Empowering our Community

So what does the Chantry Community Association (CCA) actually do?

Over 50 years ago, the Chantry Community Association (CCA) was formed with three main

objectives:

1. To represent the interests of its members

2. To present residents’ views to the appropriate authorities on matters affecting the

general welfare of the community

3. To preserve, maintain and improve local amenities

These objectives remain the same today. But how does the CCA achieve them, and what does

it actually do?

With over 1,600 households in the CCA area, one of our key roles is keeping residents

informed about developments affecting the community. Traditionally this has been done

through twice-yearly newsletters delivered to every household. More recently,

communication has been expanded through our Facebook page and website.

The committee meets every two months to discuss local developments and determine how

best to respond on behalf of residents. We also work to ensure households have ways to raise

concerns or suggestions, including contacting the relevant local authorities and advocating for

residents when issues arise.

Recent activities have included:

 Supporting the installation of new road crossings (for example on Rye Street)

 Helping update street and parking signage

 Promoting the Herts Connected initiative

 Advising residents about Stansted Airport set-down changes

 Challenging issues such as parking on pavements

An ongoing priority is to monitor planning applications within the area, particularly those that

may have a detrimental impact on the neighbourhood.

Each year we also hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM). This provides an opportunity for

residents to meet one another and to ask questions directly to local councillors from the

Town, District and County councils.

In addition, we now offer local businesses the opportunity to promote their services through

our communication channels.

The CCA encourages voluntary donations, currently suggested at £3 per year, to support its

work. These funds help cover the costs of newsletters, AGM meetings, insurance, and our

contribution to the Stortford Civic Federation. This Federation works to improve the town’s

environment, open spaces and overall quality of enjoyment of these spaces for residents. It

acts as a focal point for the town’s community and residents’ associations when responding to

development opportunities and pressures. Anthea Wyatt represents the CCA as a Trustee of

this Federation and attends its meetings on behalf of our Chantry Community Association.

So the CCA is doing a considerable amount for our residents and we know that, especially for

the older generations and those without access online, it continues to help maintain our

community spirit and connections.

Richard Barrett