Where has this year gone? I have been in post for nearly twelve months and it has flown by, which tells me one thing – I must be enjoying the role.
There is certainly no time to be bored with so many exciting projects in the pipeline.
One of my first tasks was to carry out a staffing review to ensure we have the right people and the right resources to deliver the Council’s objectives and serve the community of Melksham. That task has been completed and we introduce you to some of our new staff in this newsletter. What the Town Council is thrilled about is the engagement of a further three apprentices, bringing our grand total to four. It is important to give young people an opportunity to develop their skills and as responsible, supportive employers we have developed a comprehensive programme of training with input from Wiltshire College.
Getting to know what makes up this wonderful community has been one of the highlights of the job. Melksham is blessed to have so many dedicated, committed hard working volunteers involved in a vast array of community groups throughout the town. Didn’t South West in Bloom, Melksham, do well again? A big shout out to each and every one of the volunteers. I know they have some big plans for next year, and so watch out as our beautiful Market Place roundabout is transformed again with a fitting display to commemorate the 2020 Olympic Games.
A new committee structure has been introduced together with a revision of standing orders and financial regulations and a review of all our leases and agreements to ensure that we are getting value for money.
The splashpad installation has to be one of the highlights of the year and we were thrilled to see so many families making the King George V Park their go-to destination during the summer. We have many more enhancements planned for the park and I am currently working on the tender specifications for the new play area. We are also considering how to improve the facilities offered by the pavilion café.
We have just completed a scoping report on the town centre. It is a review of the opportunities, challenges and drivers facing our town centre. From this, it is hoped that a Masterplan can be developed which will capitalise on all the opportunities which there are in the town and wider community.
Wishing this wonderful community, a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year, and looking forward to what 2020 may hold for Melksham.
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