Chair’s Report July and August 2025
July and August has certainly been busy in Mere Town and our office.
On the 15th August a two-minute silence was held at the town clock and poppy wreaths were laid by Kit Stallard, George Jeans and myself for the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the Second World War. I would like to thank Col. Stewart Walker for arranging the ceremony and his heartwarming speech, Mary Burfitt for taking the time for her amazing bugle playing, the Vicar Michael Malano for a lovely service and most of all to all that turned up to pay tribute to the fallen.
Eric Mitchell Way: To bring you the latest news, a meeting has taken place to identify what the hold-ups are that need to be completed on the Eric Mitchell Way and I am pleased to say we are on target to have the lights working by the change of clocks at the end of October 2025.
Police Station:Mere Police station has now been closed, unfortunately we were unaware of this action until it was closed. This will now be replaced with drop-in days to a police van at the Fire Station. Please keep your eye out on social media for dates in Mere.
Police and Crimestoppers:I have had an opportunity to meet with the Sergeant for our area to highlight issues that I have been approached with by the community; from here we will be building a better relationship to communicate the safety for our community. It is quite often that crime is not reported due to fear of the consequences of the perpetrator. I have spent time with Crimestoppers and Fearless to understand the process of reporting crime anonymously. I do have a little more work to do, though I will start to place information around the town via posters and leaflets. Please keep an eye out, if we report crimes then we can make a difference in stopping it. I hope in the future to arrange informational presentations from the police and Crimestoppers for anyone who wants not only to gain more information but also to get involved in spreading the education of the great work the police, Crimestoppers and Fearless do.
We received the Reserved Matters planning application for the development of the old Beaumont’s Business Centre in Woodlands Road during July and held a meeting in August in order to consider this. As outline planning permission for the erection of 70 houses had already been approved, the Town Council felt able to support the application for 58 houses that had been submitted by the new owners of the site, Redcliffe Homes. The 58 homes will be a mix of housing with 41 mixed dwellings to go on the open market and 17 mixed dwellings as affordable homes (either rented through a housing association or shared equity).
Mere Cemetery Buddies:I would like to announce that Cllr Mead has organised a group of volunteers to support the Town Council’s grounds staff in caring for the cemetery. I look forward to seeing the progress of this teamwork. Cllr Mead would be happy to include any volunteers that wish to help. He will be starting this project on August 26th at 11am. Please feel free to go and have a chat with him or contact Lindsey Wood.
Seeds4Success:Cllr. Rod Coward met with Jaki Farrell from Seeds4Success up on Castle Hill and Long Hill to assess scrub clearance work that the youth can help with. Jaki’s youth team have been working hard and have achieved a lot of scrub removal. We are very fortunate to have Jaki and Seeds4Success. These young people work hard which gives a sound foundation for future employment. WELL DONE all of you.
Recreation Ground: Living so close to the Recreation Ground, I wanted to say how great it is to see all the activities buzzing, Tennis, Football, Seeds4Success, families enjoying the lovely weather having picnics while the children enjoy the skatepark and play area.
Dog fouling: Having spent time wandering around Mere, I have been pleased to see a reduction in fouling in the areas I have been such as Dark Lane. As a dog owner myself I thank each and every other dog owner that picks up after their dogs, to the few that don’t please be more mindful of our lovely town and keep it clear of mess.
Training:I am now 4 months into the role of Chair of the Mere Town Council, and I am enjoying learning and building relationships in areas to be the best I can for our community. This has been made possible by the knowledge of current councillors and thanks to George Jeans for answering my constant phone calls and questions. But a big shout out to Lindsey Wood our very knowledgeable Clerk who always points me in the right direction and makes sure I have access to any training to enhance my role to serve the community.
Halloween: Halloween is fast approaching. Halloween is always popular in Mere and we would like to have a Halloween event this year. Please volunteer to help so that we can make this event as creative, fun and scary for all ages- we really want to hear your ideas. If you are keen to get involved, please either send me an email: sandracatley@hotmailco.uk or phone: 07975558102.
I have asked Anne Rich to give a little feedback on what has been happening with the Foodbank – Anne thank you for all the hard work that you and your team do: Within one busy week in August, the kind hearted people of Mere, Kilmington and Bourton were able to help two families in the town, with donations of many pieces of furniture, bedding, towels, toys and various other things. The voluntary help of local businesses to transport these items was also invaluable. Mere Toddlers Foodbank and Mere Forest Charity are very grateful for the assistance, as are the families involved who were overwhelmed by such generosity.
Vice Chair Rachael Hansford attended the Area Board meeting on my behalf and her feedback and comments are as follows.
What is an Area Board?
The SouthWest Wiltshire Area Board is one of 18 Area Boards set up by Wiltshire Council to connect them more closely with local communities. South West Wiltshire covers places like Mere, Tisbury and Wilton.
Quarterly Area Board meetings are a chance for Wiltshire Councillors to tell Wiltshire Council about the key problems and opportunities in their areas, and to keep up to date with what is going on in Wiltshire as a whole.
What was discussed at the 16th July meeting?
Policing: There was an update from the local neighbourhood policing team. They highlighted a successful operation in Mere in July which prevented a daytime robbery at Quarryfields industrial estate – thanks to a member of the public who called police, and the rapid response of several police vehicles. One man was arrested, but five others got away. The first police officers on the scene were luckily in Gillingham already but George Jeans reinforced that since police response has moved recently from Warminster to Trowbridge, response times will only get worse. We were glad to hear that the local PCSO would be returning from an extended sick leave.
Funding: The Area Board gives grants of up to £5000 to support local projects/events in our community. For more information, contact Karen Linaker, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager, Karen.linaker@wiltshire.gov.uk, or speak to George Jeans or any town councillor.
Support for vulnerable people: The meeting heard about the Shared Lives project. This is an adult social care scheme supporting vulnerable adults in the homes of trained carers rather than in institutions, either short or long term. See https://adults.wiltshire.gov.uk/Services/1366 Alzheimer’s Support spoke about the services they offer, like a one hour ‘understanding dementia’ workshop. If you need help or want to volunteer, email AnnieC@alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk or call 01985 624005.
New Mere bus service: A new demand-led transport service is coming to Mere from 1st September. It’s a bus which can be booked via an app/phone up to half an hour before you need to travel, and has no fixed routes – it will take you where you need to go in the area. Visit Wiltshireconnect.co.uk or call 01225 712900 to book. See https://www.connectingwiltshire.co.uk/south-west-wiltshire-mere-warminster/ for more information.
Free Event: Harmony for Health takes place on 25th September, 11am-2pm at the Lecture Hall. You can sing, have a light lunch and find out what else is available in Mere to keep you healthy and well. Call Karen on 01722 434697 for more information.