Annual Council 2010

Published on 26 May 2010

Epping Forest District Council has elected Councillor Anne Grigg as its new Chairman. The Council also welcomed twenty new and returning councillors to its first full meeting on 25 May following the local District Council Elections.

Outgoing Chairman, Councillor Penny Smith reflected on her year. Among the highlights  was the North Weald Community Weekend at which veterans from Norway joined local residents for three days of memories and celebrations. She expressed her appreciation for the support of the Council Chief Executive, Peter Haywood and his staff before thanking councillors for their support over the previous 12 months.

Councillor Di Collins, Leader of Council congratulated Councillor Smith and thanked her for all her efforts as Chairman over the previous year. Councillor Caroline Pond, Leader of Loughton Residents Association spoke of the calm, efficient and carefully planned manner in which Mrs Smith conducted the role. Councillor Jon Whitehouse, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group spoke of the enthusiasm and smile with which Mrs Smith fulfilled her role.

Mrs Smith reported that £4,000 from her charity fundraising would be donated to the Alzheimers Society.  

Councillor David Stallan nominated Councillor Anne Grigg as the new Chairman of Epping Forest District Council. Councillor Grigg was first elected to the Council in 1998. She has held many senior positions including portfolio holder for Planning and Economic Development. She has also served with distinction on North Weald Bassett Parish Council in positions ranging from clerk to chairman.

Councillor Di Collins seconded the nomination and Councillor Grigg was appointed to the unanimous approval of councillors. Councillor Grigg then paid warm tribute to Mrs Smith for her work on behalf of the Council.

To the approval of all members, Councillor Mrs Grigg invited Councillor Caroline Pond to nominate Councillor Ken Angold-Stephens for Vice-Chairman.

Cancer Research UK will benefit as one of Councillor Griggs Chairman’s Charities. She will also support St Clare Hospice at Hastingwood, Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs at Chigwell and the Essex Air Ambulance as her good causes for the year.

Mrs Grigg will take part in the Race for Life at North Weald later in the year. She also asked councillors to sponsor the Council’s Director of Environment and Street Scene, John Gilbert who will be raising money on behalf of the Chairman’s Charity as he sails cross the Bay of Biscay to Spain next month.

Councillor Di Collins was re-elected as Council Leader and Chairman of a new Cabinet increased from eight to nine portfolios. Councillors Lesley Wagland and Penny Smith join the Cabinet for the first time as colleagues of Councillors Chris Whitbread, Brian Rolfe, Syd Stavrou, Richard Bassett, Mary Sartin, and David Stallan.

Councillor Richard Morgan was re-elected Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Brian Sandler will continue to Chair meetings of the District Development Control Committee.

Tributes were also made to former councillors who did not return to the Council Chamber after the elections. Particular warmth was reserved for Ann Haigh a former chairman of the Council who lost her seat after 14 years representing the residents of Buckhurst Hill. Mrs Haigh was applauded by all side of the Chamber as the Chairman presented a medal in recognition of her service.

Full details of the all the Cabinet and Committee appointments will be made available on the Council’s website at www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk

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