New look to leadership of West Somerset Council

Sunday, May 20, 2007

New look to leadership of West Somerset Council

WATCHET Councillor Jenny Hill has been elected chairman of West Somerset Council, succeeding Councillor Pam Driver, who lost her seat in this month’s elections.
Councillor John Walker, who represents Minehead South, was elected vice-chairman.
Councillor Hill said: “I would like to thank Pam for the work she has done for the council as chairman over the last year.
“I am delighted to be taking on the role and look forward to working with all councillors.
“Over half of the council is newly elected and we are looking forward to training so that we are up to speed with the systems, and ready to move issues forward.”
Dulverton and Brushford Councillor Keith Ross (pictured) was elected as leader of the council, and Councillor Simon Stokes, who represents Alcombe East, was appointed deputy leader.
Councillor Ross said: “I am looking forward to serving the communities of West Somerset, and will take heed of their wishes.
“We will continue with the capital programme although there will be a review of projects and some elements of the corporate plan to ensure that the projects we deliver are of high quality and meet the needs of local people and businesses.
“I am looking forward to working with the other 30 members of the council, and value the contribution that all councillors can make to achieving the best for West Somerset.
“We aim to bring improvements that will benefit the social and economic well-being of local people, and increase business opportunities for prosperity and growth wherever possible.”
Cabinet Portfolio Holders appointed were:

Housing, Health and Welfare - Peter Humber
Finance - Doug Ross
Economic Development and Tourism - Mike Downes
Leisure, Culture, and Recreation - Neil Parbrook
Environment - Jon Freeman
Youth and Community - Eddie May
Internal Resources - Simon Stokes

Photo submitted.

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BREAKING NEWS

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a car crash which happened in Washford on the night of Sunday, August 5. Two Rover cars were involved in the incident, which happened at about 9.20 pm. Two people were taken to Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, but it was not thought they suffered any serious injuries. The road was closed at Carhampton and Washford Cross while the vehicles were recovered. Anybody with any information about the incident is asked to contact the police and speak to members of the collision investigation unit by telephoning 0845 4567000.

The Post Columnists

From the Pen of 'Deadly' Dudley YOU may have noticed the editor has printed a letter in response to my column last month in which I mentioned Councillor Michael Downes. I am pleased Councillor Downes has cleared up the fact he was a Lib Dem in his last position, a political one. I also accept he was an Independent on a parish council. As most have no political bias, I think that is a red herring. I was not part of the last council, and, unlike some of the present councillors, not responsible for what went on. I have to say, unlike his leader Councillor Keith Ross, he admits what he was and is. Councillor Ross has still to state his political position, unless he is there for himself. I was pleased to see his complaint to the Press Complaints Commission about my comments, like the complaints also of Arthur Phillips and Mrs Holden, was rejected. I also accept that the Independents with help from others won the election. Some of the things that went on were far from what I would have found acceptable, but they have gotten away with it. The Independents were to change everything, yet, we still have a cabinet system which they all loudly shouted was undemocratic. Now, we find Council Tax will rise. This is because their backers said Vulcan Road car park must be saved. However, being Independents they cannot all agree, as, if, after they put up the tax, they may have to sell Vulcan Road anyway. The truth is, it will be sold and they will blame the Tory administration who are no longer there. Last weekend, I spent time with my colleagues on the railway station with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. This was in my capacity as a St John Ambulance volunteer. Like many who work there, they are also volunteers. I have to say Paul Conibeare and his staff really are Minehead’s tourism officers. They brought thousands into Minehead over two days. They laid on a carnival that was enjoyed by all. The problem was, I became very embarrassed when people asked what was there to do in Minehead? Do I tell the truth and say ‘nothing at all’, oh, yes, pubs and arcades, or tell them they can visit the filthy toilets in the main town centre car park. I heard so many people going back on the trains complaining about the standards of the toilets. There should be no need for complaints like that. If the town is busy, could not somebody put on enough staff to check them? The leaders of the area need to get a grip and do something for tourism in this area. In my 30 years here, I have seen so many projects ditched at the last moment. Land sold that was the right place for tourist-type projects, and promises which will never be fulfilled. Why do we leave it to the railway and Tropiquaria to do the job the local councils should be doing? Minehead is becoming one of the worst places I know for parking. No, not car parks, just people parking. From the chaos in town to the need for one-way systems in places like Hillview Road and many roads in Alcombe. I have given up with the delivery wagons which park on double yellow lines half on the pavement and half off, as the police do not want to know. I was told of a case of a person who collapsed at home at five o’clock in the morning. One of the family rang the out-of-hours number and eventually a doctor came. However, he was the other side of Bridgwater at the time of the call. When he did arrive, he was a German doctor who had flown in that morning to cover the weekend. What if that person could not have waited to be seen? This is a ludicrous situation. There are many young doctors just qualified and desperate for work. Why not tie them to a local practice and they cover nights and weekends. It would cost less and the service would be better. I would like to thank anyone who has decided to help with the St Michael’s Church tower. I know Monty, from Morris Carpets, raised money in the Beacon to Beach run, for which I am sure the tower supporters will be grateful. Please help if you can. Just remember, you can close your eyes and shut out the world, or shut them and let it in. Be healthy and happy ’till next time. Dudley Seale

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR COPY OF THE POST

SOME copies of The Post are delivered direct to your door, if you live in Minehead, Alcombe, Dunster, Porlock, Carhampton, Timberscombe, and Dulverton. In other instances, you can pick up your free copy of The Post each month from the following outlets: Minehead - Tesco, Glenmore News, McColl’s Newsagent, Threshers, dispenser outside Fox & Sons, dispenser outside Cream, Corner House Stores, Cher, Exchange Studio, Nicky’s Finishing Touches, Travis Perkins, PC Webshop, Metropole Garage, West Somerset Railway Station, Minehead Toys & Models, News Break, Butlins, Summerland Business Services, CLOWNS Play Bus, Bampron Street Fish Bar Fudge Plus. Alcombe - Alcombe Newsagents, Alcombe sub-Post Office. Porlock - Costcutters, Rare Books and Berry, One Stop, Porlock Visitor Centre. Watchet - Co-operative Store, Londis, Harbour News, Corner House Cafe. Williton - Co-operative Store, J Jones & Son. Dulverton - The Tantivy. Crowcombe - Village Stores. Bicknoller - Village Stores. Stogumber - Central Stores and Post Office. Carhampton - Carhampton Stores. Blue Anchor - Lifestyle, Blue Anchor Bay Caravan Park. Dunster - Dunster Newsagent, Locks Tea Room. Timberscombe - Post Office. Wheddon Cross - The Garage. Exford - Village Newsagent. West Quantoxhead - St Audries Bay Garage, Wibble Farm Nuseries & Gardens. Kilve - Village Stores and PO. Cannington - Village Stores. Bridgwater - Bridgwater College (term time). Bampton - Bawdens Bakery. Bishops Lydeard - West Somerset Railway Station. Taunton - Friday Print Taunton.

West Somerset Post - formerly The Crier

Sunday, May 20, 2007