Search Results

Help us spread some Christmas cheer < Back Witham Advent Hamper Scheme 11 Oct 2023 Help us spread some Christmas cheer Spread Christmas Cheer: Join Our Advent Hamper Scheme! The Christmas season is fast approaching, and it's the perfect time to spread joy and goodwill to those in need. We believe in the power of community and the spirit of giving, and that's why we're introducing our Advent Donation Scheme. This initiative is all about coming together as a community to make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most during the holiday season. Throughout the entire month of November, we invite you to participate in our Advent Hamper Scheme. The idea is simple yet incredibly meaningful: each day in November, you'll place one item into a donation box. These items can be anything from non-perishable food items and essential supplies to festive holiday goodies—it's entirely up to you. The more varied and thoughtful your donations, the more joy you can bring to someone in need. Once your box is filled with your items, we ask that you bring it to our Information Centre during the first week of December. From there, we'll ensure that your box of generous donations finds its way to worthwhile causes within the community. Together, we can make a real difference in our community and bring a little extra warmth and happiness to those who may be struggling during the Christmas season. Why Participate in Our Advent Donation Scheme? The Christmas season is all about giving, and by joining in with our Advent Hamper Scheme, you can share the spirit of Christmas with those who may be less fortunate. Your simple act of kindness can make someone's Christmas brighter and more joyful. We've provided a list of suggestions, but feel free to get creative with your donations. Whether you choose to include essential items like canned goods and hygiene products or add a touch of Christmas magic with festive decorations and treats, your choices are entirely up to you. You can make up a box yourself, or team up with family or friends to spread the cost between you. Every box will go to help someone in need this Christmas. How to Get Started: Find a Donation Box: You can use any container you have on hand—a cardboard box is ideal. Decorating your donation box is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and to make your generous gift even more special. Daily Donations: Starting on November 1st, place one item into your donation box each day. You can use our list of suggestions for inspiration, but don't hesitate to think outside the box and add items that you believe will bring joy to someone's day. Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and neighbours to join the initiative. Share your progress on social media using the hashtag #WithamAdventHamperScheme to inspire others to participate as well. Complete Your Box: By the end of November, you should have a full box containing 30 items—a thoughtful assortment of necessities and festive surprises. Drop Off Your Donation: During the first week of December, bring your filled donation box to our Information Centre. We'll be ready to receive your generous contributions with open arms. Suggested Items to Include in Your Donation Box: Non-perishable Food Items: Canned and packet goods, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and other long-lasting food staples. Hygiene Products: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Winter Warmth: Blankets, scarves, gloves, hats, and socks to keep others warm during the colder months. Christmas Cheer: Festive decorations, holiday cards, small gifts, and treats like chocolates or candy canes. Children's Toys: New or gently used toys, books, or games to brighten a child's day. Essential Supplies: Laundry detergent, dish soap and cleaning supplies. The Christmas season is a time to come together, spread love, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Our Advent Hamper Scheme offers a meaningful way to do just that. By participating, you have the chance to fill someone's heart with warmth, joy, and hope during the holiday season. Join us in this heart-warming initiative and be a part of the positive force in our community. Together, we can make this Christmas unforgettable for those who need it most. Start gathering your items, decorate your donation box, and let's make this Christmas a time of giving, sharing, and caring. Mark your calendars, set your intention, and let's make Christmas 2023 a time of compassion, generosity, and unity. Together, we can make a world of difference—one item at a time. Remember, your acts of kindness, big or small, can bring hope and happiness to those who need it most. Let's come together as a community and make this Christmas truly magical. Previous Next

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

Join us for a free day of family fun! < Back Witham Street Entertainment Festival is Back! 20 Sept 2025 Join us for a free day of family fun! Formerly known as the Puppet Festival, Witham Street Entertainment Festival has become a main fixture in Witham's calendar. Held in the centre of town, the event regularly draws large numbers of visitors into the town to enjoy this free festival. The festival, which is organised by Witham Town Council, has taken place since 1999. Always held on the third Saturday of September, this year it takes place on Saturday 20th September between 10am-3pm. A number of acts perform in the Newlands Shopping Centre, the Grove Shopping Centre and in Newland Street itself, where Witham Town Council closes the road between Collingwood Road and Maldon Road. Make sure you don't miss this great day out. The acts for 2024 include: · Titan · Cube · Elton Wong · Shed of Stories · Oyster Opera Duo · Angie Mack Hula Hoop · The Two Freedas · The Pop-up Barn Dance · B-Boys · Seed · Shrinking Violets · Puppet Petting Farm · Caspian Crab · Storm · Shed Ache · The Magical Market Stall · Wellbeing Wells · Elephant & the Drummer · Emo-Matic · Octopus Ocean · Big Mob · Rainbow Stilts · Walkabout Trees · Norvil & Josephine · Afro Leanna Take a look back at last year’s festival: Previous Next

Staffing Committee The Staffing Committee is responsible for staffing matters and welfare. Members of the Press and Public are welcome to attend Staffing and Accommodation Sub Committee Meetings. Local residents are invited to address the meeting on any item on the agenda, speaking for a maximum of 3 minutes. Members of the Staffing Committee: Cllr L Barlow Cllr P Barlow (Chair) Cllr B Fleet Cllr P Heath Cllr J Martin (Vice Chair) Cllr R Playle 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

Neighbourhood Plan DO YOU WANT TO SHAPE WITHAM’S FUTURE? Witham Neighbourhood Plan Introduction The Witham Neighbourhood Plan is in early stages of development. Braintree District Council recently adopted a Local Plan. Witham Town Council, the qualifying body for the production of the Neighbourhood Plan, are now undertaking research and seeking to understand your views to inform the production of the Plan. What is a neighbourhood plan? The Localism Act 2011 introduced a right for local communities (usually a Parish or Town Council) to produce a type of community led plan called a neighbourhood plan. Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision and shape the development and growth of their local area. Neighbourhood plans allow local residents to create a plan for new homes, shops, offices, services, facilities and infrastructure. Neighbourhood Plans are aligned with the Local Plan for the area. A neighbourhood plan should set out the views of all people that live and work here, to guide the future of the area through policies within a well evidenced formally adopted Plan which has been subject to significant consultation, examination, and public referendum. Once the Plan has been ‘made’, any new development which has an impact on the area will need to demonstrate how the proposals conform to policies within the Neighbourhood Plan. The Plan will therefore have a significant impact on decisions being made by all levels of government and associated organisations, developers, and landowners. Once a neighbourhood plan is made (i.e., brought into legal force by the local authority following an examination and referendum on the Plan), it will be used to determine planning applications and guide planning decisions in the local area. Why is this important? A neighbourhood plan gives communities power to guide and shape future development. Where a neighbourhood plan is aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area, neighbourhood planning can provide a powerful set of tools for local people to ensure that they get the right types of future development for their community. What progress has been made so far? The Witham Neighbourhood Plan is in early stages of development, which is why the views of the community are important to shape the ideas and content of the Plan as it develops. A Neighbourhood Area application was submitted to Braintree District Council by Witham Town Council on 3rd August 2022 which includes the 4 Wards of Witham North, Witham Central, Witham South and Witham West under The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations (2012) as amended. This was approved on 8th September 2022 and the Neighbourhood Area map can be viewed below: Designated Witham Neighbourhood Area This map shows the area which will be included within the Witham Neighbourhood Plan. Witham Town Council has submitted an application for the Witham Neighbourhood Area under Regulation 7 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (As amended) to Braintree District Council. Braintree District Council have approved the application as follows: Witham NHP

Pet Commemorative Bench Scheme Witham Town Council currently run a successful commemorative bench scheme for members of the public to purchase a bench in memory of a loved one. It is recognised that a much loved pet is very much a part of the family and owners may wish to remember them with a lasting tribute but the expense of purchasing a bench may be too costly. The Pet Commemorative Bench Scheme therefore enables a memorial plaque to be purchased in memory of a beloved pet which will be placed on a dedicated bench on Witham’s River Walk. Dogs that regularly walked along the River Walk can be fondly remembered at the place that they loved. The Pet Commemorative Bench will display multiple engraved stainless steel plaques in memory of cherished pets. The cost of the scheme is £60 per plaque. For more information and to take part in this scheme, simply contact Witham Town Council on 01376 520627 to discuss.

Vacancies Anchor 1 We currently have no vacancies. PDF version of job vacancy

Procurement Information Witham Town Council has a duty to comply with The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 which requires councils to publish information about any contract, commissioned activity, purchase order, framework agreement or any other legally enforceable agreement with a value that exceeds £5,000. 2025-2026 PDF 2024-2025 PDF 2023-2024 PDF 2022-2023 PDF 2021-2022 PDF 2020-2021 PDF Procurement Opportunities There are currently no open procurement opportunities The following procurement opportunities have expired: Previous Procurement Opportunities WITHAM TOWN COUNCIL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Witham Town Council invited tenders for the supply, installation, removal, and storage of Christmas lights for a five-year period, with a total contract value not exceeding £65,000. The successful contractor will provide a complete service to ensure the town's festive lighting is installed in time for the Christmas Market (22nd November 2025), maintained during the season, removed in January, and stored securely for the following year. The d eadline for receipt of bid queries was 23rd July 2025, queries were to be sent to townclerk@witham.gov.uk marked Christmas Light Tender 2025. Bid return date was noon on 1st August 2025. Tenders were to be submitted electronically to: tenders@witham.gov.uk and marked "Christmas Lights 2025 Tender" in the subject line. Alternatively, tenders may be posted to Witham Town Council, Town Hall, 61 Newland Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2FE. The envelope shall be marked Christmas Lights 2025 Tender and shall not otherwise be marked or contain information that could identify the tendering organisation. All companies submitting a tender will be notified by email of the respective decision within 6 weeks of the evaluation date. In accordance with Government Regulations, the total value of the successful tender will be published in due course. Full details of Christmas Lights Tender WITHAM TOWN COUNCIL SAFER STREETS CCTV EXPANSION PROJECT Witham Town Council tendered for the procurement of multiple quick-deploy cameras to be installed in various key areas in and around the town centre. These units had to be capable of connecting to lighting columns or physical structures and must be easily removable and deployed into new locations when required. Alongside the new CCTV cameras, the existing CCTV server located within the Witham Town Council offices required upgrading with a modern enterprise-style equivalent. This unit previously captured the incoming video signals from the town centre CCTV cameras. The Invitation to Bid document contained detailed information on this project. Applications had to be made using the Tender Submission Documents included in the Invitation to Bid. All Bids were to be submitted (electronic and hard copies) to the Town Clerk by noon on 6th September 2023. Full details of CCTV Expansion Tender

Braintree District Councillors Witham residents are represented at Braintree District Council by the following District Councillors Details of your Braintree District Councillors Essex County Councillors Witham residents are represented at Essex County Council by the following County Councillors WITHAM TOWN Cllr Ross Playle Cllr.ross.playle@essex.gov.uk WITHAM WEST & RURAL Cllr John Morris Details of your Essex County Councillors

Witham Town Council Honours Community Excellence at the Witham Town Mayor's Civic Service and Awards 2023 < Back Mayor's Civic Service & Community Awards 1 Nov 2023 Witham Town Council Honours Community Excellence at the Witham Town Mayor's Civic Service and Awards 2023 On Sunday, October 22, 2023, Witham Town Council held its annual Mayor's Civic Service and Awards at the Witham United Reformed Church, celebrating the exceptional contributions of community members and organisations to the town's well-being. This traditional service seamlessly incorporated the presentation of three prestigious awards, each highlighting excellence in their respective categories. The Witham Town Mayor's Civic Service and Awards showcase the dedication and commitment of individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on their town. The event featured three distinguished award categories: 1. The Community Award: Presented to recognise the remarkable contributions made by a local organisation to the Witham community. The winner of this year's Community Award was the Witham Hub, a testament to their unwavering dedication to local residents. The runner-up in this category was Community 360, who also demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving the community. 2. The Environment Award: This award recognised an individual or group that has made a significant difference in the conservation and protection of Witham's environment. The deserving winner of the Environment Award was Connor Bouttell, whose efforts have significantly impacted the town's ecological well-being. The runner-up in this category was the Witham Scouts, whose commitment to environmental conservation has not gone unnoticed. 3. The Youth Award: Presented to a local young person (aged 21 or younger) or an organisation that supports young people in Witham. The Witham Carnival Association was honoured as the winner in this category, highlighting their dedication to empowering young people. The runner-up for the Youth Award was the Templar's Community Association, who have also made invaluable contributions to the town's youth. The Witham Town Mayor's Civic Service and Awards 2023 was a testament to Witham's strong sense of community and commitment to acknowledging those who make a real difference in the lives of its residents. Previous Next

Witham Town Council Commemorates 80th Anniversary of VE Day with moving Community Events < Back Witham's VE Day Commemoration 8 May 2025 Witham Town Council Commemorates 80th Anniversary of VE Day with moving Community Events Witham Town Council proudly joined communities across the nation in commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of poignant events on Thursday, 8 May 2025. The day began with a special ceremony on the steps of Witham Town Hall, where the Mayor of Witham read the official VE Day 80 Proclamation. The Mayor was joined by Reverend Jonathan Pritchard, who led prayers of remembrance, and the ceremony concluded with a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem, “God Save the King.” The event was attended by councillors and residents, reflecting the town’s strong spirit of remembrance and unity. In the evening, the community gathered for a commemorative parade led by the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band. The procession, which included dignitaries, uniformed organisations, and members of the public, set off from The Avenue and made its way to The River Walk by Chipping Hill Bridge. Once along the River Walk, councillors shared moving tributes from those who experienced VE Day first-hand, ensuring that the voices of the wartime generation were heard and honoured. The Bocking Brass Band provided musical accompaniment as the evening’s beacon lighting ceremony approached. At 9:30pm, The Mayor’s Cadet and an Army Cadet together lit the beacon, joining hundreds of communities nationwide in symbolising the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of war. The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Last Post, a minute’s silence in memory of the fallen, the Kohima Epitaph and a final rendition of “God Save the King.” Witham Town Council extends its sincere gratitude to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, the Royal British Legion, Reverend Jonathan Pritchard, the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band, the Bocking Brass Band, St John Ambulance, and all the organisations and volunteers who participated and supported the event. Special thanks are also given to all those who attended and helped make the commemoration a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made for peace and freedom. Photographs of the day’s events, courtesy of David Islip, capture the community’s shared moments of both remembrance and celebration. Previous Next

< Back Easter Trail Saturday, 4 April 2026 Our Easter Trail takes place each year on Easter Saturday. This free ticketed event starts at Guithavon Green and follows the River Walk towards Maldon Road. Participating children have a booklet of items to find along the way, and are rewarded with an Easter Egg at the end of the trail. Booking is essential for this very popular event, and details of ticket releases are published on our social media. Tickets release details will be published near to release date . Tickets are required for children only, up to a maximum of 4 tickets per booking. PLEASE NOTE: so that as many children as possible get the opportunity to attend this free event, multiple bookings across different timeslots will be cancelled. BEWARE of scammers offering to sell their tickets, this is a FREE event Easter 2026. Photos by David Islip. The weather stayed dry for our 2025 Easter Trail where we welcomed over 600 children to the River Walk. As well as egg spotting, the children could visit the petting farm at the end after collecting their prize egg. Pictures by Natasha Donna Photography At our 2024 event, the weather was warm and sunny and the day was enjoyed by over 500 children. As well as finding the items in their booklet, the children were met on the way by a magician and Essex Police who gave them the opportunity to see inside their van. Photos by David Islip Easter 2023 Easter 2022 Previous Next