AS another council year draws to an end, we have the opportunity to look back and reflect on all that has happened.

This last year has not been easy for councillors or residents.

The changes proposed for Ilminster in the Local Plan, whatever area for growth is chosen, will cause distress to one set of residents or another.

Where planning is concerned, councillors try to ensure that whatever happens in the town it will be of benefit to the town as a whole, not just the minority.

But with the new planning guidelines that task becomes more and more difficult.

However, not all is gloom and doom. Despite the reservations of some residents, we have started the process that we hope will, in time, allow us to improve our recreational space.

We have secured capital grant funding that will enable us to commission work to resolve one of the flooding problems in the town.

Flooding will remain an issue for years to come, I suspect.

One issue I would like to see addressed with all speed is subsidence along Beacon Road.

The impact of the road closure is already beginning to make itself felt.

Unfortunately, the Highways Department has told us that an assessment needs to be done and that cannot happen until the weather improves.

Another opportunity was the chance for the town council to become responsible for running the Thursday Market. If we had not agreed to take it over, we would have lost it. As it is, we hope to see the market grow over the year.

As Mayor, over the course of the year, I have attended a wide range of events in and around Ilminster and I am always impressed by the hard work of the volunteers who organise and run these events.

However, the success of events depends on the support of local residents. In Ilminster that support is always forthcoming and long may it continue.

The first big event is the Lions Fete, so put the date, Saturday, May 24, in your diary now