Council Chairman bows out

DISTRICT council chairman Ann Haigh bowed out after her year in office by revealing that her three chosen causes would be sharing over £17,000.

Mrs Haigh praised the district's young people, who she had seen receive arts and sport bursaries and Jack Petchey Foundation awards, and also thanked council staff and councillor colleagues for their support during her year.

Council leader Di Colliins told the annual council meeting that Mrs Haigh had been an "outstanding" chairman.

Her fundraising efforts will benefit the Essex Ambulance Service First Responders, AIM (Action in Mental Health) and Home-Start Epping Forest.

Loughton Residents Association councillor Caroline Pond was elected the new chairman with Chigwell Independent councillor John Knapman elected vice-chairman.

Mrs Pond has chosen the St Margaret's Hospital and Community League of Friends as her charity for the year.