Updated Tuesday 8th April 2003
Annual Town Meeting

Hertford Town Council held it's Annual Meeting at The Corn Exchange in Fore Street on Monday 7th April.

Members of the public heard reports from various committees on their progress during the year and plans for the future.

Dianne Desmulie spoke about the authority's ambitions to become one of the first Accredited Quality Councils, taking over control of the market, street cleaning, playgrounds, parking and other devolved powers from the local authority.

Chair of the Finance and Administration Committee, John Lansman, told the meeting that the Town Council's part of the local Council Tax was to increase by only 2.9% in the forthcoming financial year.

A 700 signature petition was presented to The Mayor in support of a farmers market in the town, where local produce could be sold.

The Mayor also handed out a number of grants to local organisations, including the University Of The Third Age, Hertford Horticultural Society and The Citizens Advice Bureau.

There was also a presentation by guest speaker Heather Day of Hertford's Citizens' Advice Bureau.

The Town Council's responsibilities include CCTV, tourist information, the museum, cemeteries and allotments.

There are four wards in the town, each with four councillors. The Labour party have 16 councillors, whilst 2 are Liberal Democrats and one Conservative. The next election of councillors is in May this year.

The council's mission statement is "To ensure the provision of good quality community services that people value, and to promote the social, economic and environmental well-being of Hertford".