Ottery St Mary’s Mayor looks back on 2016 in new year’s message
The Mayor of Ottery St Mary: councillor Glyn Dobson. Photo by Simon Horn. Ref sho 2266-20-14SH To order your copy of this photograph go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on Photo Orders - Credit: Archant
The Mayor of Ottery has looked back on a ‘busy’ 12 months for the town in a new year’s message to residents.
Councillor Glyn Dosbon said the biggest moment of 2016 was the decision for West Hill to form its own parish council. The new council will come into force in April, followed by the election of seven councillors in May.
Cllr Dobson said: “Although it was a very acrimonious campaign, the decision has now been made and I wish the new council of West Hill every success.”
Following the formation, Ottery will have 11 councillors instead of 15 and will review if the situation is ‘sufficient’ after six months.
The mayor said the council faced a ‘huge challenge’ to convert the old NatWest Bank building into the town’s new tourist information centre, library and public toilets.
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He added the building should be ready by the end of January.
In his message, the mayor also praised organisations that gave their full support when the Tour of Britain came to Ottery for the first time in September.
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Off the back of the successful event, the town council has organised a hill climb up Chineway for October 2017, which is a first for the town.
Mayor Dobson added: “It has been a really busy year and there are many more things I would like to report. Unfortunately space is limited so it just remains for me to wish you all a happy, prosperous and healthy new year.”
