Saffron Walden Town Council meets on the second Wednesday of each month with the exception of August. Meetings are held at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall and members of the public are encouraged to attend. The Council has 16 elected members, each elected for a term of four years. For election purposes the town is divided into four wards. The Chairman of the Council is the Town Mayor and is elected annually in May. A committee system is operated. Each committee has specific functions, meets regularly and submits reports and recommendations to the full Council. Details of committees and their meetings can be obtained from the Town Council offices. The Committees, with their broad areas of responsibility are:-


Responsibility: for all Council properties including the Town Hall and Golden Acre Community Centre; for administering grants and loans, for dealing with consultations by other local authorities and Government bodies on all matters other than planning.


Consideration of all planning applications and subsequent comments and observations to the planning authority. Preparation of submissions to planning appeals and inquiries and comment on Local and Structure Plans. Consideration of all road traffic matters affecting the town, including parking. Consideration of all matters relating to street naming.


Responsibility for all playing fields and play equipment and for allotments. Responsibility for the purchase or acquisition of playing fields or other major external recreational facilities.


Responsibility for all matters relating to staffing and administration and structure and organisation of the Council. The administrative offices of the Town Council are situated at 11, Emson Close and are open Monday to Friday. The Town Clerk is Malcolm White, M.A., A.L.A.


The Town Council was created in 1974 as one of the successor authorities to the Borough Council. The Council continues the Civic traditions of the Borough Council. On formal occasions the Council can be seen robed and processing with the Town Mace. The mace was given to the town in 1685 by James II and when not in use can be seen on display in the town’s museum, alongside the two smaller maces which were also in use until the last war.

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. Photographs by Dick Harding (Tel: 01799 540843).