New councillor for Bowerhill appointed

LONG-term resident of Bowerhill, Robert Shea-Simonds, has been co-opted as the new councillor for Melksham Without Parish Council, Bowerhill Ward.

After the resignation of cllr Joanne Pattison, there was a vacancy open for a new councillor in the Bowerhill Ward. Robert Shea-Simonds, a long-term resident of nearly 20 years, decided to stand after attending the recent Melksham Without AGM when the vacancies were announced. His co-option was made official during a meeting on Monday 18th June.

Robert has a background of 47 years in sales, management and director level roles within a variety of sectors.

Robert told the Melksham Independent News, “I became interested in becoming a local parish councillor because when I attended the recent Melksham Without Council AGM with my wife, the council vacancies were announced. As we were the only two members of the general public in attendance, it made me realise that  Bowerhill residents must be  generally apathetic about their local council and this prompted me to consider making an application for the Bowerhill Ward vacancy.

“I have a real interest in the overall wellbeing of Bowerhill residents, as well as the ongoing success and development of businesses on the Bowerhill Industrial Estate. Whilst being unsure of the authority carried in the local councillor role or of the council itself, I feel I could develop a detailed understanding of local issues and be a  useful voice in council debate.”

Robert has listed his main concerns with the ward as the on-going social and community issues that he hopes he can help solve during his time as councillor, whilst also working to keep all the good things of Bowerhill as a village, whilst enjoying the benefits of the closeness of Melksham town.