The work of key groups that are vital for community spirit was showcased during a town’s annual meeting — while the burning concerns from residents also came under the spotlight.
Southwell Town Council held its Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, April 24, at Riverside Church Centre — and it was an opportunity for members of the public to meet with councillors, ask questions, share their opinions, and learn more about what some of the town’s youth groups have been up to.
Chairman Martin Stott acknowledged that the main concerns in the town currently are: the swimming pool, condition of the roads, flooding events, and the recent spate of anti-social behaviour.
“The town council is fully aware of the concerns of residents,” he said, and confirmed the council was “doing its best” to encourage the relevant authorities to sort the issues — as the town council itself has limited responsibilities.
Speaking of road repairs, which is the responsibility of Nottinghamshire County Council, he said: “We frequently remind them of where repairs are needed.”
Attention was also drawn to criticism of the council on social media.
Mr Stott said: “Reports on social media are often misleading.”
One example was given, of accusations of ‘healthy trees’ being cut down. Two samples of trees which had faced such criticism were shown. One was entirely hollow and the other discoloured inside.
“Why would we want to do that?” he added.
The work of Friends of Southwell Parks to help the skatepark become reality, the commemoration of the coronation, the thriving markets, work of the Flood Forum and the progress on the neighbourhood plan were also noted and praised.
Council staff and community groups “which work so effectively for Southwell” were also thanked by Mr Stott.
A financial report followed, delivered by Malcolm Brock on behalf of finance committee chairman Peter Harris, who could not make the meeting.
Mr Brock outlined the biggest expenses of the previous year — tree maintenance, the skatepark, and work to Squires and Cludd ponds.
He highlighted that while carparks ran at a loss in the previous year, it would now be rectified, and added: “It was tough. To break even last year was an achievement.”
Questions raised by members of the public included the removed bin outside the Morrisons store on Leeway Road, which the council confirmed it was aware of and would chase up, the potential for closure of King Street, and about the plans put forward for a new Welcome Centre.
Martin said: “It is a question of money.
“It’s a long way from happening, but nothing happens without ambition.”
Residents pointed out that reactions to the proposal on Facebook had not been entirely positive.
The meeting included presentations from members of Southwell Methodist Church, who spoke about worship and seasonal worship, the church’s array of affordable family, baby and youth groups, community events, affordable trips, fundraising efforts, and its collaboration with other churches in the area.
Many of the Methodist Church’s initiatives are also open to people who do not worship with them — or even those without a faith — and aim to allow residents to get involved without spending lots of money.
Another presentation was given by some of Southwell’s Army Cadets, who are based at the Drill Hall on Newark Road.
They told attendees about the benefits of being part of the Army Cadet Force — including friendships, fitness, discipline, life skills, work ethic, and confidence.
One of the cadets, Corporal Blackmore, explained he had developed skills he would keep for the rest of his life, and that cadets gave him the opportunity to “learn a lot through hands on activities” including a recent first aid qualification.
The Southwell detachment parade on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. It is open to young people aged 12 to 18.
The final presentation was by two members of the Minster School’s sixth form head team, who gave an overview of the charity work and events they had run.
These included the Race for Life, which raised £2,500 for Cancer Research, fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust, dressing in yellow for Cystic Fibrosis day, and work by the school’s charity group UGive UChange.
They had also run the sixth form Winter Ball, worked with groups of prefects, arranged for students to take part in activities with the town council, and taken part in the Minster Mentors scheme.
The head boy and girl are also currently seeking to reinstate the school as a Fairtrade school.
Further updates included news on the flood bund, which is due to go before the county council’s planning committee in July, and that the anti-social behaviour was being tackled by police while town council staff clean up littering and damage as soon as possible.
Later in the meeting the present youth groups, and public were invited to share ideas for how anti-social behaviour could be tackled in the town — after Roger Blaney noted the meeting showed there was plenty of groups for young people to be involved in rather than engaging in poor behaviour.
