WESTBURY Town Council’s new town clerk will take over from Keith Harvey, who has served as town clerk since 2010.
Deborah Urch will have responsibility for the management of the town council from Friday 1st April, having moved to the council after 17 years with Somerset County Council.
Deborah said, “I am very excited and honoured to be working for Westbury Town Council, and I wish Keith a happy and long retirement. I will be supporting the councillors to do the best for the community and I will take the time to engage personally with the town.
“My most recent role as a business manager was demanding and diverse, and involved managing a large budget and a county-wide team across a number of facilities. I have joined the town council at a busy and interesting time when services previously provided by Wiltshire Council will transfer to the town, and I hope to be able to bring my experience and expertise to the council.
“I have a keen interest in health and fitness, and regularly take part in charity events, most recently a cycle challenge to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. You may well see me cycling through the town in fairer weather!”
On his upcoming retirement Keith said, “It has been a privilege to be the town clerk in my hometown for the past six years.
“A great deal has happened in that time and I hope local residents will see the town council has progressed in its thinking and forward planning. I feel that I, with the support of the town councillors, have laid good foundations for Deborah.
“The role of town clerk has certainly been very interesting, varied and very satisfying when projects are completed.
“I have felt Westbury Town Council is at times unfairly criticised following all the effort put in by staff and councillors. Unfortunately, the support Westbury gets from Wiltshire Council is very disappointing; we are being flooded with housing developments and Westbury Town Council is constantly asking for the infrastructure to support these projects, but to no avail.
“Finally I’d like to say a big thank you to the staff, councillors and fellow clerks around the county for their support and I would like to wish Deborah and all at Westbury Town Council the very best for the future.
“I have been told by some already retired, that once retired one wonders how they found time to go to work. No doubt, there will be a list of DIY jobs and I hope to enjoy some gardening, holidays and spending time with the family.”
The clerk is the town council’s most senior officer and is responsible for recording and implementing the council’s decisions, as well as leading council staff.
Deborah is keen to hear from local people and can be contacted by email at info@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk
