Improvements to service in Braintree between 2004 and 2008 were outlined at a public meeting.

Braintree Council's direction and ambition priorities for the next four years were explained at the second annual Partners and Communities Together (Pact) meeting at Causeway House on Monday night.

David Finch (Con, Hatfield Peverel), leader of the council, said: "The council aims to create a cleaner and greener district, help people to feel safe and well, create a better place to live, work and play and improve performance and deliver better value."

These aims include providing more attractive and cleaner streets, maximising the supply of affordable housing in the district, improving transport in rural areas and to make the council's services and decisions open and accessible, so that local residents can understand the way the council works and are to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

Members of the public of all ages filled the council chamber at Causeway House, including a selection of pupils from The Alec Hunter High School.

The meeting provided people with the chance to voice their concerns about the community to the Partners the council, Witham, Braintree and Halstead Care Trust and Braintree police.

Key areas of concern included litter and vandalism which were detailed in the council's ambitions.

Published Wednesday November 26, 2003

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