Now that we are happily emerging from a very trying and difficult year I feel it appropriate to thank and congratulate the front-line staff at Braintree District Council.

The several hundred mainly outdoor workers who have valiantly persevered over the past 12 months to ensure that our bins and recycling are always collected, and that our pavements and outdoor spaces are kept as clean as possible, to mention just a few of the tasks undertaken during rain, shine, or pandemic.

This is not to overlook the office and other BDC staff, who have also maintained a remarkable level of service to the community during the pandemic, it can easily be forgotten that there are so many dedicated people involved in the day to day running of our local authority, a well-run Conservative Council ensuring consistently excellent service for its 160,000 residents in good times, and in more trying times.

Councillor Richard van Dulken
Church Lane, Castle Hedingham