The Mayor of Axminster reported on a busy and varied year at the annual parish meeting earlier this week. 

Cllr Jill Farrow, who has now served as mayor for just over two years, gave a report on the work of the council over the past 12 months at Monday night's meeting in the Guildhall.

She said the council year started with celebrations for the Queen's platinum jubilee and the official opening of Jubilee Field as a town council asset. 

Just a few months later, it fell to Cllr Farrow to officially announce the death of the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and make the proclamation of the succession of King Charles III. 

During the year, the town council has been working on its Neighbourhood Plan to shape the future development of Axminster, and supported East Devon in its big for Levelling Up funding from the government for the Axe Valley, which was unfortunately unsuccessful.

Cllr Farrow reported that the council had supported several community organisations with grants over the past 12 months, but also pointed out that some grant applications had been turned down, as the council tightens its spending amid the cost of living crisis. 

She said that frustrations during the year has included the ongoing closure of Castle Street, due to public safety concerns over a damaged wall, and the closure of Lloyds Bank. However, she pointed out that neither of these were the responsibility of the town council.

In addition to many council meetings, the mayor had attend more than 30 official engagements over the past year – ranging from opening a compositible toilet to announcing the new King. 

"It's been a very interesting year," she added.

Cllr Farrow said the council had seen a much lower turnover of councillors compared to previous years. 

There are currently 15 members of Axminster Town Council - several of which have been co-opted. At the last full election, those standing were elected uncontested as not enough candidates came forward to hold an election. 

Cllr Farrow said this was "not good for democracy" and encouraged all those with an interest in community matters to stand in the forthcoming town council election on May 4. 

The mayor ended the meeting by thanking the public, her fellow councillors and dedicated volunteers of the many community organisations in Axminster. 

She commented: "Axminster is the home of community spirit and we see that on a daily basis; the community supports its fellow members, we see it in everything we do. Thank you, this is a great town to live in."

Deputy mayor, Cllr Andrea Sedgewick, then thanked Cllr Farrow for her hard work over the past 12 months. 

She said: "Her tireless work ensure the voice of Axminster is heard and the needs of the community are promoted."