WELCOME packs for the hundreds of families moving to Halstead’s new housing estates are to be produced by the town council.

Councillors held initial discussions about the possibility of making an information pack for newcomers last Monday.

Inspired by similar publications developed by surrounding parish councils, the packs could include useful information about amenities, attractions, major events, churches and Halstead’s famous flower displays.

Councillor Sandra Dingle suggested developers or estate agents could hand them over when house keys are collected.

Town clerk Sarah Greatorex is asking councillors to volunteer to form a working group to produce the packs and oversee their distribution.

She said: “A working group will be formed to decide on the most useful information to be included in the pack.

“A new map with useful information on the back is in the process of being printed.

“The welcome packs will be distributed through local estate agents, as houses are sold to newcomers to Halstead.”