Saffron Walden makes it a double celebration
Published: 12:50 PM May 23, 2009 Updated: 6:41 PM November 1, 2020
A DOUBLE celebration was held in Market Square, Saffron Walden today (Saturday). Town mayor, Cllr Doug Perry, addressed onlookers to welcome the market returning to the Square, before cutting the ribbon to formally open the Tourist Information Centre. Saf
A DOUBLE celebration was held in Market Square, Saffron Walden today (Saturday).
Town mayor, Cllr Doug Perry, addressed onlookers to welcome the market returning to the Square, before cutting the ribbon to formally open the Tourist Information Centre.
Saffron Walden Town Band also played in the square as part of the celebrations.
It was Cllr Perry's second official duty -and only his first speaking occasion - since he became mayor last week.
He said it was a "proud day for me and for the town".
"I see the Market Square as the heart of Saffron Walden and the TIC as the gateway," he added. "The Square in particular was looking dreary but it is fantastic accomplishment that it is looking so nice.
"We may be in a recession but this shows, as a town, we are going forward and that things will get better."
The improvement works to the Market Square - which cost an estimated �170,000 - began on March 1 and were completed last month ahead of schedule.
The project was met with derision from market traders, shops and businesses concerned that the footfall from the works would leave them out of pocket. However, Cllr Perry defended the project, saying the outcome "speaks for itself".
"For those people who doubted, I think all they need do is look at it," he said. "This was the right project in the right place at the right time."
The TIC - which became a Saffron Walden Town Council-run service after Uttlesford District Council approved plans to transfer control of the operation - was reopened on April 9 after nearly three months of being temporarily run from the town hall.
The building work, which saw most of the interior ripped out and replaced, was completed close to the budget of almost �50,000.
Meanwhile, the TIC has announced that it is acting as a box office for the 2009 season of picnic concerts held at Audley End House.
The programme includes performances from Katherine Jenkins, Will Young and Russell Watson. For a full programme visit www.picnicconcerts.com
A 10 per cent group discount is available on purchases of 10 tickets or more.