My First Town Council Meeting

Being more accustomed to the public seats this was going to be interesting – my first Town Council Meeting – a special Extra-Ordinary Meeting to deal with the Budget, held in the Town Hall Chamber.

Armed with my papers and a sharp pencil my first question was where to sit – and I think I have a winner – facing the window, half way down the table, and next to the Council's wonderful Clerks.

The Chairman and Mayor banged the gavel, welcomed the three new Councillors, and we began.

I'm not a numbers man; the sheer sight of columns of figures sends me into manic-doodle mode, and anything that adds up to more than three gives me shakes, but the explanations by Councillor Wall were superb and well presented.
Such were his clear skills, I was even enjoying it!

I liked the idea of grants to the community, so said my first ever piece – and suggested that the Council specifically encourage local people/organisations to apply for grants for wider community-focussed projects. Such grants can provide help for people to take responsibility themselves for issues they choose to be important.
I'm sure more will come out on this later.

Then ... A vote ... and my first ever public decision made.
The Budget was approved.

A few pieces of administration followed and the gavel was again banged.

It was a short meeting, quite enjoyable, and so was the excellent pint in the Bell after.

The year begins

Having been elected to the Town Council just before Christmas there were then a number of forms to complete, not too onerous, but the fun was only just beginning and it was not long before the requests came in...

First were dogs and cars – perennial subjects for local ire – "We need less car mess and more dog parking".
Was someone taking the mickey?

And what about the weather over the last few weeks – torrential rain, fences down, tiles off roofs, trees blocking roads; so on entering the White Hart for a quiet and pleasant pint of Noel Ale the greeting was "Now you're a councillor can you sort out this <expletive> weather?"

The job was becoming 'interesting' and I haven't even gone to the first meeting!

So what really concerns local people?

What are the main issues that would make our town a more pleasant place?

Answers on the back of a postcard or send your comments through the feedback here.