In my heart I am an optimist as I tend to look forward rather than look backward, and looking forward to Christmas is always a joy.
Even optimists must be realists however, not least because the promise of 2018 is more, not less uncertainty. Experts agree that there is already very real signs of a slowdown in the economy- house prices are either flat or flattening, the cost of living is rising, and retail is down for the time of year as the decision to leave the European Union begins to play out. In the wider world there is tension on the Korean peninsula, in the Sea of Japan and in the South China Sea. Russia continues to regress to its ugly past and violent struggle in the Arab world continues. These things will undoubtedly impact on all our lives in 2018.
Here in Westbury, 2018 will bring a mixture of promise and challenge. The promise will come through progressing our Neighbourhood Plan which will provide a real opportunity for the future. The town council will adopt its first business plan, linking ideas and resources for the first time, and new services will be added to its portfolio as it assumes responsibility for allotments and play areas from Wiltshire Council. Throughout 2018 we will run public information and consultation events to explain further service delegations and their implications on resources and our local council tax. These are undoubtedly some of our challenges in the year to come.
At our Civic Service recently I said as I looked at the young people present, that I am reminded that whatever we do next, whatever comes our way, it is important that we work together and that above all we enjoy ourselves doing that. That we see what is in front of us, that we recognise and seize all our opportunities and together we write the future of our town that is open, challenging, responsible, responsive, accessible, vibrant, prosperous, inclusive and fair. We all have a place in achieving these things, including you.
You can do that by joining in, by taking responsibility and volunteering in your community, by helping at a community event such as a community litter pick. For more information contact Westbury Town Council at info@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk
Christmas is a time for families and rightly so. It is also a time for sharing and I do hope that you will think about reaching out to help others who are less fortunate.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, prosperous and peaceful New Year.
Gordon King
Mayor of Westbury
