PEOPLE should be hugely proud of what Wellington Town Council is trying to achieve for the community – according to local councillors.

Members of the council’s community committee agreed on Monday (September 15) that long gone were the days when the authority was merely concerned with installing “dog bins and public benches.”

Following the financial emergency at Somerset Council, the town council has stepped up to the plate over the past year or so and taken on a lot more services and responsibilities.

It has submitted a funding application to the Somerset Accelerating Reform Fund for £41,000 to support the introduction of a Wellington Connect project.

The project will fund a 12-month community project co-ordinator to deliver a campaign supporting unpaid carers, enhance information sharing and referrals across Wellington and develop a sustainable working group and online community directory.

The town council is earmarking £10,700 to the project out of its own coffers, covering a portion of the co-ordinator’s salary and some engagement events.

Councillors were unanimous in their support of the project and said it was just another step in the council’s vision of making the town a better place for everyone.

Cllr John Thorne, who is not a member of the community committee, but wanted to have his say on the issue, said he was disappointed that not more councillors had attended the meeting.

“We are becoming more like a unitary authority than a town council,” he said. “More and more things are falling onto us.

“The evolution of this council has been amazing and it is so significant for the future of our town.

“I don’t think the public really appreciate what we do and they should be really proud of their town council. I’m really proud of what we are doing.”

A decision on the funding bid would be known by the end of October.