Wedmore Parish Council Business
Hello friends,
Wedmore Parish Clerk update
Hello friends. As 2025 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on just how much goes into keeping Wedmore running. From the outside, it’s easy to overlook what happens, but behind every clean public toilet, safe playground, new allotment or interment at the cemetery are hours of organisation, emails, quotes, and follow‑up.
The Parish Council is responsible for a great deal: the public toilets, three playgrounds, Worthington Woods, the allotments, the village car park, and the cemetery. Each site brings its own set of issues: from maintenance and safety checks to contracts, repairs, and complaints. Add to that insurance renewals, risk assessments, financial reports, planning consultations, and policies, and it becomes clear that on 11 December 2025, parish business never really stops. I’m contracted for 25 hours a week, but it could easily take ten times that to stay fully on top of everything. And, while I’m the only paid employee, your councillors are all volunteers and are not paid a penny for the hours they put in, yet they read reports, attend meetings, inspect sites, and deal with concerns because they care deeply about Wedmore and its people.
The Planning Committee has handled a high number of applications this year. It’s important to be clear: the Parish Council is a consultee, not the decision‑maker. We do not grant or refuse permission; that lies with Somerset Council. Our role is to review applications carefully, assess local impact, and ensure residents’ views are represented. Councillors and members of the public must be able to take part in open discussion without fear, shouting, or personal attacks. There will always be public consultation, but it must take place in the right way, with respect on all sides.
The Finance Committee has been preparing the 2026/27 budget; an update on that will follow next month. The Environmental and Biodiversity Committee has delivered practical results: a new rowan tree for the cemetery pond, owl boxes for Terry’s Wood, and the groundwork for a new Biodiversity Action Plan.
The Community Resilience Committee has been focusing on winter preparedness, checking drains, reviewing emergency procedures, and linking with Somerset Village Agents to support residents who might need help. All of this happens quietly, without fanfare, so the rest of us can enjoy a village that works. As we approach Christmas, I’d ask everyone to take a moment to reflect, to be grateful for what we have, to look out for a neighbour or friend, and to remember that community spirit is built on small acts of kindness.
If you or someone you know needs help over the festive period, then here are some key contacts: Somerset Village Agents: somersetagents.org – local support and wellbeing help; Mindline Somerset: 01823 276 892 – mental health support; Somerset Council Adult Social Care: 0300 123 2224 – urgent care or safeguarding; Flooding or road issues: somerset.gov.uk/report‑it; Severe weather updates: somersetprepared.org.uk. Wedmore is full of good people doing good work.
Let’s carry that spirit into 2026 with respect, gratitude, and a willingness to help where we can.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year!
Lindsey Baker, Clerk,
Please do not use the “Leave a Reply” but use only the email contact information provided below.
Parish Clerk, Wedmore Parish Council,
Grant’s Lane, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EA
Telephone 713087,
email clerk@wedmore-pc.gov.uk
Wedmore Parish Council NEW Website (for the latest detailed minutes)