Local Issues

Local Action for Local issues is the call of the Wellington Conservative branch. Below are some of the local issues we are currently engaged in and around the town. Please feel free to contact us regarding any of these issues through our Contact Us page.

Local Action 'by' Local People (June 2010)

Wellington Town Councillor James Hunt is looking for volunteers to join a local action group in Rockwell Green.

Local action groups are made up of people who live in a community and work together for the benefit of the area they live in. Examples of activities include community events such as comapigning for local facilities; presenting a joint voice when concerned about local planning issues or engaging in litter picks around nearby residences.

"The local action team in Tonedale has been very well supported" said James. "At the last litter pick held only a couple of weeks ago, 25 people turned out for an hour on a Saturday morning and were joined by several councillors and local Police Community Support Officers. Litter pickers, bags and gloves were supplied and we had a large collection of bags and items pilled up at the end of the hour.

There was a real sense of community between the people involved and a number of new people to the area also had an opportunity to meet some of their neighbours. I believe the residents of Rockwell Green would equally welcome a chance to help improve their community and I encourage them to get in touch so we can get some Local Action in Rockwell Green."

If you would like to take part telephone James on 01823 664400 or e-mail him at wtc@jameshunt.me.uk.

Ongoing Issue

Building proposal for Holyoake Street upsets elderly residents and causes concern for those nearby.

A proposal was recently made by Taunton Deane Borough Council to demolish the community of elderly peoples bungalows in Holy Oake Street, Wellingon and replace them with a two story developement of larger flats.
Many objections were raised by the residents of the bungalows and those who lived near by including, the building rising to two and half stories out of character with the area, loss off community, shared residences with familes next to pensioners, insufficient parking, increased traffic and concerns for moving elderly and infirm individuals.

James Hunt held a local meeting for residents after it became apparent that insufficient consultation was carried out by the council. The meeting, held at the community centre in White Hart Lane on the 17th April, was well attended and gave many people a chance to air their concerns on the matter.

The concerns raised from the meeting and from a survey were expressed in a letter to Lesley Webb, the housing officer at Taunton Deane and residents were encouraged to attend the Overview and Scutiny Board meeting on 7th August.

At the meeting we discovered that several changes had been made to the proposal that addressed the issues of the parking and proximity of families to the elderly but few of the others. The decision was made to go forward with the proposal and to submit it for planning.

UPDATE: 9th February 2009
It is understood that the planning application will shortly be submitted for approval by Taunton Deanbe Borough Council. However residents are already being offered alternative accomodation and several of the houses and flats are already vacant and have not been re-let.

Update: 16th April 2009
Last night Taunton Deane Borough Council planning committee passed the application 11-1 in favour despite several strong protests reagrding the buildings, style, size and effect on local traffic, parking and environment.

Update 23rd May 2010
Holyoake street is now a building site and the site of the old bungalows a wasteland surrounded by security fencing.