Maldon District Council Leader Richard Siddall set out his aims to "create a legacy" in the interests of residents, in his inaugural speech on July 13.

Councillor Siddall set out his agenda to help the council support residents and create a strategy for the future, while "putting politics aside", including:

• Building trust with officers
• Commercial strategies
• Transport infrastructure, NHS facilities, and schools
• Collaboration with town and parish councils

The recent local election results left the council under 'No Overall Control', meaning no single group or party achieved a majority of seats. The Conservatives lost seven seats, with the Liberal Democrats gaining six and Labour gaining one.

Last month, Cllr Siddall was elected Council Leader, with his Maldon District Independent Group in a minority administration.

Cllr Siddall took aim at those who ran "negative campaigns" during the election, saying: "Politics is a funny game, you certainly would not be able to get away with that in most other situation."

He also spoke about "building trust" with council Officers, as the organisation works on a new customer service strategy.

"The way we interact with residents, and how they can contact us, needs to reflect the requirements of our residents," Cllr Siddall said.

"Not all residents are able to access services digitally, and we need to ensure they can speak to an officer if they require."

The new council could develop new commercial strategies as it seeks to "utilise assets in the best interests of the district". Currently, the council has no commercial income so relies on revenue from tax and grants.

Cllr Siddall added: "We are in a situation where we have strong reserves, however if we do nothing those reserves will diminish within a few years."

High streets in Maldon and Burnham, the district's two towns, could be made more pedestrian-friendly, while new "rapid transport links" from Maldon to the rail network could also be introduced. A proposed transport hub could also relieve pressure on busy roads.

A lack of infrastructure is a key issue for many residents, especially due to the number of new houses being built in the district. In answer to residents' concerns over public transport, NHS facilities and schools, Cllr Siddall says officers will continue to lobby "as strongly as possible" for investment.

Under its 'One Maldon District' partnership, the council hopes to collaborate with local parish and town councils.

"It needs to become a forum for both Clerks, Chairman and Mayors to meet representatives from the district," Cllr Siddall added.

"We can then inform, engage, and empower parish and town councils, and respond more directly to needs of the parishes."