Burnham-on-Crouch Town Council has voted to approve an initial proposal to convene a health and wellbeing working group which would develop a wellbeing plan for residents.

The proposal was brought forward by Councillor Mary-Ann Munford on Tuesday evening (20 July). She said: "It's about encouraging people to be positive about their mental and physical health."

She added: "We want to be a well town [...] and a happy town."

She said that it seems like a good time to create the group as the county and district are strongly promoting health and wellbeing.

The group would research what health and wellbeing support is already in place in Burnham, identify the gaps and plan how to target them.

Councillor Munford worked in health before recently retiring, after a long career in clinical and managerial work in the NHS.

She said: "If people are content and their wellbeing is served, their health is better."

She added that she wants to "build our resilience as a town".

Councillor Bob Calver said: "For this to have any effect, it probably needs a budget behind it."

Agreeing, Councillor Munford said that she would now scope the work and budget needed and bring an initial report to the town council.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Vanessa Bell, who is also the town mayor, and unanimously approved by the council members.

The proposal now moves onto its next stage, in which the council will vote on the initial report drawn up by Councillor Munford in a future meeting.