Witham beauty spots could become the jewel in the town's crown after it was agreed to manage them on a more local level.

Improvements will now be brought in at Whetmead Nature Reserve and River Walk after it was agreed Witham Town Council should be in charge of managing them.

Braintree Council agreed to hand over the running of the beauty spots to the town council in the hope increased local management would allow a better balance between public needs and provision of a wildlife habitat.

Witham Town Council leader, Paul Heath, said: "We want to restore Whetmead and the River Walk to their former glory and the dreams people have for it - more picnic benches, more dustbins, making it look better. It could be the jewel in the crown for Witham."

The town council intends to employ a park warden to look after River Walk, Whetmead and James Cooke Wood, walking the route each day so any problems can be quickly identified and dealt with.

"We will probably set up an environmental committee and have people from Witham and Countryside Association and Witham in Bloom in to help. We want a partnership that works". he said.

Braintree Council hopes by transferring control to the town, the River Walk and Whetmead projects will attract more funding support grants.

But Braintree Council will continue funding the sites for the next four years to ensure a smooth transition.

Published Thursday November 7, 2002

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