HAVE you ever wondered what the role of Westbury’s mayor involves? Well, the town’s current mayor, cllr Sheila Kimmins, and Pamela Thomson, who was mayor in 2006, have shared their thoughts on the role.
And although there are 15 years between their time in the role, some things have remained the same, such as concern over poor air quality in the town.
Echoing the current hot topics in the town – the campaign for a Westbury bypass to alleviate pressures on the A350 that travels through the town; and the fight to stop plans for a waste incinerator – back in 2006, the town was equally concerned about the “incessant procession” of heavy lorries moving through Westbury.
But first, what does Westbury’s mayor do?
Explaining the role of mayor, current mayor, cllr Sheila Kimmins told White Horse News, “The mayor’s chain that I wear around my neck has 40 links, one link for each of the past mayors. Some councillors have been mayor more than once, and only have one link.
“The mayor is elected by their fellow councillors for the term of one year. Being the mayor of Westbury is an honour. The mayor is the spokesperson for the council, and chairman of the council, which includes chairing the town council meetings.
“There is a fine line between speaking for your fellow councillors and speaking as a resident of Westbury. The chairman of the council must be, and seen to be, impartial, only commenting and/or voting when there is a hung decision.
If speaking or writing with personal views it must be clear that those comments are made by this resident of the town and not the views of the councillors or council.
“The mayor is asked by outside organisations to represent the town council in opening events, judging competitions. The mayor represents the town council at formal council events such as presenting cheques at the grants awards evening, and meeting with key members of the Westbury community. The mayor also holds their own events such as the Civic Service, the recent meet your councillors held at the Laverton, and annual reception. The mayor also sponsors a charity for the time they are in office. All proceeds from the mayor’s events are donated to that charity.
“We are a very busy council and a busy town as well; and I am very proud to be part of it. If you like to meet and talk with people, then being a councillor might be just right for you. Next time you see an advertisement calling for councillors, do apply. You will find being a councillor challenging and very rewarding and who knows, you might be mayor one day.”
About her mayoral memories from 2006, Pamela Thomson told White Horse News, “Shortly after retiring in 2001, I stood for election to Westbury Town Council. My reason for standing was that I wanted to work with others to address matters of concern to the local community.
“During my time as mayor in 2006, I remember going to London with a deputation from the South West and successfully lobbying the Minister of Transport to retain the Westbury to Waterloo direct train service. At this meeting we also stated that lifts were urgently needed at Westbury station. At another meeting, it was pointed out that trains stopping at Dilton Marsh were not convenient for commuters travelling to work. This was fortunately rectified.
“2006 was a very busy year and I particularly enjoyed attending many events at Matravers School, including meeting the Russian Minister of Education. During this year, a special category of civic awards was created for young people who had made a positive contribution to the local community. At the Civic Reception, it was very uplifting to hear the headteacher speak of the achievements of so many.
“Other functions that I particularly remember attending were, a generous feast to celebrate the Festival of Eid at the Islamic Centre in Trowbridge and the twinning celebrations at Chateau du Loir.
“Christmas 2006 celebrated the town’s Victorian heritage, with some spectacular results, and the Christmas window display at Cards Plus was absolutely stunning! During the weekend of the lights ‘switch on’, an ice rink was installed in the market square and hundreds of children took to the ice. The many events taking place certainly brought people into the town.
“Of course, the main problems then, as now, remained unresolved – poor air quality due to the incessant procession of heavy lorries snaking through the medieval streets of Westbury. This noise and air pollution are bound to have a detrimental effect on the health of the inhabitants and the viability of the town centre.
“I know that the current mayor and town council are doing all that they possibly can to address this. I am of the view that if the plan for the incinerator is withdrawn and the town is no longer choked with heavy traffic, Westbury will go forward and prosper.
“I wish everybody well.”
