The idea that Witham should have its own town crier has been quashed by councillors.
The town council was approached recently by William Millard, of Vicarage Avenue, White Notley, who wondered why there was no Witham town crier and volunteered his services.
Some people in Witham felt having their own dedicated town crier would enhance civic pride and give residents a figurehead they could identify with.
But the idea got short shrift from their elected representatives at a meeting of the town council's community services committee last night.
Dan Ezra (Lab, South Ward) said: "Witham needs a town crier like it needs a hole in the head. It's one of the singularly dafter ideas that's floated in front of us within the last few years."
Joy Reekie (Lab, South Ward) said: "This has come up before. We've ruled it out before and I still see no need for it.
"I'm certain he would be absolutely super but we simply don't need it."
Members voted to receive and note Mr Millard's letter but to take no action on it.
Civic events in Witham look likely to continue to be heralded by roving town criers, most notably Skip Papworth, of Kelvedon, who brings his ceremonial skills to similar events across the area.
Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003
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