In his latest regular column, Maldon District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Heard, looks at what civic pride is and why it's so important.

"What is civic pride? Is it saying you are proud to live in Maldon or Burnham, Totham or Southminster or wherever you may live? Have you ever been irritated by someone criticizing your town or village? Well, if you have – you've already got it!

"Civic pride brings a community together and makes us feel good about where we live. It is often championed by councils as a key value to defend local identity and maintain autonomy - to enhance the overall branding of the area, preserve an historic past and plan responsibly.

"A well-designed district generally fosters community and neighbourhood development and over the past year, Covid has brought forward a need to restore and highlight civic pride as a top priority in our community.

"We need to remind ourselves, WHY Maldon district is such an amazing place to be a part of and how each and every one of us can be an ambassador for our towns and villages.

"Civic pride means different things to different people. It could be as simple as keeping your front garden neat and tidy, maybe volunteering for a local organisation or trying to shop mainly within the district. It could even be helping someone in need. It is about appreciating your existing community and feeling a need to improve it.

"Ultimately though, it's people who are at the heart of a vibrant community, so encouraging people (particularly young people) to take civic pride in our towns and villages is essential for achieving the quality of life sought by residents and the creation and maintenance of a healthy district.

"When individuals feel a strong sense of civic pride, amazing things happen. They feel driven to act to improve or support the wellbeing of the community. Those who see that are often compelled to follow suit and add to the momentum. Local businesses are kept in business, litter and chewing gum on the pavement is no more, property values increase, and often even criminal activity declines.

"Civic pride must be nurtured though, to the point that it becomes contagious so, don't leave it to somebody else! Get involved and take pride in our Maldon district and recognize that we ALL have a part to play in taking care of the community because we can ALL accomplish something, champion a cause, volunteer for something or contribute in some way to the future - our future!

"Thanks for reading this and I wish you all a great week ahead. Take care."

Councillor Mark S. Heard