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
