The Maldon District Independent Group

25/03/2026

Earlier today, the Government confirmed their 'Minded to' decision to approve the creation of 5 unitary authorities to represent the people of Essex, replacing the current county/district/city/borough councils.

We welcome the Government's decision for a new configuration of local councils across the Greater Essex area — and we’re especially pleased that the Government has listened and adopted our preferred model. This approach keeps local people and local places at the heart of local government, bringing us together with Chelmsford and Brentwood.

We will now step up our collaborative work with partners across Greater Essex to help deliver this change smoothly, with minimal disruption for residents.

We know many people will have questions, and we’ll be working hard over the coming weeks and months to keep everyone informed as plans are developed and implemented.

For now, we want to reassure you that we will continue delivering local services right up until Maldon District Council becomes part of a new authority on 1 April 2028. We’ll also work to ensure the reorganisation brings opportunities for even better, more joined‑up services in the future.

Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of the Council, said: “I welcome today’s announcement and I am pleased that Government has listened and adopted our preferred model, keeping local government local. We will now step up our collaborative work with all partners across Greater Essex to deliver the change so that it best serves the interests of our local communities and residents of Maldon District. We need to ensure that the change happens with minimal disruption and that the Maldon District benefits from the reorganisation.”

More information at https://www.essexlgrhub.org/stronger-greater-essex. 🔎

10/03/2026

We're pleased to announce the official launch of a new Banking Hub, operated by Cash Access UK, which opened to the public on Wednesday 4 March 2026. 🥳

The hub provides a much‑needed banking facility for Maldon and the surrounding area, following the closure of several high street branches in the town centre over recent years. By bringing essential banking services together in one location under one roof, the hub will ensure residents and businesses can continue to access the facilities and support they need locally. ℹ️

The hub is staffed by Heybridge General Store & Post Office and will be open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, and residents can use the hub regardless of who they bank with, and access a full range of everyday services, including:

▶️ Paying in cash (notes and coins) and cheques. 💷

▶️ Withdrawing cash (notes and coins). 🪙

▶️ Checking account balances. 🔎

▶️ Paying utility bills. 🛁

▶️ Topping up gas and electricity. 💡

Alongside the counter service, the hub also offers a Community Banker Service, providing residents with face‑to‑face support and personal banking advice in a dedicated private space. 🗣️

Different banks will be represented throughout the week, including Lloyds Bank, Santander, NatWest, Barclays, and Halifax. This will give customers the opportunity to discuss account‑specific queries directly with their bank on a rotational basis. 🏦

Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of the Council, said: “The banking hub is great news for the district. We’ve worked closely with Cash Access UK to bring these services into the heart of our community, especially after seeing so many local banks close. We have created a true community hub at the Council Offices — with the Banking Hub, Citizens Advice Bureau, Maldon & District CVS, NHS and Police all under one roof. It’s a prime example of how we’re supporting residents and businesses with essential services, advice and practical help. Having a place where people can talk to their bank, pay in cash, or get support face‑to‑face really matters. It’s about making life easier and keeping vital services local.” 💬

Residents are encouraged to visit https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/maldon-essex or call 01621 730494 for more information about the Maldon Banking Hub and the services available, or to speak to the Banking Hub team in person at the Council Offices.

11/10/2025

We're pleased to announce that our One Maldon District partner, Maldon and District CVS, will be managing the community use of the amphitheatre in Maldon Promenade Park. 🥳

From this autumn, individuals and community groups will be able to book the amphitheatre for performances, shows, small events and other activities. Maldon & District CVS will be responsible for managing bookings and helping to make the space more accessible for local use. 🧑‍🎤💃🎸

A public booking system is now open at https://maldoncvs.org.uk/amphitheatre-community-bookings, allowing anyone who wants to perform or use the space for activities, to reserve the amphitheatre.

🗣️ Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of the Council, said: “This is a brilliant step forward. The amphitheatre is a fantastic space, and I’m really pleased we’re making its use easier for local people and groups. Working with Maldon & District CVS means we can support more community-led events, which the public will be able to enjoy free of charge.

💬 Sarah Troop, Director of Maldon & District CVS, added: “We’re excited to help open up the amphitheatre to the community. It’s a great venue and we want to make sure it’s used and enjoyed by as many people as possible. There are so many great possibilities for activities to raise awareness of our community groups and the work they do.”

For updates and booking information, follow Maldon & District CVS and Maldon Promenade Park on social media.

06/10/2025

🌟 Living Well This Winter – Community in a Cup 🌟

☕ Come and join us for a friendly chat over a cuppa and discover the support available in your local community! Our “Living Well This Winter” events are a great chance to meet local services, get advice on health and wellbeing, swap slippers, find energy support, and take part in community activities. 👋

🗓️ Event Dates & Venues:

📅 Thursday 16th October, 12pm – 4pm
📌 Southminster URC (The Hive), North Street, Southminster, Essex CM0 7DF

📅 Thursday 20th November, 12pm – 4pm
📌 Burnham URC, Station Road, Burnham-On-Crouch, CM0 8HF

📅 Tuesday 25th November, 10am – 12pm
📌 Maldon URC, Market Hill, Maldon, CM9 4PZ

No need to book – just turn up on the day! 🙋‍♂️

A free soup lunch will be provided at all events. 🥣

Social Supermarket available at selected venues. 🛒

Let’s stay healthy, connected, and supported this winter. See you there! ☕🍲

06/10/2025

A12 southbound between junctions 24 and 23 – essential resurfacing



I’m writing to tell you that we plan to carry out essential resurfacing on the A12 southbound between junctions 24 and 23. Once complete, drivers will benefit from a safer, smoother and better-defined road surface.

We plan to complete this work overnight on Monday 13 October 2025. We will work between 10pm and 5am, weather permitting.

30/09/2025

Important roadworks information

A12 northbound between junction 22 and 24 – essential resurfacing



I’m writing to tell you that we plan to carry out essential resurfacing on the A12 northbound between junction 22 and junction 24. Once complete, drivers will benefit from a safer, smoother and better-defined road surface.



We plan to complete this work overnight on Thursday 9 October 2025, between 9pm and 5am, weather permitting.

29/09/2025

Maldon District residents are being invited to take part in our annual survey at www.maldon.gov.uk/residentsurvey to be in with a chance to win one of two £50 vouchers. 💷

We want to hear what really matters to residents in the District. Getting this feedback helps us to prioritise and make plans for the future. 🔎

🗣️ Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of the Council, said; “Residents giving us feedback helps the Council to plan for the future and helps us establish our focus. We really want everyone to join the discussion and give us your views.

“We continue to work to make the Maldon District the best it can be and delivering for the people of the District. Over just the last few months, we’ve completed work on the Amphitheatre in Promenade Park, the Skatepark in Riverside Park, delivered the fantastic UFest event, a Family Activities Day in Burnham, free cinema screenings, launched the Prom Park Management Plan and the ‘Where Quality of Life Matters Fund’. These are just some of the things that the Council has delivered.

“We want to continue to deliver and therefore it is really important that we know what you want and also what concerns you about the District, we can then know where to target our efforts. Quite simply, knowing what is important to our community is the best way for us to plan for the future.

“Please take a few moments to let us know what you think about the Council, and our beautiful and unique District, and as a thank you for your time in doing so you have the chance of winning a £50 voucher.”

The survey is open between 29 September and 23 November and can be completed by going to www.maldon.gov.uk/residentsurvey

Paper copies can be requested by calling 01621 854477 or visiting our offices in Princes Road (Maldon) between 10am and 4pm.

27/09/2025

26/09/2025

We are one of 10 councils in Essex backing a proposal for 5 new unitary councils. Different proposals for 3,4 and 5 councils are all to be considered by government as part of Local Government Reorganisation.

Ten Council Leaders in Essex, have demonstrated their firm and joint, public support for the creation of five new unitary authorities across Greater Essex to replace the current 15 councils.

🗺️ This model is locally rooted, preserving community identity, and service delivery.

👨‍⚖️ Has been developed with strong support from a number of MPs.

🙋‍♂️ This is the only proposal with support of from all the political parties that lead Councils across Essex.

🔎 Public consultation shows the majority prefer the status quo, but when change is considered, five councils is the best fit.

💷 According to audited figures, the five unitary authorities saves over £100m per year, compared to just £25m for three unitary authorities.

✉️ In a joint open letter, all ten Leaders state that ‘The people of Essex deserve councils that are local, accountable, and responsive.’ They also go on to state that ‘Reorganisation should promote growth by respecting the geography of this hugely diverse county and by bringing government closer to residents, not further away.’

💬 Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council, said; “A lot of work has gone into preparing the LGR proposal to government. Evidence shows that 5 is the best fit for Greater Essex and I’m pleased that we are backing this model. We must ensure that we do not lose sight of providing good value services to residents and form new unitary councils that are able to respond to the needs of our communities. Massive councils will never be right for Essex. Let’s hope government agrees with the majority of councils in Essex and takes the 5-council option forward.”

🗣️ Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council and Chair of the 5UA group of councils, said: “Since the Devolution White Paper made it clear that Essex must reorganise, I have advocated for keeping local government local. This is the only credible way forward for Essex and I’m glad to see a majority of councils and a number of MPs are showing their support for this.

“The five councils will help protect local services against a small number of mega councils, while delivering real public sector reform, and delivers more savings than the alternatives.”

🗨️ Cllr Stephen Robinson, Deputy Chair of the five council group and Leader of Chelmsford City Council said: “From our consultation, it’s really clear that people are worried about local government becoming less local. Streamlining Greater Essex into five unitary authorities, as opposed to creating bigger and unwieldy councils, is the best option on the table. It ensures that we can make the savings that are needed but also keep our local identities and ensure everyone is represented democratically.

“Many people are concerned about the costs and disruption from reorganisation. We have made clear in this joint letter, that not only do the majority of Essex councils support this proposal but we will all work together across Greater Essex, whatever the final outcome from Government.”

Find out more at https://www.essexlgrhub.org/stronger-greater-essex 🔗

26/09/2025

25/09/2025

We are pleased to announce that a major project to upgrade the play area at West Maldon Community Centre will begin at the end of September. 👷‍♀️

The existing play area will be removed and replaced with a brand-new facility featuring state-of-the-art equipment, modern safety surfaces, and inclusive accessibility features designed to cater for a wider range of users. 🧒👩‍🦽🤸

The new space will be named the "Flo's Place Play Area", in memory of District Councillor Flo Shaughnessy, who sadly passed earlier this year. Flo was a dedicated local councillor for the West Maldon area and a passionate advocate for community wellbeing. ℹ️

The works will take place between 29 September and 24 October, and are being delivered in partnership with KOMPAN, who have previously completed successful play area projects in Promenade Park and Riverside Park. 📅

💬 Speaking about the project, Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of the Council, said: “We’re excited to be delivering this fantastic new play area for West Maldon. Naming it Flo’s Place is a fitting tribute to Cllr Flo Shaughnessy, who worked tirelessly for her community and always put people first. This is a project that was close to her heart, and she was passionate about its delivery, the play area is something we know she would have had immense pride in its contribution to the community. It’s going to be a safe, fun and inclusive space for children and families to enjoy for years to come.”

We will share further updates as the works progress and look forward to welcoming residents to enjoy the new play area once completed. 📣