SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: County council chief hears about Ilminster’s problems

THE chief executive of Somerset County Council, Pat Flaherty, was in Ilminster this week meeting with local people to talk about their local concerns.

Mr Flaherty arrived in the town at the invitation of Ilminster’s county council member, Cllr Linda Vijeh, after he had said that he was keen to meet people face-to-face to discuss various issues.

Among those who attended the meeting were Cllr Sue Osborne, who represents the nearby Windwhistle ward at South Somerset District Council, and representatives of Ilminster Town Council, the Chamber of Commerce and local parish councils.

In order to help understand and overcome the confusion that exists between the different responsibilities of county and district, Mr Flaherty outlined the key areas under County Hall control which include highways; the safeguarding of children, school planning, adult social care, waste disposal, public health, libraries, public transport and economic development.

He also mentioned that the county council budget, excluding money earmarked for schools, had been reduced by £100m in the last five years and was now down to £300m – with the result being cuts to some services.

Cllr Vijay said: “As might be expected, highways came high on the list of topics for discussion, where Ilminster businesses remain very concerned about the impact of continued road closures, along with issues in relation to flooding caused by blocked and broken drains, and parking within the town.

“Those living in outlying communities also raised the impact on small businesses of the roll out of superfast Broadband.

“Speeding, and the impact of increased HGV traffic in the village of Donyatt, was also raised, where the expectation is that, although due to the nature of the through route options are limited, consideration could be given to looking at available options.”

PHOTO – TOP: The chief executive of Somerset County Council, Pat Flaherty (second right), is seen with (from left) Michael Fry-Foley, Andrew Shearman, Linda Vijeh and Sue Osborne.

Before leaving for a lunch of fish and chips and chocolate mousse with pupils of NerochePrimary School in Broadway, followed by a tour of the division, Mr Flaherty reiterated his promise to look into the issues raised and respond by the middle of June.

Cllr Vijeh added: “Whilst we can accept that Pat may not have the answer to everything at his finger tips, I think that everyone welcomed the opportunity to be able to meet him and to be able to raise those local issues that can have an effect on the daily lives of all of those who live and work here.

“I am confident that he has taken everything on board and will deliver on his promise of responding in a timely manner. We have all accepted that in most cases regular up to date communication is the key to satisfying residents’ expectations.”

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