FUTURE town schemes have been cast into doubt after Dunmow Town Council made the decision not to fund the Uttlesford market town projects officer. The position is undertaken by Bruce Tice. He has been responsible for many projects specific to Great Dunmow

FUTURE town schemes have been cast into doubt after Dunmow Town Council made the decision not to fund the Uttlesford market town projects officer.

The position is undertaken by Bruce Tice. He has been responsible for many projects specific to Great Dunmow, from introducing the continental market to supporting the town design statement group to maintain Dunmow's heritage.

His latest project has been helping Dunmow to go plastic bag free.

Due to financial constraints and a £1.1 million overspend, Uttlesford District Council has to terminate the post on March 3 unless 11th hour funding can be found.

The decision fell firmly into the hands of Dunmow Town Council after Essex County Council agreed to fund the post with £15,000, providing councillors from Dunmow and Saffron Walden agree to put in £7500 first.

After Saffron Walden pledged £5000 it was all down to Dunmow to help fund the post, but too many concerns were raised by councillors who thought that the time Mr Tice can give to Dunmow only projects would not be worth the investment of £2500.

Cllr David Beedle said: "If Essex is funding this project Mr Tice will have to be active in many more places then just Dunmow or Saffron Walden. My fear is that this investment wouldn't see much return."

However, they needed a casting vote on Thursday night after being split following a rallying call from Cllr Trudi Hughes.

She praised Mr Tice's work, which has included drafting a town design statement protecting Dunmow town centre from over development. She encouraged the council to consider funding the position.

She said: "The town strategy group has benefited incredibly with Mr Tice's input. He has been vital in trying to gain a real community spirit, and has been responsible for securing project funding."

Projects such as Dunmow Plastic Bag free are now seriously in doubt as the March deadline is too close for Mr Tice to see it through.

He said: "It's a real shame, I feel like Dunmow could be on the verge of a few major things, and I don't want the hard work to be wasted.

"I can support the town in so many ways by pulling together surveys and research to list or produce project ideas as well as supporting key projects such as the eastern sector improvements.