AS we come to the end of 2010 I hope you all have enjoyed a happy Christmas despite the wintry conditions, writes Ottery mayor Glyn Dobson.

It has again been a very busy year for the town council, and it certainly will not be any easier next year with all the cutbacks that have been forecast, they are bound to affect us all, and as a council we will strive to control these and to limit there effect where at all possible.

Looking on the positive side, the long awaited footbridge should be completed by the autumn, giving a safe passage to the King’s School for its pupils and staff. It will enable residents of Thorne Park Way an easy access to the town, and of course a safe journey to the hospital.

The supermarket that is to be built in Hind Street should open its doors at the end of September. With this will come two hours’ free parking, giving the public the opportunity to visit the many excellent shops in the town.

There will be council elections in May and I would urge any adult living in the parish 18 years of age or over to seriously consider standing to be a councillor and help to keep Ottery parish the wonderful place to live in that it is.

It just remains for me to wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful new year and I look forward to working with you in the months to come.