The following article is a candidate profile for the Midsomer Norton Town Council candidate, Gordon Mackay. All views expressed are solely those of the author.

Our High Street must be the Council’s priority. 

With so much retail moving online, successful town centres must adapt to become community hubs where leisure and social services sit alongside retail. Completing the Town Hall project will be key to this, allowing markets, exhibitions, events, the return of the cinema and public toilets.

Increasing footfall is the only way to ensure more shops stay open. The town should return to holding music events on the High Street as happened in the past, let’s fill our streets with people, music and shoppers.

The incredible amphitheatre, delivered by the Town Council and holding the Music Festival on 3rd June, has so much potential.  I’d like to see an outdoor cinema showing films, sports and even Glastonbury.

My thanks to all those long-serving Councillors standing down at this election.  Your selfless service over many years is greatly appreciated.  The best of luck to the many new candidates standing. Midsomer Norton has the most incredible community, the challenge now is to give everyone reasons to get out supporting our High Street and ensuring our town thrives.