The Town Council is looking to appoint a successor to the present Town Clerk who will be retiring in July.

The latest quarterly newsletter has now been distributed to all households in the Town Council area. If you have not received 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. A final theme has yet to be settled on but organisers are considering a comical theme based on Law and Order.

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 is considering making 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 the review and there is no evidence to suggest that reductions in street lighting would have a worsening effect in these respects.

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.