Wedmore Parish Clerk Update
May is always a positive time in the parish. As we move fully into spring, our shared spaces come into their own, and it is a reminder of how much of what we value locally depends on steady, ongoing work behind the scenes.
This month also brings Somerset Day on 11 May, celebrating the history and identity of our county. It is a good moment to reflect on what makes Wedmore special, not just the setting, but the people who contribute to it.
I am very pleased to share that this year’s Henry Butt Trophy has been awarded to Jacqui Redman, in recognition of her long-standing contribution to village life. From supporting local events and organisations, her work with Wedmore Cubs and documenting community activities over many years. Jacqui’s contribution reflects exactly what this award is intended to recognise.
Since the last update, the Parish Council has met in Committee and at Full Council, progressing a number of practical matters. At Full Council in March, members approved over £16,000 of expenditure in line with financial regulations and agreed arrangements for earmarked reserves and the investment of surplus funds, ensuring
public money continues to be managed carefully and transparently. The Council also agreed to fund a parish-wide Community Resilience Information Leaflet, which will be delivered to households to provide practical guidance in the event of emergencies.
Work continues on local infrastructure issues, including the Panborough Drain, where the Council has agreed to defer a Parish-led scheme while external funding and responsibilities are clarified. Engagement with the Somerset Rivers Authority and other partners is ongoing. In addition, the Council has: submitted an expression
of interest for electric vehicle infrastructure at Church Street; approved essential repair works across parish assets, including play areas, Worthington Woods and the cemetery; and progressed governance arrangements for the King Alfred ‘Peace of Wedmore’ project, subject to external funding.
Alongside this, routine work continues, with inspections, maintenance, and ensuring facilities remain safe and accessible as we move into a busier time of year. The Highways Committee has progressed issues raised by residents, including speeding, drainage, and road conditions. This includes ongoing work with Somerset Council
on pedestrian safety along Pilcorn Street and wider traffic management measures. Drainage issues and highway defects continue to be formally reported and followed up. While delivery of schemes sits with Somerset Council as Highway Authority, the Parish Council continues to press for progress and ensure Wedmore’s priorities are
clearly represented.
With increased use of outdoor spaces at this time of year, there is a focus on managing grass, vegetation and access routes, ensuring paths remain clear, and visibility is maintained where it affects safety.
Did you know? From this month, I will be including a short ‘Did You Know?’ section, sharing some of the practical details behind how the Parish Council operates. The Parish Council pays £663 per year to Somerset Council for the cemetery, in addition to funding its ongoing maintenance, including grass cutting and upkeep.
Parish Council meetings remain open to the public, with a public participation period at each meeting. Wedmore works best when people engage openly, constructively and with a shared understanding of how decisions are made.
Lindsey Baker
Clerk, Wedmore Parish Council