TWO of Melksham’s youngest town councillors have big plans for their time on the council and are ready for action!
At the age of 25, councillors Jack Oatley and Simon Crundell are the youngest of the 15 councillors that were recently elected to Melksham Town Council in May. However, the pair say that their age is “just a number” and “not that big of a deal”, and have outlined to Melksham News their ambitions for the town.
Their plans include supporting local groups and organisations to grow; encouraging more community volunteering; and tackling climate change and the ecology crisis.
About why they wanted to become a town councillor, Jack told Melksham News, “The Melksham community is special and I am fascinated by how the community comes together when needed; and how the community supports local charities and business of Melksham.
“I wanted to be a councillor who would put the people of Melksham first and wanted to see a newer, enthusiastic council.”
Simon added, “With the exception of going to university, I have lived in the town all my life. I love Melksham and it would be a true honour to one day look back at a project and think ‘I was a part of that.’
“Bringing the community together and both preserving and enhancing the town’s built and natural environment are key responsibilities of the town council. In this sense, there is an enormous capacity to make a positive impact on your town.
“I have seen the town council pursue wonderful projects, but I have also seen it waste the town’s money and descend into chaos. Loving my hometown as I do, I thought I could probably make a difference. I wish more people would get involved.”
The pair are now heading up the town council’s community development committee, with Jack as chair and Simon as vice-chair.
About their hopes for the committee, Simon said, “The community development committee presents some of the most exciting opportunities for the town. Think of what we have already got in terms of in Bloom and our great community events, we get to build on that!
“It’s such a privilege and I am so excited to help build on the work of so many great people in our town.
“The pandemic has reminded us all of the value and power of community.
“I won’t list all of my ideas for the committee – I have a lot – but what I will say is that we desperately need to get more people involved in the early stages. In Melksham there is a core of dedicated, community-oriented volunteers who do a lot of the organising. If we are going to make our town’s events more inclusive, we have to get more people involved.”
Jack added, “My ambition for the committee is to work with the community to develop new initiatives (where appropriate and/or needed) and to help and support existing community groups who do such great work for our town.”
Picture: Town councillors Simon Crundell and Jack Oatley outside the Town Hall.
