I became a councillor entirely by accident.
In 2017, a vacancy arose in Melksham Without Parish Council (MWPC) and I thought democracy would be best served by holding an election. I completed the necessary paperwork, this was accepted by Wiltshire Council, and an election was duly declared. I felt obliged to be a candidate and stood as a representative of the Labour Party.
I prepared to fight a gallant campaign and, inevitably, lose; however, no other candidate came forward and I was duly ‘elected’ to MWPC as a councillor for Bowerhill. When the council was elected again in May 2021 there were fewer candidates for Bowerhill than there were seats available so I was elected again without anyone ever having voted for me. Or against me.
Over the years, several councillors have joined us as a result of being co-opted. They are excellent councillors, dedicated to their work, but a democracy functions on elections and residents should have the right to choose to accept or reject their representatives. This requires people to be prepared to stand as candidates. If democracy is to flourish, we must participate. We, ‘use it or lose it’.
I enjoy my work as a councillor and in my current role as vice-chair I attend all meetings of committees and working groups; this gives me a broader understanding of the council’s work. My interest in planning issues has developed since I joined the Neighbourhood Plan steering group, of which I am the current chair.
Our aim is to produce a plan which will enable the community to define how we develop, where we build houses, how many and for whom. We want to protect green spaces, valued buildings and the quality of life that we all cherish. This includes the need for sustainable housing and spaces in the context of the climate emergency. A great deal of research has been commissioned by the steering group, carried out by professional consultants and paid for by the government. We have consulted informally with the community via an exhibition in the Campus, questionnaires and information online. There will be further consultation as we move forward.
Please engage: this is your community and your future. This can never stop attempts at speculative development, but we must do what we can to retain control of the process.
Another important initiative is that which appeared in the last edition of the MIN. Melksham Without Parish Council and the town council, supported by a grant from Wiltshire Council Area Board, are jointly funding a post to develop and co-ordinate the support largely provided by voluntary groups in our community. Using the expertise of Age UK, we aim to improve the support that people need and to ensure that they have the necessary information to enable them to claim the financial support to which they are entitled. I am always impressed by the number of volunteers involved in projects to support other people in our community. This new post-holder will ensure that all these efforts are co-ordinated to achieve maximum effect.
