IF Wellington and Taunton and its wider hinterland are to take full advantage of the economic progress under way fuelled by current redevelopments and infrastructure upgrades which I’ve been pleased to play my part in, then all other areas must get involved to work towards making the area as attractive and buoyant as possible so that we can truly take advantage of being the Gateway to the South-West – the label I use continuously in Parliament. That includes the sport, retail and nature offer but also the art and cultural offer of our towns.

I recently attended the launch of the new ArtsTaunton initiative which is building on bringing more quality cultural and entertainment events, great public art, innovative sculptures and landscaping to the area with a view to benefiting not just the local population but attracting larger audiences from outside, too. This kind of approach has helped towns such as Margate and Gateshead to blossom so why not Taunton and Wellington?

Wellington Arts Centre, run ably by Wellington Arts Association, is already doing a good job bringing together a wide range of art groups from opera, to panto and acoustic. It has been suggested to me that if a full time arts manager could be put in post the cultural offer could be increased even further. Perhaps food for thought.

Fortunately the town already has its own iconic piece of art in the form of the historic Wellington Monument. I am delighted to report that my campaign to get this beautiful structure restored is going great guns with completed petition forms pouring into the office, many from local businesses including Wellington Motors and Golden Hill Pet Supplies. There is still time to take part so do contact my office and we’ll get you some forms.

Finally, congratulations to Wellesley Park Primary School for winning a Silver Award in the Royal Bath & West Environmental Youth Awards. Bringing up the next generation to understand, care for and conserve our precious nature and wildlife is so important and this school is leading the way. Well done! I’m looking forward to being invited to visit!

If you would like to sign the petition, then please visit The Wellington Weekly News, 26 High Street, Wellington TA21 8RA or my constituency office: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG.

REBECCA POW MP