Last Wednesday (8 June), Essex County Council's Political Leadership Team visited Maldon to learn about the challenges facing the town, and the District overall.

Maldon District Council was keen to showcase some of the initiatives which it is undertaking, while highlighting some of the challenges that are being faced and hoped to use this opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the two Councils.

The day started with a tour of the historic Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, followed by a meeting of the County Council's Political Leadership Team Meeting, joined by Councillor Penny Channer, Leader of Maldon District Council.

She said: "I am very proud to represent the Maldon District, and there is a sense of pride that exists in the area.

"I am very proud to represent the Maldon District, and there is a sense of pride that exists in the area." Maldon District Council Leader, Penny Channer

"From historic high streets to coastal towns and villages, fabulous built and natural landscapes and buildings, amazing food and drink, open space, big skies, and opportunities.

"But we are not without our challenges."

Councillor Channer emphasised the need to work together with the County Council on economic and cultural renewal, equality of opportunity and tackling social challenges. She also stressed the importance of investment in rural areas and coastal communities.

Councillors visited the Causeway Industrial area to understand the risk of flooding (Photo: Maldon District Council)

County Councillors toured Maldon High Street, Heybridge Causeway, Tollesbury, Burnham Primary School and attended a meeting of the Maldon District Food Support Network.

Councillors Kevin Bentley and Lesley Wagland were led to Maldon High Street and the Moot Hall, where they learned more about the challenges the town faces with connectivity, public transport, air quality and congestion.

Councillors Lee Scott and Chris Whitbread visited the Causeway Industrial area to understand the risk of flooding, along with congestion.

Councillors Tony Ball and Beverley Egan were joined by local parents at Burnham Primary School and Tree Tops Nursery to discuss the strained local school capacity, including Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) provision, and the lack of post 16/18 education and skills opportunities in the district.

Councillors visited Tree Tops Nursery to discuss the strained local school capacity (Photo: Maldon District Council)

Climate Change Czar, Councillor Peter Schwier, met with representatives of Tollesbury Climate Partnership. The group discussed local marine issues including flood risk, natural climate change protection through seagrass & saltmarshes and water quality.

In a statement, Maldon District Council said: "Through this work, County Council Cabinet Members were able to gain a better understanding of local success and significant challenges, to aid future decision making around provision and investment."