MALDON District Council's Vice Chairman, Councillor Carlie Mayes, attended an East London Mayor's charity fundraising event at the weekend.

Attending on behalf of the district council, Cllr Mayes joined representatives of other local authorities at the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Councillor Edna Fergus's Rainbow Afternoon Tea on Saturday (21 August).

The tea celebrating the NHS was delayed from its intended date in June due to Covid restrictions, so proved a good chance for leaders from different councils to meet up and exchange experiences and ideas.

Held at Eastbrookend Country Park, the event raised £800 for in aid of the mayor's chosen charities, Refuge and Heista.

Cllr Mayes said: "Discussions varied from the trivial to deep, including women's rugby on Wanstead flats to inner city development problems.

"Problems faced by our London boroughs are not so different as are the issues Maldon district residents face. Rising property prices, pollution, employment and making the books balance.

"Exchanging ideas and frustrations is always useful."