WESTBURY’S community engagement manager, Graeme Morrison, looks back on his first year in the town, saying that ‘lots has gone on and lots will happen in the months to come.’
Last year, Graeme Morrison took over the Westbury/ Warminster community engagement manager post. It is a Wiltshire Council position that works alongside the town council, residents and community groups to improve services and facilities in the town.
Graeme said, “It is amazing to think it has been a year since I left my old community area of Devizes to take up the role as community engagement manager for the Westbury and Warminster areas.
“I have really enjoyed getting to know the area and many groups such as your local Wiltshire councillors, POPCAN, Westbury Community Project Trust, Westbury Town Council, other parish councils, local schools, as well as lots of residents who have made me feel really welcome.
“The biggest success over the last year was completing a thorough process which meant Wiltshire Council was able to award a substantial grant of £100,000.00 to the Westbury Community Project.
“This facility will be opening soon and has the potential to make a huge difference to the local community by providing a base for local services.
“The most fun I have had in Westbury this year was working on and delivering the Westbury Young People Awards. The night itself was a great event and the feedback was really positive. It was brilliant to enjoy a night recognising the achievements of young people in the area.
“Looking forward, we are running the young people awards event again in the summer. Nominations are open now on www.youngwestbury.org.uk so if you know a young person who you think deserves recognition, get online and do this now!
“I am also really looking forward to working with the Westbury Community Project Trust to ensure that the new facility is the success that I know it can be. If you or your community group are interested in using the facility – get in touch.
“Other projects that will be happening this year include:
– Continuing the work following the recent environmental-themed area board meeting. I hope to quickly set up a group that will coordinate local action on improving our local environment and air quality and combatting the climate emergency.
– Re-establishing a local youth network – a group that will initiate projects for young people in the community.
– Joint Strategic Needs Assessment – this is a process which will identify the community area’s local priorities. This is a statutory process that local authorities must complete, but we are trying to involve the community and make it as easy to contribute to as possible – look out on social media and my community newsletter for further information in the coming weeks.
– Internally within Wiltshire Council I have recently set up a ‘Westbury Team’ group which is about meeting with Wiltshire Council officers from multiple services and see where we can work together. I hope that this will reduce a lack of communication in the local area and the community will begin to see services work in a more joined up way.
“Lots has gone on and lots will happen in the months to come!
“To keep up with my local news, follow me on twitter @GMorrisonCEM and subscribe to my weekly community newsletter at https://ocm.wiltshire.gov.uk/westbury.”
