Cllr Mike Eldred, Chairman of Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) provided his organisation’s support, “EALC is delighted to support the bid from its member Saffron Walden Town Council on behalf of this historic town.  Saffron Walden boasts some outstanding architecture, including the impressive St Mary’s Church.  The town has a wealth of independent shops, businesses and great pubs. The historic market square hosts a long-standing and quality market on Tuesday and Saturdays and the town benefits from high quality, well maintained public open spaces.  It is a town rich in culture, diversity and history and EALC wishes the town well in firmly asserting its position on the cultural map”.