Saffron Walden Business Improvement District (BID) recently held a face-to-face meeting with district and town council officers to address concerns regarding the town centre environment.
The agenda included business waste skips, business recycling options, car park lighting and security, and general maintenance and street cleaning within the town centre.
Attendees included BID manager Lisa Cleaver, Uttlesford District Council chief executive Peter Holt and Saffron Walden Town Council leader Deryk Eke.
Julie Redfern, vice chair of the Saffron Walden BID, said: "It’s crucial that we work together to address the main areas of business concern that impact the attractiveness of our town centre.
"By continuing to tackle these issues, we aim to foster a sense of pride among residents and businesses, ensuring our town centre remains a vibrant place for people to visit, shop, and live."
During the meeting, the BID team presented a comprehensive report that highlighted areas of concern, supported by photographs collected from town centre businesses over the past few months.
Following the presentation, the team led the council officers on a tour of the town centre, pointing out the specific areas needing attention.
The group then convened to discuss the issues in more detail, and agreed to work collaboratively to develop practical solutions.
Peter Holt, CEO of Uttlesford District Council, said: "We’re so pleased to see Saffron Walden town centre thriving for both businesses and residents, and fully committed to keeping up the hard work that has contributed to bringing this about from planning to waste collection to coordinating car parking.
"We’re pleased to take a joined up approach, such as offering district council staff volunteers to join local businesses for a bit of pavement weed-clearing, in support of our Essex County Council colleagues who are responsible for highways and pavements."
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Saffron Walden town clerk Lisa Courtney added: "The town council was delighted to be a part of this process.
"Working together with the BID, UDC and others, the town council will play its part in maintaining the beauty and uniqueness of our town."
The Saffron Walden BID was formed in 2018, and exists to help the town's businesses thrive.
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