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.

SLINKY bus comes to West Somerset

WEST Somerset residents can now make use of the SLINKY bus on demand door-to-door transport service.
The distinctive silver buses operate without a fixed route for people who do not have access to a regular bus service or a private car.
Passengers book in advance and are picked up from their homes.
Somerset County Council portfolio holder for transport, Councillor Tony Shire, said: “We are delighted to be able to extend the SLINKY bus’s coverage.
“The service is already a hit with people in Taunton and Wellington and has really helped people spread their wings and be more independent.
“It is amazing the number of rural people who say the service has changed their lives.
“They do not have to rely on their children or neighbours to get out and about any more.
“There is also the comfort factor. Elderly people get to know a regular driver who will help them on and off. Passengers get that little bit more than with a regular bus service.”
SLINKY is available to anybody who does not have access to transport for a journey - but if there is a public bus running that can be used by the passenger, or if they have access to their own transport, then the SLINKY is not suitable.
Buses operate Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays, and provide wheelchair access, space for shopping, mobility equipment, and prams, and there are concessionary fares to travel pass holders on the same basis as public transport.
The new bus service is part-funded through the Local Transport Plan, the county council's five-year transport and road improvement plan.
The booking line is 01643 707090 and is open 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday, and on Saturday from 9 am to 12 noon.

• Photo shows one of the distinctive SLINKY Bus fleet. Photo submitted.