The following article is a candidate profile for the Midsomer Norton Town Council candidate, Alun Pughe. All views expressed are solely those of the author.

I came to Midsomer Norton in the spring of 2011 with my wife and baby and have since made the town of Midsomer Norton, a place I truly love, my home.

Many will know me through my work in film, my volunteering throughout lockdown, the various martial arts schools I study and instruct at, or all the wonderful clubs my children attend. You may have seen me out walking my dog or served me in your places of business.

Back at the start of the year, when I learnt that some of my favourite shops here in town were closing down, I wrote a Facebook post that was printed in the Journal. In this I wrote of my concerns about our high street and suggested some actions we could do, through working together, that could reverse this decline. Well the post went viral and I found myself being stopped in the streets and shops by locals who also had ideas on what could be done!

Encouraged to make a difference I put my name forward for nomination and here I am!

I know I'm the wild card here. In truth I'm learning as I'm going along. But what I hope I can deliver, if nothing more, is a conduit between the townsfolk (who many feel like the council is out of touch with their feelings and opinions) and the hard working men and women elected to represent the community.

My priorities include:

  • Listening to the people
  • Rejuvenating the Hight Street
  • Promoting the town's unique features (like the skate park, local businesses and the town's heritage)
  • Looking after our environment

Alan Pughe - the listening candidate