Council chains returned to Rushden to be retained as part of town's civic history

The handover of the chains outside Rushden Hall

East Northants Council (ENC) has handed the former Rushden Urban District Council chains to Rushden Town Council so they can be retained as part of the town's civic history.

Cllr Helen Howell, ENC's final chairman, officially handed the chains over to Rushden town mayor, Cllr Melanie Coleman, who received them on behalf of the town council.

Speaking earlier this week, Cllr Howell said: "I'm delighted to be able to return the chains back to Rushden Town Council for their safe keeping and I'm sure they will find a suitable home for this historic regalia.

The chains have been handed back to Rushden Town Council

"Today also marks the end of an era, as of this evening, East Northamptonshire Council ceases to exist and we move into a new authority that will be North Northamptonshire Council."

The three civic chains have been used since 1974 by ENC's chairman, deputy chairman and chairman's consort and were inherited from the former Rushden Urban District Council.

Town clerk Vivienne Prodger said: "It's fitting that the Rushden Urban District Town chains have been gifted to Rushden Town Council and we will cherish them as part of Rushden's heritage."

Town mayor Melanie Coleman added: "Today as mayor, it was an great honour to receive back the original Rushden town chains from East Northants Council."

Town mayor Melanie Coleman with one of the chains

The historic artefacts will be placed on display at Rushden Hall and will be preserved and protected for many more years.

East Northants Council, along with Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough borough councils, have been replaced by North Northamptonshire Council from today (Thursday).

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