Cllr Chris Dando, pictured with Chair of Radstock Town Council, Lesley Mansell.

Cllr Chris Dando was honoured for his 25 years of public service at Radstock's Annual Town Meeting last Thursday, having recently been made an Honorary Alderman by B&NES Council.

Cllr Dando was first elected in 1989 on to Avon County Council, representing Radstock, joining Wansdyke when Avon was abolished and later, B&NES. As well as being the first Labour Group Leader for B&NES Council, he also represented Westfield from 2003–2007. He joined Norton Radstock Town Council in 2003, until that was abolished and now is a Town Councillor for Radstock, following the Community Governance Review.

Presenting Cllr Dando with a celebratory cake, Chair of Radstock Town Council, Lesley Mansell, paid tribute to her fellow Councillor. She said: "I don't know if this means Councillor Dando can take a picnic on the grass outside the Royal Crescent, fly his budgerigar unfettered over Pulteney Bridge, or if it gets him a free pass for the Dorchester bus gate, but what I do know is that this represents his dediation and commitment to public service."

Cllr Dando, who is also known in the area as Chair of Governors at Norton Radstock College and a Governor at Writhlington School, said: "Things have changed an enormous amount in 25 years and yet now it is harder to make change happen. I have always worked on the edge of big authorities and it is down to all of us to make sure that we get a better deal in Radstock and argue for what our community needs."

The meeting, which was held in a full Methodist Church Hall, also allowed residents to speak formally and informally to their local Councillors. The Town Council looked back on various events and achievements throughout the year, including the 'Making a Difference Awards', work on the Placemaking Plan and looked forward to the future, hoping to work alongside the Big Local project and Economic Forum. "It is an exciting time for Radstock," said Chair, Lesley Mansell.

"I hope to see the Victoria Hall expand further and changes are coming with the NRR project, hopefully encompassing more jobs, housing and benefitting the health and well-being of those in the town. This year, we also hope to welcome the carnival to Radstock and will be working on local projects such as display boards in the Memorial Park, the War Memorial being refurbished in time for August's commemoration and closer work with the town's young people."

The meeting was also attended by Radstock Police Inspector, Shirley Eden. She assured residents that only a third of the current building is used and that the move may actually make services better and the police service more accessible for local people. The option of local police ending up in Council buildings, such as B&NES' One Stop Shops, may be explored in future. The station is due to be sold in 2016.