Work to compile a new Burnham and Highbridge Neighbourhood Plan is moving forward and extra volunteers are being sought to form a new steering group for the project.
A Working Party that was formed earlier in the year held its third well-supported meeting at Burnham Town Council Chambers in Jaycroft Road last Thursday.
Local councillors and members of the public were joined by two councillors representing Burnham Without Parish Council who may recommend to their Parish that parts of Burnham Without should be included in the Plan.
The Working Party decided that they needed to formalise affairs by becoming a Steering Group as soon as possible and to advertise the following voluntary posts – Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Administrator, Minutes Secretary, Publicity Officer, Treasurer, Events Co-ordinator, Outreach Officer, IT Officer, Researcher, Data Manager/Analyser and Graphic Designer.
A spokeperson for the Working Party told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are now reaching a very exciting period where work on a Neighbourhood Plan really starts.”
“To date the Working Party have engaged mainly in informal discussions, but this has given us a chance to discuss the aims and objectives, structures and processes that we need to follow. This careful pre-planning is essential as any scheme for the area is not only subject to independent inspection but also to approval by public referendum.”
“We also want to stress that all the posts which require filling will be on a voluntary basis – we do not envisage public money being spent on basic administration – and, therefore, we need the level of public commitment we have received so far to be maintained. Job Descriptions for all posts can and should be obtained from the Deputy Town Clerk, Mrs Lorna Williams at The Old Courthouse in Jaycroft Road, Burnham, TA8 1LE.”
“The group’s next meeting will be held at The Old Courthouse on Thursday, June 12th starting at 7pm. Ideally applications for any of the above posts should be received by the Deputy Town Clerk before the day of the meeting but we intend to be flexible as possible and to take nominations at the meeting, if necessary.”
“We are very grateful for the support of the 33 residents who have already expressed an interest and hope that this number will gradually increase and the scheme gains further momentum.”
