East Northamptonshire Council’s chains of office will be returned to Rushden and preserved as part of the town’s civic history when the council is abolished in at the end of March.
Members of East Northamptonshire Council (ENC) met virtually on Monday 25 January for a leader’s update, to receive committee meeting minutes and reports for the past few months, and to discuss what will happen to ENC’s chains of office after 31 March 2021.
ENC will cease to exist at the end of March and the new North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) will come into existence on 1 April 2021. Current ENC Councillors discussed the issue and agreed to return the chains to Rushden to be retained as part of the town’s civic history.
The three chains are currently used by ENC’s Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Chairman’s Consort and were inherited from the former Rushden Urban District Council.
During the discussion, Cllr Helen Howell, Chair of East Northamptonshire, explained funds are available for refurbishing the chains to ensure that they are preserved and protected for many more years. Councillors discussed and agreed that all three chains are historic artefacts and should be restored and placed on display at Rushden Town Council with a plaque to note all of the past chairmen of East Northamptonshire Council.
Cllr Steven North, Leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said: “This was an important discussion in the civic side of ENC as we head towards 1 April 2021 and it is great to know that ENC’s chains of office will be going to a good home.
“Work continues on all aspects of the winding down of ENC, with everyone working hard to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for residents. Officers and councillors are also finalising plans for the final, civic Full Council which will take place at the end of March and be the perfect sign off for East Northamptonshire Council.”
All ENC Councillors will meet for the final, civic Full Council on Monday 22 March before the Council is abolished on 31 March.