IT had been a ‘transformational year’ for the town council, Wellington Mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd said in her annual parish meeting report.

Cllr Lloyd said the council ‘prepared for, and then took ownership’ of the town’s open spaces, including Wellington Park, the Playing Field and Recreation Ground, and all of its children’s play areas except on the Cades, Longforth Farm, and unitary council housing estates.

The mayor’s report was being delivered to a meeting in the United Reformed Church Hall on Wednesday (May 28) open to anybody living in Wellington.

Cllr Lloyd said from April 1 this year the town council also took ownership of public toilets in North Street Car Park.

She said: “The continued financial difficulties experienced by Somerset Council also saw the council investing in services to support the more vulnerable members of our community.

“This resulted in the need to recruit more staff, buy equipment and vehicles, and take on a depot from which our new open spaces team can operate.

Wellington Mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd (centre) with deputy mayor Cllr Catherine Govier-Wiggins and chief executive Dave Farrow signing historic land transfer documents. PHOTO: WTC.
Wellington Mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd (centre) with deputy mayor Cllr Catherine Govier-Wiggins and chief executive Dave Farrow signing historic land transfer documents. PHOTO: WTC. ( )

“We have continued to deliver events for the town, most notably the celebration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2024, a Christmas market to go alongside our Christmas lights switch-on event, and, more recently, events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with events to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ day planned for August 15.

“The council also supported the reinstatement of the regular market in the town.”

Cllr Lloyd said the new responsibilities also saw an increase in, and restructuring of, the town council’s staff and it would shortly be employing a total of 16 people.

The former district authority community office in Fore Street had been purchased by the town council to allow it to create a ground floor reception area ‘meaning members of our community now find it much easier to engage with us’.

Cllr Lloyd said councillors were looking at how to improve the reception building’s energy efficiency and possible future development plans for the property.

She highlighted a large increase in council tax bills with a 27 per cent rise in the town council’s precept, but set it in the context that it was ‘not unique to Wellington’ with ‘other town councils also increasing their budgets considerably as a result of taking on more responsibilities from Somerset Council’.

Cllr Lloyd said people were welcome to attend and speak at council meetings ‘as it provides a valuable opportunity for councillors to keep in touch with local views’.

She said: “It also gives local people an opportunity to see what the council does and to understand issues of interest and concern.

“This assists in developing mutual understanding and in managing expectations.”

Cllr Lloyd said finance was provided to many local clubs, organisations, and charities to support the wellbeing and success of the town.

She said: “This enables a wide range of activities and events to take place which otherwise might not be possible.

“To be successful, applicants need to demonstrate there is demand for the activity/event, and there will be a positive benefit to residents.”