Maldon Town Council

28/05/2026

Maldon Town Council is delighted to announce that Councillor James Burrell-Cook has been elected as Town Mayor for the Civic Year 2026–27 following the Annual Meeting of the Town Council held on Tuesday 26 May 2026.

Cllr Burrell-Cook, who represents North Ward and previously served as Deputy Mayor, succeeds outgoing Town Mayor Cllr John Driver. His husband, Paul Burrell-Cook, will serve as Consort during the mayoral year.

We are also pleased to announce that Councillor Carlie Mayes has been appointed Deputy Town Mayor, with her husband Glenn Mayes DL serving as Consort.

During the ceremony, the new Mayor signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and received the mayoral regalia from the outgoing Mayor.

In his acceptance speech, Cllr Burrell-Cook said:
“My priority is serving the people of Maldon. With its rich heritage and distinctive character, it is a privilege I am immensely proud to undertake.”

The Mayor’s chosen charities for 2026–27 are Farleigh Hospice and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are available to attend community events throughout the civic year. To enquire about attendance, please contact the Mayor’s Secretary on 01621 857373 or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

23/05/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

Statement from Maldon Town Council Regarding Recent Police Action

Maldon Town Council is aware of an ongoing investigation being led by Essex Police into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, r**e and other sexual offences. We recognise the gravity of these allegations and the profound concern they cause within our community.

Among those charged and currently held on remand is Town Councillor Richard Howard-Smith. Cllr Howard-Smith voluntarily stepped aside from his official duties at the outset of this investigation. Moving forward, his position will remain under continuous review, strictly guided by relevant legislation and advice from the appropriate authorities.

The Council urges those with any information regarding the case to contact Essex Police via their incident room, which you can call on 0800 051 4526.

Cllr John Driver, Town Mayor said "The allegations reported are deeply disturbing, and our thoughts are first and foremost with the victims. As a Council, our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of our residents. We have full confidence in the police to conduct a thorough investigation, and we urge the public to allow the investigation to take its course."

In relation to Council business, the Code of Conduct for Members and Standing Orders apply to ensure that the integrity of the Council’s decision-making processes remains uncompromised.

Maldon Town Council keeps its safeguarding policy and procedures under review, to ensure the safety of children, young people and adults at risk of abuse. The Council would also expect those organisations it engages with to have appropriate policies and procedures in place.

Full details of the investigation can be found on the News pages of the Essex Police website: https://www.essex.police.uk/news/essex/news/news/2026/may/two-arrested-and-properties-searched--as-sexual-offences-investigation-launched/

22/05/2026

An Amber Heat Health alert is in place for our region, currently in effect from 22 May 2026 at 02:00pm to 27 May 2026 at 05:00pm.

keep an eye on the Met Office website for local forecasts and visit their website for ideas on how to be this Bank Holiday weekend: http://bit.ly/4v5rR3P

🟠⚠ Amber heat-health alerts have been issued to the health systems across central England until Wednesday 27 May, with yellow alerts covering the rest of the country.
While hot weather may be welcome for some, it can still have a serious impact on people’s health and wellbeing. Early warnings help those in health and social care, as well as anyone supporting more vulnerable individuals, such as older adults and young children, to prepare and take appropriate action.
You can check the latest alerts and guidance through the early warning system here:
🔗 https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/heat

21/05/2026

Don't forget LocaL History Week next week! See details below.

Don't forget Local History Week next week!

Maldon’s local heritage venues, organisations, and volunteers are coming together to celebrate Local History Week from 25–31 May, with a variety of events and activities to suit all interests.

The week-long programme showcases the town’s rich history and community spirit, with events taking place across Maldon.
See the attached poster for the full calendar of events organised by the Maldon Heritage Group.

Please see poster below for more information.

The Visit Maldon District website link to further information is https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fvisitmaldondistrict.co.uk%2f2026%2f05%2f11%2flocal-history-week-2%2f&c=E,1,FTa9SQWbJuQKEtPb0pIG5fT-K8mpBEe-SPG23k9kW7e_iRGLDQhfe38Y-6z9x-dTTwaHwLkWjoGmmd8c2pYptUMPYwRTkc4Eoe4wKopCiA1auGTsYLsBuQ,,&typo=1&ancr_add=1

Please contact the organisation directly for any further details.

21/05/2026

🎉 Reminder regarding Maldon Town Council’s Mayor Making Ceremony 🎉
Residents of Maldon are warmly invited to attend the annual Mayor Making ceremony on Tuesday 26 May at 7.30pm in the Town Hall.
This special civic event marks the appointment of the new Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor for 2026–27 and forms part of the Annual Meeting of Maldon Town Council.
Those attending will witness the ceremonial exchange of the Mayor’s robes, Badge of Office, Civic Regalia and Coins of the Town — a proud tradition that reflects Maldon’s rich history and civic heritage.
The evening will also celebrate the service of the retiring Mayor and Mayoress, with presentations made in recognition of their contribution to the community.
With Maldon’s Borough Charter dating back to 1171, Mayor Making remains one of the town’s most historic and meaningful traditions, connecting past and present generations.
📍 Maldon Town Hall
📅 Tuesday 26 May
🕢 7.30pm
Find out a link to the Order of Ceremony for Mayor Making:
https://www.maldontowncouncil.gov.uk/the-council/meeting-calendar/meeting-information/?meetings_view=single&meeting_id=1964

21/05/2026

Maldon District Council is asking for views on the future of Maldon Museum in the Park and a possible new Arts & Culture Centre at Promenade Park. The survey will inform a report to councillors in July.

Goal: keep the Museum a strong community asset by updating it for long-term sustainability.
Idea under review: a flexible Arts & Culture Centre for exhibitions, workshops, performances, talks and community displays (early cost estimate £2–3m).
No decisions made yet — they want broad feedback from residents, visitors and stakeholders.
Take part via the survey link in the comments to help shape Maldon’s cultural future. Town

We have launched a public survey to gather views on the future of the Maldon Museum in the Park and the potential development of an Arts and Culture Centre at Maldon Promenade Park. 📝

The survey gives residents, visitors and stakeholders the opportunity to share their views on how the Museum can remain a valued community asset while responding to changing needs and improving its long-term sustainability. Feedback will help inform a report to be presented to councillors in July. 🔎

The Museum is an important part of the district’s heritage, but it requires investment and updating to increase its relevance and appeal to visitors. 👪

Additionally, as part of our wider consideration of options for the site, we are also exploring whether an Arts and Culture Centre could provide a flexible space for; exhibitions, workshops, performances, public talks and community-led displays, complementing the Museum’s core offer. 🎨

Current early cost estimates for an Arts and Culture Centre are in the region of £2 million to £3 million dependent on detailed requirements. No decision has been made, and the Council is keen to hear a broad range of views before any recommendations are submitted to councillors and are finalised. 🗨

Cllr Simon Morgan, Leader of the Council, said; "I would encourage everyone to take part in the survey and help shape the future of culture and heritage provision in Maldon District. The Council welcomes feedback from all those with an interest in the Museum, Promenade Park and the wider cultural life of the district."

“By taking part, residents and visitors can ensure their views are considered as the Council develops its proposals and prepares its report for July.”

See the comment below for details of how to take part in the survey. 👇

11/05/2026

📢Notice of vacancy for Maldon Town Council-North Ward 📢

Notice is hereby given that due to the resignation of Councillor Michael Pearlman, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Town Council.

If by 1 June 2026 (14 days excluding Dies Non, after the date of this notice) a request for an election to fill said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer at the address below by TEN electors for the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

Requests for a by-election regarding this casual vacancy must be sent to:

Doug Wilkinson
Returning Officer
Maldon District Council
Princes Road
Maldon
CM9 5DL

And can be emailed to [email protected]
Dated 11 May 2026
Doug Wilkinson
Returning Officer

11/05/2026

🎉 You’re Invited to Maldon Town Council’s Mayor Making Ceremony 🎉

Residents of Maldon are warmly invited to attend the annual Mayor Making ceremony on Tuesday 26 May at 7.30pm in the Town Hall.

This special civic event marks the appointment of the new Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor for 2026–27 and forms part of the Annual Meeting of Maldon Town Council.

Those attending will witness the ceremonial exchange of the Mayor’s robes, Badge of Office, Civic Regalia and Coins of the Town — a proud tradition that reflects Maldon’s rich history and civic heritage.

The evening will also celebrate the service of the retiring Mayor and Mayoress, with presentations made in recognition of their contribution to the community.

With Maldon’s Borough Charter dating back to 1171, Mayor Making remains one of the town’s most historic and meaningful traditions, connecting past and present generations.

📍 Maldon Town Hall
📅 Tuesday 26 May
🕢 7.30pm

Find out more about the role of the Town Mayor here:
www.maldontowncouncil.gov.uk/town-mayor

08/05/2026

📰 ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS FOR DIVISIONS COVERING MALDON TOWN:

👉 Maldon Rural South
ELECTED - Justin Jay (Reform UK: 2699 votes / 42.64%)
Jane Lisa Fleming (Conservative Party 1761 votes / 27.82%)
Linda Joan Haywood (Independent: 855 votes / 13.51%)
Richard Jonathan George (Green Party 352 votes / 5.56%)
James Eley (Liberal Democrats: (302 votes / 4.77%)
Mark Geoffrey Bassenger (Independent 200 votes / 3.16%)
Felix Preston (Labour Party: 161 votes / 2.54%)
➡ Turnout: 47.89%
---
👉 Maldon Town and Heybridge
ELECTED - Samuel Cousins (Reform UK: 2083 votes / 33.02%)
James Burrell-Cook (Conservative Party: 1644 votes / 26.06%)
John Driver (Liberal Democrats: 1513 votes / 23.98%)
James Reece-Ford (Green Party: 479 votes / 7.59%)
Kevin Lagan (Independent: 411 votes / 6.51%)
Stephen Capper (Labour Party 179 votes / 2.84%)
➡ Turnout: 44.95%

See Maldon District Council's page for results across the District, and Essex County Council's pages for the full picture.

01/05/2026

A reminder from Maldon District Council to remember your ID when you vote in the upcoming Essex County Council elections on 7th May.

If you would like to find out more about the candidates for your Division, take a look on Essex County Council's dedicated elections webpage: https://cmis.essex.gov.uk/essexcmis5/Elections/tabid/63/ctl/ViewWards/mid/386/ID/31/Default.aspx