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.

D-day for councillors tackling drink-fuelled crime

A DECISION is to be taken by West Somerset district councillors on Monday, February 5, on whether to introduce alcohol-free zones in Minehead and Williton.
The move has been pioneered by Councillor Nick Messarra, who is a member of the council’s cabinet and is the past Mayor of Minehead and Alcombe, with the support of The Crier.
Councillor Messarra has pressed for the measure to combat anti-social behaviour which residents and visitors alike have experienced in Minehead’s Blenheim Gardens.
However, some of his fellow town councillors stalled the process while he was the town mayor as they claimed the problems in the park had been overstated and banning drinking was unnecessary.
Now, the district cabinet is being recommended by officers to declare Blenheim Gardens as an Alcohol Designation Zone, which will allow police to take tougher action against drunks and hooligans.
The cabinet is also being asked to do the same for the Memorial Ground, in Williton, where parish councillors and local residents have faced ongoing vandalism and rowdyism over many months.
Other areas which will be considered for the designation orders include:

• The recreation area adjacent to Irnham Road, Minehead (excluding the curtilages of the football club)
• The sea front area of Minehead, including Warren Road and Quay Street and including the entire highway area and footpaths
• The King George V Recreation Ground, Minehead
• The area known as the Rose Garden, adjacent to Seaward Way, Minehead
• The area known as Bellamy’s Corner, Williton
• The area of land adjacent to Seaward Way and Bircham Road to the north west of the roundabout at Ellicombe, Minehead

District council community safety officer Pete Hughes said: “The consideration of implementing designated public place orders resulted from continuing issues of alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Following representations from the police during the public consultation, the council will also discuss whether similar designation should be made in respect of other locations.
“The police representation was made on the basis of probable displacement of the problems to other specified locations. Within the legislation, there is a requirement for councillors to consider displacement.”
If approved, designation orders will mean that people responsible for alcohol related anti-social behaviour can be arrested if they do not comply with a request from a police officer or community support officer to stop drinking or fail to surrender containers of alcohol.
Mr Hughes said: “The orders provide police with enhanced powers to address the continuing issue of anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol which has detracted, for a number of years, from the enjoyment of the areas proposed for designation.
“It will also provide police with powers to address similar issues in areas which may be subject to displacement.”

• Our photograph shows Councillor Nick Messarra in Blenheim Gardens with an earlier copy of The Crier backing his campaign. Photo submitted.