A council has voted to retain its twinning relationship with a town in Germany and has introduced 'twinning councillors'.

Oakham Town Council had considered ending the twinning relationship with Barmstedt which has existed since 1987, but which has dwindled since the last twinning committee stood down some time ago.

At the full council meeting last week, Cllr Adam Lowe said: "This is something that the council needs to consider following the notification from the current coordinator that she needs to step down. We could discontinue the twinning relationship, but I think that would be a shame after 37 years of friendship."

The Barmstedt coat of arms. Image credit: LDRS.

He continued: "Previously, twinning matters have been organised outside of the council, but with the council actively supporting and being seen to be involved, as town councils invariably are.

"I have looked into this matter to see what the cost implications are, and the simple answer is that there aren't any, because in the original documents when they formed the twinning relationship it was written that Oakham Town Council would not be expected to put money into it.

"So I am proposing that we retain the twinning relationship with Barmstedt, with Oakham Town Council remaining the point of contact for twinning enquiries, with a town councillor elected to be their point of contact, and I would like to put my name forward as the twinning councillor."

Cllr Joyce Lucas, asked: "Does this also include the 'friendly towns'?"

Cllr Lowe responded: "Cllr Lucas raises an important point as Barmstedt has links of friendship with Roissy-en-Brie in France and Colwyn Bay in North Wales, as well as a town in Denmark and the United States. As twinning officer I would be happy to pass on any links that come our way with reference to those friendship towns, but again there would be no cost to Oakham Town Council."

Cllr Paul Ainsley added: "I would also like to throw my hat into the ring – I think it would be slightly more robust if we had a couple of people representing the council in twinning matters."

Oakham Town Council has voted to remain twinned with Barmstedt, Germany. Image credit: LDRS.

Members voted unanimously that Cllr Adam Lowe and Cllr Paul Ainsley will become twinning councillors for Oakham Town Council.