Assembly Meeting March 2009

Community help shape the future of Colchester

Around 180 people from the Colchester community gathered for the annual Colchester2020 Assembly Meeting.

Over the past few months, the Partnership has been reflecting on Colchester’s Sustainable Community Strategy to ensure it remains fit for purpose and meets the needs of the Borough, particularly in the current economic climate.

Delegates at the event, held at The Weston Homes Community Stadium, were invited to share their thoughts on issues important to Colchester. These will now help to shape Colchester2020’s priority action plans.

Col Tony Phillips, who has chaired Colchester2020 for the past year, stood down from the post at the Assembly meeting. He welcomed Paul Zollinger-Read, Chief Executive of NHS North East Essex, into the role.

Col Phillips said: ‘’This year’s assembly attracted a really diverse audience and it helped us to gather a wide range of thoughts and ideas which will help shape the Partnership’s agenda moving forward.

‘’I have thoroughly enjoyed chairing Colchester2020 over the past year, and look forward to following the Partnerships’ successes in the future.’’

Paul Zollinger-Read added: ‘’I am delighted to take over the reigns as the Chair of Colchester2020.

‘’Together we have the opportunity to make a real difference to the quality of life we can offer in Colchester. There are many challenges ahead for us however, by working together we can overcome these and ensure we deliver an exciting future for our residents.’’

As there is currently there is no public bus route directly serving the Weston Homes Community Stadium the partnership provided free coach transport to and from the town centre for the event to help reduce the number of single car journeys.

Outgoing Chair Col Tony Phillips and the new Chair of Colchester2020, Paul Zollinger-Read