Town council looks at housing scheme for football club

TOWN councillors are discussing the idea of building housing on the Minehead Football Club site, almost a year since The Crier revealed an indicative scheme had been drawn up for redeveloping the area.
The talks follow the on-going issue of the club’s financial position and its inability to pay rent to the council, which owns the Irnham Road recreation ground.
Councillors recognised some residential development of the area might help to
football continued to be played.
They looked at the section of the site which presently housed garages and the clubhouse, and considered the possibility of building a new facility which could include residential units.
Councillor Simon Stokes, who is also deputy leader of West Somerset Council, said the district council might be able to find a developer for the area.
He said in return for sourcing a suitable developer, the garages and clubhouse could be given to the district council, which would enable construction of a purpose-built clubhouse managed by the district authority, which would have the resources to handle it.
Councillor Doug Ross, who is the district council’s finance portfolio holder, agreed with Councillor Stokes and said long-term plans for the site were needed to raise income to support the playing of sports.
Councillor Ross said some residential development would also provide security in the area.
He pointed out the town council had received many complaints about noise and vandalism from residents living near the football club and the council had a responsibility to them to address such problems.

• Image above shows how The Crier reported on its front page on plans for developing housing on Minehead Football Club's ground in August of last year.

Ex-US Deputy Sheriff searches for 'forgotten cop' of Williton

RETIRED US Deputy Sheriff, Mackenzie Allen, is searching for anybody who can tell him more about a Westcountry policeman who lived in the 19th century.
Mr Allen, who now runs an antiques/auction business in Tacoma, Washington, bought a slate mantle clock bearing a plaque dated 1885 and dedicated to ‘Mr William Uriah Self, Superintendent of Police, Williton District’.
As an ex-law officer, Mr Allen was so intrigued by the dedication that he kept the clock rather than selling it on, in the hope of solving the mystery of who was the ‘forgotten cop’ across the Atlantic.
The ‘downsizing’ elderly woman from whom he bought the clock did not know, so he contacted the Williton offices of West Somerset Council where community safety liaison officer Pete Hughes was put on the case.
Mr Hughes said: “The local police have not a clue, either, so I am rounding up your readers to do some detective work among their family records.
“As William Uriah Self rose to be a Superintendent of police, they should not be too worried about rattling any skeletons in their family cupboards.”
The council's deputy leader and staffing portfolio holder, Councillor Simon Stokes, said: “Our staff get some odd requests and, short of sending out a posse, we are happy to lend a helping hand.”
Anybody with any information which might help can contact the council’s media and PR officer Stacey Beaumont by telephoning 01643 703704 or emailing sbeaumont@westsomerset.gov.uk

• Our photograph shows Mr Allen with the inscribed clock. Photo submitted.

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.