I HOPE all of you had a fantastic October. This week, I want to draw attention to two key areas: local business and our environment.

Most of you will have heard the news that the Card Factory is coming to Chard very soon.

While I am always supportive of competition in our town to keep the economy thriving, I am upset that a large retailer will be coming to Chard, putting one of our most loved community shops at risk.

Best Wishes is our local card shop, everyone knows and loves it. Jayne and Mark are the most welcoming owners and are there to help with every need. It’s at times like this they need our help and support more than ever.

There were lots of complaints that the Card Factory would put Best Wishes out of a job and that is a disgrace. That’s not true.

If our local community really feels that this is a disgrace, then we will stand with our community and keep supporting local businesses.

We supported our businesses through and after COVID, but we must continue support them now.

That’s why shops like Eleos, Floweringi, Best Wishes, Art Café, Barrons, Boss Hogs, A Bite to Eat and the rest all need our support. Chard is developing fast and soon attracting lots of commercial businesses. That’s fine.

However, a Town dies when the heart of it dies. The heart is our local businesses and community centres. So, I ask you to continue supporting them as much as you can.

As per the image above, I have been working really hard to continue to promote the council’s work in improving our local environment.

I recently attended an event at Wells Cathedral run by the Somerset Wildlife Trust and learned of more ways we can enhance our communities.

Lastly, I have this week written to 21 Members of Parliament to ask for their support for the Chard Parkway Project, as the Exeter/Waterloo line runs through their constituencies.

This is the next key step in producing a strong case for this project.

This month, I will be issuing my Christmas Card Competition to Manor Court and Tatworth Primary Schools.

The winning student will receive a £25 amazon voucher and will have their design used for my Annual Christmas Card.

Have a wonderful November,

Written by Cllr Connor Payne