A Burnham-On-Sea resident has this week presented Burnham and Highbridge Town Council with a ‘Christmas wish list’ of improvements for the coming year as he considers a bid to become a town councillor in next year’s elections.
Resident Alex Turco spoke out during this week’s monthly Town Council meeting and covered a number of points that he thinks should be addressed.
“As this is the season of goodwill this is my Christmas list for Burnham and Highbridge Town Council. Dear Santa, I would love to see the Town Council aiding democracy and transparency by making sure that meetings take place at their scheduled time and date, and the return of action lists and supporting documents to be published.”
“In respect of the Town Projects Committee, there should be a greater emphasis on there being a clean and tidy parish. And the Town Council can start by making sure that its town centre assets such as finger posts are thoroughly re-painted.”
“To monitor the health of the town centre, it should make sure the new footfall monitors are installed, even though we’ve had a three month break in the data.”
“It would be wonderful if the Town Council could follow up with Sedgemoor District Council about what it intends to do about its ‘task and finish’ group in the town centres that started but have not finished.”
“In respect of The Princess Management Committee, in 2019 there should be a great refurbishment, but after that we don’t want the theatre to cost £80,000 a year any more.”
“For the Planning Committee, the Neighbourhood Plan directed the council in certain intentions and it would be good to see those at least considered if not implemented, and for there to be a Community Infrastructure Levy policy written and enacted.”
“In respect of the Policy and Finance Committee, the future of the Jaycroft Road Council Chambers needs to be considered. And it would be wonderful if grants meetings could be less so hostile.”
“Perhaps less is best said about the pile of plastic tiles in storage rather than in use, and the cost of those, but I think it is beyond all of us to have a time machine to unwind the most controversial decision in my 15 years of watching this Town Council.”
“In respect of money, we have the Burnham Evolution project, and it would be good to have confidence that this money will not be wasted, and that Highbridge is not forgotten and overlooked for there to be a similar plan, particularly in light of the Brue Farm housing development.”
He added:Â “All I have tried to do over the years is to help you do your job in making Burnham and Highbridge a better place to live, work and visit. I will remind you that in March 2017 I founded what has become Burnham Evolution; I went to Williton in October to make the case for the Hinkley community impact mitigation funding; I provided the framework in 2016 to get Project Coach back on track; in 2012 I got you the grant for the Princess Theatre cafe and arts lounge; and later that year participated in the expanded Town Improvements Committee, devising what became the Tesco project. In 2008 I sat on the working party when the fireworks transferred across from Sedgemoor, and I continue to represent one of the eight businesses that financially support your fireworks event.”
“Councillors, in this season of goodwill I do think we can definitely show a little more of that goodwill together.”
Cllr Peter Clayton responded: “Thank you to Mr Turco for what he’s suggesting. I would like to start by saying there’s no ‘i’ in team and a lot of people were involved in all those things just mentioned.” He added: “Everything you stated at the start of this presentation was being dealt with by this council. I look forward to a happy and prosperous new year and I look forward to your election campaign as you are standing as a candidate.”
Cllr Michael Clarke added: “That’s the first election speech I have heard before this next election. I thought it was a wonderful election speech and I wish you much success.”
Mr Turco confirmed afterwards that he is considering standing as an independent candidate in May’s Town Council election.
