New councillors order eleventh-hour East Wharf rethink

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

New councillors order eleventh-hour East Wharf rethink

NEWLY-elected Independent councillors on West Somerset Council look set to do a U-turn on aspects of plans to develop Watchet’s East Wharf.
Despite one of the council’s most extensive-ever public consultation exercises, it has now ordered a rethink following an eleventh-hour protest campaign by some town residents.
Together with developers Urban Splash, the council is giving ‘further consideration’ to design aspects of the £12 million scheme.
Objectors were about to force a parish poll to be held on the subject, which would have cost Watchet council taxpayers around £2,000.
However, they have now agreed to postpone the move while the council looks again at the proposals for development.
The development is due to start next spring and at the moment includes 86 one and two-bedroom apartments, commercial space designed to accommodate a bistro and retail units, and community space which could be used to accommodate a museum/cultural area, meeting rooms, and town council and tourist information offices.
There will also be some retail space and enhanced facilities for the marina, including offices, a laundry, and changing rooms.
Council corporate director Adrian Dyer said: “As we have said, consultation with the public and stakeholders is an ongoing process.
“We have had some constructive meetings in recent weeks and we are going to take some time out to consider new information that has come forward.
“The planning application will not be put to the planning committee for determination before the end of June at the earliest, which will give us time to reappraise certain elements if it proves to be in the best interests of the public, marina users, and the development itself.”
Watchet ward Councillor Tony Knight said: “There has already been extensive consultation regarding the development, and we feel it should be recognised that even at this late stage, the council and developers are still willing to listen to ideas that may further improve the viability of the scheme.
“We have been disappointed because it appears that misleading information regarding the development has been circulated.
“However, recent discussions have been able to allay some of the misconceptions.
“It is positive for the project that the council and Urban Splash are continuing to consult with us and other stakeholders over the various issues raised.”
Artist’s impression of the East Wharf development 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

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West Somerset Post - formerly The Crier

Tuesday, June 05, 2007