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Waltham Abbey Town Partnership

Waltham Abbey Town Partnership

Waltham Abbey Town Partnership (WATP) is one of six, similar organisations throughout Epping Forest District. Set up by Epping Forest District Council about 15 years ago, these partnerships have gradually developed their own priorities and now operate in slightly different ways.

WATP is committed to improve the town's economy and is achieving this through the development of the town's tourist industry.

Most of their activities are run through the Steering Committee, elected at an Annual General Meeting, held at the Town Hall, to which all those who live and/or work, or have interest in the town, are invited via an announcement in both local newspapers.

The Steering committee has statutory membership from representatives nominated by WATC, EFDC, LVRPA, ECC WANAP, Essex Police Service, the Corporation of London, the Abbey Church, the WA Historical Society, The Royal Gunpowder Mills, etc. and they elect 4 residents from the town at the AGM.

The work done through this committee includes:

"Abbey Pride" an agreement to which traders in the town centre commit that includes keeping shop frontages attractive to residents and visitors.  They organise competitions to encourage the implementation of the agreement. Over 50 traders have signed the agreement.

"Breakfast for Business" a quarterly event, free of charge to the participants, held at an interesting location in the Waltham Abbey area each time, that offers businessmen an opportunity to network and to learn about the town and its residents that provide them with their livelihood. About 30-40 people attend at any one time, but the numbers have been growing recently as our activity is getting better known.

Two of their current activities are covered by sub committees:

1. To promote the town via an integrated promotional leaflet entitled "Discover", that covers all our historical and tourist attractions and is distributed via local outlets.

2. To erect a statue of King Harold in a prominent position within the Town Centre.

3. To improve the signage in the area include maps, information signage and finger posts.

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