IMPROVING the town centre, engaging with the community and putting Chard on the map – just three of the successes for the town council in the last 12 months.

In her annual report, Chard town’s clerk Sarah Robson said events such as the Urban Water Slide showed what can be achieved with determination and drive.

Among the projects undertaken over the year was a scheme to rid the town centre of cigarette butts and litter, and the introduction of blooming flower displays.

In the report, the town clerk said: “One of the big successes has been the council’s involve - ment with the Probation Service and the introduction of a partnership with the Community Payback Team. They have been responsible for painting the railings around St Mary’s Church, and undertaking routine litter picking duties.

“Another project last year saw a campaign to raise awareness of littering in the town centre. This was especially targeted towards encouraging the responsible disposal of cigarette butts.

“Whoever could have guessed that Chard would be blazing a trail in being the first town to have an Urban Slide? This had been the vision of Chard’s Mayor Mrs Kenton as part of her ambitious programme of fundraising events. It generated a huge amount of interest from near and far, and attracted hundreds of participants eager to try ‘surfing’ down the high street.”

The flower holders and hanging baskets have received many compliments, and the town clerk welcomed the brilliant support of local shops and traders.

“I was delighted that last year’s floral displays were well supported by sponsorship from businesses in Chard,” she added.

“Without this continued support by local traders and ships, the council would have to consider whether or not to scale this back.

“The Guildhall and Amenities Committee has approved a number of large scale projects to enhance the Guildhall.

“The first of these demonstrates a desire to show the council’s green credentials by the installation of photo voltaic panels to the rear of the building.

“Another large piece of work will commence in May with works to refurbish the exterior of the Guildhall, to ensure this landmark building in Chard continues to not only look its best but is fit for purpose for the next hundred or so years.”