the economic vitality and vibrancy of Witham’s Town Centre and Newland Street that any research has been undertaken to demonstrate that the net income increase in charges will not be adversely offset by the reduction in economic activity from the Town Centre and High Street traders. As well as writing to the Braintree District Council Financial Scrutiny Panel querying their agreement with the North Essex Parking Partnership, having heard residents concerns the Town Council has launched a petition which can be signed online at: https://www.witham.gov.uk/parking-petition or in the Information Centre at the Town Hall before March 22nd 2024. Councillor Phil Barlow, Leader of Witham Town Council said “Together with many of our residents the Council were horrified by this proposal. Our response is to hold the Partnership to account and the petition is launched to enable our residents to reinforce our decision”. Previous Next