At it's meeting on 13 March the Council co opted David Furness and Jill Gyngell as new Members, both representing the Watch Oak ward.

At the Council's AGM on 21 May Cllr Richard Bye was reelected as Chairman and Town Mayor. His Deputy will continue to be Cllr Sylvie Pry.

The Town Council has appointed Julia Cuppini as successor to the present Town Clerk who will be retiring in July. She will officially take up her post on 1 July but there will be a handover period beginning on 17 June.

The June newsletter will be circulated to all households shortly. If you do not receive a copy please let the Town Clerk know.

Although not run by the Town Council it has recently been confirmed that the Scarecrow Festival will run again in 2013. This year's theme will be comic characters.

The town enjoyed another successful year in the 2012 South & South East in Bloom competition. The Almonry garden received a Gold award, the cemetery a Silver Gilt award and the town itself a Silver Gilt award. Entries in these categories have again been made for the 2013 competition. Changes are being made in the private gardens category of the local Battle in Bloom competition. This year, awards will be made in respect of the Best Area Maintained by Children; the Best Small Vegetable Garden and the Best Area Maintained with Nature Conservation In Mind. There will also be a new award for the Best Spring Garden.

With effect from 1 January 2012 the Town Council took over responsibility for the Watch Oak allotment site from the District Council. For further information about our allotments please select "Allotments" from the main menu.

The Council has set a precept for 2013-14 of £199,820. Although this appears to be a significant increase the cost to the average householder will still be only about £1.43 per week to cover the cost of the range of services provided by the Town Council. In part, the need to make an increase follows receipt of a condition survey relating to the street lighting columns, many of which are in need of repair or replacement.

Having studied the experience of many other local authorities the Town Council has decided to make changes to the street lighting regime. By switching off the lights between midnight and 5.30am substantial savings can be made in energy costs. Potential concerns about increases in crime and car accidents were covered in a review and there is no evidence to suggest that reductions in street lighting would have a worsening effect in these respects. The first phase this year will focus on the Darvel Down area at Netherfield; Coronation Gardens and adjoining roads; the various roads leading off Battle Hill and Asten Fields.

The Council currently has a number of vacant plots. If you are interested in taking on an allotment please contact Carol Harris, Asst Town Clerk 01424 772210.