What a year’

What a year it’s been for Midsomer Norton with new businesses moving into the High Street and a genuine buzz of excitement around the town.

On the Town Council, we have seven fantastic new Councillors joining the team mixed with the sadness of losing long-serving member Richard Robertson who passed away this summer. The Council has recruited two new permanent members of staff, Katie Mason and Kate Egan, each joining with very high qualifications and already making a valuable contribution.

The Community Trust, created by the Town Council in 2013 to manage the Town’s buildings and run events, has gone from strength to strength with a series of successes throughout the year including the Music Festival at the Town Park and, recently, a wonderful Christmas Lights switch on. This is only possible due to the many volunteers who work for the Trust contributing hundreds of hours in planning and organising and also working on the day. Special thanks is due to Deputy Mayor, Cllr Martyn Plant, who’s put so much effort into the Community Trust and the Council this year.

The first phase of saving and restoring Midsomer Norton’s iconic Town Hall for the community is nearing completion. Only by undertaking the project could anyone know what poor condition the building was in structurally. This has lead to unfortunate delays including the cinema being closed for longer than originally anticipated. The alternative would have been to let the building fall further into decline costing even more to save in the future, if ever.

It’s been an incredible honour to serve as the Town’s Mayor since May and I’m excited about continuing in 2024 helping make Midsomer Norton the very best it can be. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, everyone.

Thanks,

Gordon Mackay