The chief executive of Wellington Town Council has described the past 12 months as “extraordinary” – with so many challenges and new opportunities faced by the authority.

The town council has helped to bail out cash-strapped Somerset Council from its financial mire in recent times, by taking on local services from the county authority which might well otherwise have been lost.

And Dave Farrow, the town council’s chief executive, said: “The past year has been extraordinary – full of change, challenges and achievements.

“In my long experience in local government, I have rarely seen a period that has brought so much at once. I am proud of how the town council staff team has responded and the part we have played.”

The town council’s annual report for 2025-26 sets out what the authority has delivered over the past 12 months and Mr Farrow thanked “councillors for their leadership and our staff for their hard work, professionalism and commitment throughout the year.”

“Over the last 18 months, the council has taken decisions in the context of the financial pressures facing Somerset Council and reduction of some services,” said Mr Farrow. “These decisions have significantly changed the town council’s role and the way we operate.

“They have not always been straightforward and they have required courage and commitment. At the heart of each one, however, has been a clear aim – to ensure that services in Wellington are not only protected, but improved.”

Mr Farrow continued: “To meet these new responsibilities, the council’s staff team has grown considerably. I believe they are repaying the trust placed in them by delivering services that help make Wellington a better place to live, work and visit.

“A key benefit of locally managed teams is that they know the town and take pride in making a difference. As an organisation, we are committed to caring for Wellington – not just maintaining it.

“I can’t let the opportunity pass without paying tribute to all the voluntary organisations and volunteers around the town who contribute to making the town the special place that it is.

“Some are quite high profile whilst other fly under the radar, but you know that if they didn’t do what they did the town wouldn’t be the same place that it is.”

But Mr Farrow warned: “The 2026-27 year ahead will bring further challenges – for example – making sure the town’s infrastructure can support the growth we expect to see.

“I am confident we are well placed to meet these challenges and build on the successes of the past year.”

The council prides itself on being an ambitious authority that will work with and offer support to all members of the local community as needed with various aims including that Wellington is an inclusive, safe and secure town; a town with a diverse, thriving and resilient local economy; a town with vibrant cultural, sporting and social communities; and one that is proud and protective of the local heritage, green spaces and biodiversity.