March Town Council clerk Sarah Lemmon acknowledges councillors' hard work over the last year

To mark the end of the second year in office of a current cohort, a clerk has recapped some of the events that have taken place.

During Monday evening’s March Town Council meeting, Sarah Lemmon expressed the busy year councillors have had, working hard for and on behalf of the community.

Over the year, the council has supported many events and organisations, including the March and District Museum, the Street Pride Group, and Christmas Lights, which last year saw another “excellent display of lights thanks to the continuing efforts of all the volunteers and fundraising”, Ms Lemmon said.

The council has also supported March St George's Fayre and Christmas markets, and band concerts on West End Park during July and August.

Ms Lemmon talked about the regeneration of Broad Street that began in January 2023 and was largely completed last Autumn.

She said the major transformation, to revitalise the heart of March town centre, was the final step in a programme of interrelated schemes by different partners, which attracted a total investment into the town of £12.6million.

The fountain was warmly welcomed back to Broad Street in its new location adjacent to Malletts Jewellers. Meanwhile, construction of the new toilet facilities – including modernised disabled toilets and family changing facilities – is under way and will be delivered later this year.

She said: “The town looks fantastic and the roundabout has vastly improved traffic flow. Further improvements will take shape this year, funded by the project's underspend.

During the meeting, she also mentioned the town's celebrations for D-Day on June 6. She said: “Thank you to Lt Col Nigel Spencer MBE for organising the event and beacon lighting in West End Park.”

The council has also seen an increase in people wanting allotment places.

Ms Lemmon said since relinquishing some of its allotment sites in October 2004, the remainder are now fully occupied, and a waiting list of 54 exists. The waiting list reached an all-time high in February with 63 on the list.

She expressed her gratitude for the team, saying: “The past year has again been extremely successful with all councillors, and the various political groups, working constructively together for the benefit of the town. I wish you all the very best going forward.”