“Both organisations would benefit from a closer working relationship.”
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Last week the VGS held its AGM – at which the various VGS projects could report on what they have been doing over the last twelve months.
There was also a report from someone who hasn’t been in the position for quite as long – but who has already made a huge contribution to civic life. Amongst many other roles, Town Cllr Kevin Walker is on the Environment and Tourism & Economy Cttees of the Town Council. He is also, since this spring only, the Vision Group for Sidmouth’s representative on the Town Council – and has been doing an excellent job in liaising. As he tells in his report to the VGS AGM:
Sidmouth Town Council Representative for VGS – Report for AGM, 20th November 2024.
In the early days of VGS there seemed to be little need for a designated Town Council link as members of the Council were actively involved in the group. More recently however it seems that both organisations would benefit from a closer working relationship.
The role was created by the Town Council in May 2024 in response to a request from VGS.
As I see it essentially it involves enabling a channel of communication between VGS & STC through the following –
- Representing the interests of VGS itself and its daughter groups (those that have not yet left home and become fully independent) at STC meetings.
- To represent & explain the agreed positions and polices adopted by STC were they related to VGS groups & activities including blog posts.
- Specifically reporting on CSC & FoGG at the environment committee, including submitting & compiling written reports in consultation with those involved.
- For the Cycling campaign and other groups this could involve raise issues on their behalf and asking questions at appropriate meetings.
- To inform VGS team about relevant issues arising in those STC committees that I am involved with (NB – this excludes planning & youth provision).
- To provide material including personal quotations for VGS posts on relevant topics and to try to represent the views of other councillors as well as the consensus view of the council itself.
It is the last item that probably needs more clarification as we work together to produce join posts on topics discussed at council meetings that are likely to benefit from wider discussion. This is part of the VGS aim to provide a ‘critical friend’ for the Council and help further its moves toward greater accountability and transparency.
So far this year we have managed to widen the debate on topics such as the future of the Regatta Air Show; the Sidford/Sidbury cycleway; Rockfish development; use of the Sensory Garden and the perennial issue of public toilets. And that’s just the first six months.
Cllr Kevin Walker STC/VGS Representative
See also the monthly VGS Newsletters where he regularly contributes.
Finally, a big thank you to Kevin for all his work for the Council, for the VGS and for the Sid Valley.
With more to come!
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