👇 Here are the latest updates and key decisions 👇
🛍️ Markets & Town Centre
Plans are moving forward to strengthen Wickford Market and the surrounding area:
• Improvement works planned for fencing and gates at the Market area and Woodlands Road car park
• Funding approved for the redevelopment of The Square in Market Lane/Woodlands Road
• Market dates confirmed for early 2026 including Midwinter, Mother’s Day, Easter and the Spring relaunch
🏗️ Planning & Infrastructure
The Council continues to actively review planning applications to protect Wickford’s character:
• Objections raised to inappropriate Green Belt development and High Street overdevelopment
• Neighbourhood Plan progressing to the next stage — consultation documents will be delivered to every household later this year
• Ongoing work with partners on parking, traffic management, bus routing and High Street improvements
• Community Speedwatch publicity will restart in spring
• The Blue Plaque Scheme continues to move forward — unveiling coming soon
🏢 Community Projects
The council have agreed to work together with The Wickford Carnival, both financially and collaboratively
🛡️ Community Safety
- Community Safety Officers (Street Wardens) have now been granted additional targeted enforcement powers under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme and will also be able to enforce Borough PSPO rules — strengthening local prevention and reassurance work
- A new Wickford Town Centre Task Group has also been launched, bringing agencies together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour through joint action
💷 Finance & Grants
• Funding agreed to support local activities including the 2026 Wickford Carnival
• Financial controls, reserves and budgets reviewed to ensure responsible management
📣 Communications
A new Town Council newsletter will be produced twice yearly, with the first edition planned for March/April, including council updates, events and Neighbourhood Plan information.
🛍️ Upcoming Events
🌻Mother’s Day & Springtime Market — Saturday 14 March, 9am–3:30pm
🐰Easter Market — Saturday 28 March, 9am-3.30pm
📅 Upcoming Meetings – Committee meetings take place at the Town Council Office. Meetings of Council take place at The Wick Community Centre. All meetings start at 7pm unless otherwise stated. Agendas and full meeting details can be found on our website www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
February
Planning & Infrastructure – Monday 2 February
Environment & Leisure – Monday 23 February
March
Planning & Infrastructure Committee – Monday 2 March
Finance & Resources Committee – Monday 9 March
Personnel Committee – Monday 16 March
Meeting of Council – Monday 30 March