ILMINSTER’S mayor has used her annual address to urge residents to work together for the good of the town and move away from any animosity that may have surfaced during recent hotly-debated issues.

Cllr Emma Jane Taylor reflected on the successes of Ilminster Town Council over the last 12 months during her speech at the town’s annual community assembly, as well as outlining challenges facing the town.

One such issue at the heart of discussions in the past year has been the direction of growth for the town, which has now been adopted as Canal Way.

Cllr Taylor said she hopes that funding can be secured for a new first school, and that efforts are made to protect businesses in the town centre.

She said: “South Somerset District Council’s Local Plan has now been agreed and whether you like it or not the direction of growth is along Canal Way.

“As we all know, the issue was hotly debated here in Ilminster, however, it is time to move forward and, rather than allow animosity to dictate actions, we need to work together for the good of the town.

“Any growth in this settlement impacts on the town and we need to ensure that Herne Hill and its ecosystem are protected by a good barrier between it and any building, and that Somerset County Council finds the funding to build a replacement for Greenfylde School next to the medical centre.

“The only employment land left in Ilminster – the Horlicks site – remains as employment land. However, any developer will want to include shops and cafes maybe a gym in the plans so the individuals working there have access to those facilities.

“When this happens, a way needs to be found to ensure the town centre does not suffer, which is a real risk. And no, I am not trying to scare anyone at this point, just pointing out that we must be aware of these threats and work to ensure the plans for the town protect us from them.

“It is something that both the business community and the new council need to engage in.”

The mayor pointed towards successes including the development of the town’s master plan for its recreational space, the opening of a tuck shop on the recreation ground, and the upgrade of the Winterhay Lane play park.

Flower troughs on Strawberry Bank have attracted many positive comments, while Ilminster’s Christmas lights team were able to install white lights on the roof of the market house for the first time.

“It’s been an eventful year with a number of successful outcomes and the beginnings of future projects that benefit the town."