A SOCIETY has been officially launched to give people living in March the chance to have more of a say in the future of the town. The March Society held its first meeting on Tuesday when chairman Jennifer Lawler welcomed a large number of residents, counc

A SOCIETY has been officially launched to give people living in March the chance to have more of a say in the future of the town.

The March Society held its first meeting on Tuesday when chairman Jennifer Lawler welcomed a large number of residents, councillors and council officers.

Deputy mayor of March, Councillor Trevor Quince; Fenland District Council Chairman, Councillor Bernard Keane; and strategic planning manager for Fenland District Council, Chris Hodson, all addressed the meeting.

Mrs Lawler said: "The society will provide everyone in March with a tremendous opportunity to join a local organisation that sets out to promote everything which is good in the town.

The society is concerned with promoting civic pride in March and gives people the opportunity to have more of a say in the future of March."

The aims of the society are to promote the highest standards of planning and architecture; to educate March residents and future generations about its history, geography and architecture; and to secure the preservation, protection and improvement of features of historic and public interest in the town.

Councillors and officers have welcomed the formation of the society and say they will look forward to working with it for the benefit of March and its residents.

During the launch meeting, nine-year-old Chloe Spencer was presented with a prize for designing the winning logo.

Local historian Edna Stacey showed a collection of photographs and gave a talk on the history of some of March's most important buildings.

A programme of activities is already being planned including guided walks around the streets of March, talks and presentations by guest speakers and making a photographic record of March.