I have read over several months lately of criticism of the existing Town Council. I have been a Town Councillor for the last twelve years and am extremely proud of what has been achieved in that time.

The town now has its Town  Hall back in its ownership and being transformed back  to a market hall, hopefully to attract footfall back into the town and regenerate the High Street, together, with the Orchard hall and Somer Centre and  being put into the new Town Trust, can never be sold and held forever for use by the residents. 

A new Town Park has been constructed after purchasing the land and again put into trust. Wellow Brook walk has given another green space for residents to enjoy in a completely different area of the town to that of the town park. 

At West Clewes, renewal of all the play equipment in the children’s play park and a new MUGA and outdoor gym for all ages to enjoy and keep fit at - all mainly financed from grant applications applied for by a hard working office team that has been respected and listened to for their experience and advice by most Councillors for years, something that is essential to run a successful Council .

On top of those projects was the formation of the Community Trust, which, with support from the Town Council runs lots of events for residents to enjoy including cinema in the Town Hall, monthly  socials at Welton Rovers, Classical Music Trio concerts in the Town Hall and St John’s Church, the annual Town Fayre  and Music Festival, the very popular annual  Wassailing event together with Christmas light switch on and various parties for all ages.

All town Councillors have given up their time and sometimes has cost them money for travelling (in my case to numerous meetings with B&NES and solicitors for asset transfers) but they have given this freely without payment of any kind, all with the intention of improving the facilities and activities for the residents.

I have had many comments from residents of other towns who are envious of what has been achieved in Midsomer Norton. To hear comments like “what have the Council been doing?” is surprising , somewhat annoying and disappointing.

I will not be standing again as a Councillor after May but will be very interested in whether these people who seem only interested in criticism put themselves forward for election to the new Council and look forward to seeing how “these people with all the answers” run the town.