Several quotes were sought with costs varying to over £7,000. Having been a software developer for nearly twenty years, with much of that work related to producing websites, I felt this was an area in which I could contribute.

My vision was to have a magazine style site, something functional, content-based; easy to maintain and regularly updated. With the Town Council being so active it was essential that the site would be able to quickly and clearly convey to the public our activities, events and important announcements as well as fulfilling our statutory obligations. The site also had to be responsive (display well on mobile devices) and be accessible for people with additional needs.

Although development started in spring 2020, coronavirus, a new IT provider and deliberations about the best way to publish documents delayed progress. By December 2021, with the increasing workload of the Town Council staff and their responsibility to update the existing website and various social media channels, a communications working party was set up.

The case was put for a new, dedicated Media and Communications Officer to join the team. Conscious about the costs however, I felt the best option was for me to volunteer to fill the role, at least until the new website was finished and we had a better idea of what work was required. With pressure mounting to deliver, I’m very proud that our new website went live on the 19th March 2022.

Personally, I was sad that Midsomer Norton missed out on the 5g technology which would have enabled super-fast mobile broadband. However, the future of any successful town is still going to involve a digital offering and I feel the website and social media is an essential part or our Town Council’s responsibilities. The Council staff have been fantastic in adapting to the new system and learning how to publish and edit content themselves.

In my new role as Media and Communications Officer, as well as working on the website, I’ve trying to improve our digital presence across the board as part of an overall rebranding strategy.

The Town Council will continue to work closely with and support local print media providers but also look to harness the skills and talents of volunteers.

To encourage as many people as possible to visit our new website and keep updated on the many wonderful things happening here, we’re running a free prize draw for visitors to the website with a first prize of a £100 Amazon voucher and five prizes of tickets to the Community cinema.

To find out more, or look at the newly designed webiste, visit: https://www.midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk

Cllr Gordon Mackay