Busy month for Mayor.
Town Mayor, Cllr Alan Bradford reported that he had attended a number of successful events in September, not least of which was his wedding! He had joined in with the harvest celebrations in Stockmoor and visited the rare breeds event at Junction 24. He and Deputy Mayor Cllr Mrs Marion Denham had also judged a new Art Competition organised by the Pentathlon Carnival where over a 100 entries had been submitted by children from North Newton and Somerset Bridge Schools. Cllr Bradford said how impressed he was by the standard of the entries and was looking forward to presenting the cup, which he had donated, to the winner. Cllr Mrs Denham reported on her visit to the Axbridge Fair, which she said had been very enjoyable.
Public Meeting planned in Moorland.
A public meeting is to be held in Moorland Village Hall, at a date be arranged, to discuss Network Rail’s plans to upgrade the railway bridge in Huntworth. Local councillor Julian Taylor reported that he had been in contact with the manager at Network Rail and the County Highways department because he was very concerned over the plan to close the road for 14 weeks in the new year in order for the work to take place. This would have a major impact on the lives of local people, and he believed from experience elsewhere, that alternative approaches were available. It was understood that Network Rail were happy to attend a meeting and it was hoped that someone from the County Highways Department would also come.
New Councillor welcomed.
Members welcomed new Councillor Luke Parchment to his first Full Council meeting. Cllr Parchment, who had been the successful candidate at the recent by election, was appointed to the vacancy on the Cemetery Sub Committee and was also asked to assist with the work of the Communications Group. Following the recent resignation of Mrs Helen Phillips, another by election had been called by local residents, which was scheduled to take place on 23rd November 2017.
Men’s Sheds
Colin Gorton, on behalf of Somerset Levels and Moors Sheds, gave Members a presentation on the local Men’s Shed group which provides opportunities for people to meet and socialise whilst using their skills and talents to undertake practical projects. The Group was having to relocate from their present premises and the Council agreed to provide whatever help it could.
New Housing Proposals
Persimmon Homes had been conducting an initial consultation exercise on their plans to build 80 new dwellings in North Petherton. It was reported that a meeting had been arranged on Tuesday 10th October in the Community Centre at 2:00 pm to discuss these proposals with Councillors. Members of the public would be welcome to attend.