Residents retain control of Uttlesford District Council and Saffron Walden Town Council

Residents for Uttlesford (R4U), the local party of north-west Essex towns and villages, has announced that it is delighted that it has retained control of both Uttlesford District Council (UDC) and Saffron Walden Town Council (SWTC) in the local elections on 4th May.

Cllr Petrina Lees, Leader of Uttlesford District Council, said “Four years ago, R4U captured a mood for change, and residents took a chance on change at UDC. In 2023 R4U are tried, tested and a known quantity that delivers better local results – residents knew exactly what they were voting for. In 2019, when we took control of UDC, we inherited a council with a failing planning department, 2 failed Local Plans stretching over 13 years, and a £5 million financial hole. UDC just wasn’t working for residents. Over the last 4 years we have been turning it around. There is now a refreshed senior officer leadership team and improved performance, supported by a stable and solid financial position. UDC is back investing in skills, staff and council services. R4U is one of only two residents’ parties to run district councils in the UK, and we both give local residents a stronger say in local matters. We’re delighted in the support we got at the ballot box and thank our fellow residents for returning us to continue our work for them.”

R4U’s Paul Gadd, Leader at Saffron Walden Town Council, said “It has been fantastic to see the positive changes in our town over the last 8 years since we first took over the Town Council. We’d like to thank residents for recognising the work that we have done. After our best-ever town council result, with a clean sweep of all the seats, our councillors are thrilled and honoured to serve residents for another 4 years. SWTC’s programme of investments in community play and sports facilities will continue, as well as continued improvements in our historic town centre and our community assets.”

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