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“Every year, by law, the Council must hold a special “Statutory Meeting”. This is a legal obligation under the Local Government Act 1972, and this year it will be held on Thursday 12 May.

“At the meeting, Councillors will show support for their preferred candidates for the roles of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council along with the wider Leadership positions. It can be very difficult to predict who supports one candidate or the other but it’s always an interesting and intriguing time!

“In case you were wondering, the Chairman of the Council is a civic position, so the role is taken by a respected member from any political party (or none) chosen by all the elected councillors (as opposed to the Leader of the Council who is chosen by the elected members of the party with overall control of the council).

“Whatever the outcome, the business of the Council continues unabated, and after the various positions are awarded, the focus will turn to the things that matter most - the continuation of the services we provide to residents and visitors to the District.

“One of those services which has proved very popular is our famous Splash Park in Maldon's Promenade Park, located in the valley alongside the Galleon play area and the beach huts.

“I know that people are really keen to hear what’s happening with the Splash Park, as it’s currently closed for refurbishment and repairs. I can tell you the attraction will open again in Summer 2022, once extensive renovation works are completed.  Details of the opening date, prices and how to book will be available on our tourism website, www.visitmaldondistrict.co.uk over the coming weeks, and updates will be shared through the Council’s social media channels, so I’d encourage you to sign up for all the latest news.

“Promenade Park was opened in 1895 to provide the people of Maldon and the surrounding areas with a valuable amenity and public space. The “Prom”, as it is known locally, is a great place to walk, sit or play, and stopping to watch the activity on the river always makes for an interesting family day out.

“The park offers a fun-filled, family friendly destination all year round, with amazing events and activities throughout the year. As well as the Splash Park, the Prom features beach huts for hire, sandpits, the Galleon play ship and aerial zip-wire, a lake for model boating and crabbing as well as several picnic areas. Add in the amazing sea views over the Blackwater Estuary and it’s not surprising that it’s an extremely popular park with more than 500,000 visitors a year!

“I do hope that you have enjoyed reading this column as much as I have enjoyed telling you all about Maldon District Council, its services, its great staff and all it has to offer in the District.

“As always - take care.”

Councillor Mark S. Heard
Chairman of Maldon District Council