AUTUMN already! Where has time gone to? Town Council has been exceptionally busy and many thanks to all councillors and our town clerk for all their hard work and commitment.

On Saturday, October 3 we have the annual “Applefest” on the Burgage. For the first time Tenbury Town Council will have a stand at the event and throughout the day visitors will have the opportunity to meet councillors and discuss any issues they may wish to raise.

At the event we will be launching the “Neighbourhood Plan” which will give all members of our community the opportunity to help to determine our vision for the future of Tenbury. At the moment we are in discussions with Burford Parish Council and I sincerely hope that Burford will join with us in developing a joint Neighbourhood Plan. If so then the “designated area” will combine both Burford and Tenbury. It would be the first time that a Neighbourhood Plan has been developed that includes two communities in two different counties.

Also at Applefest we intend to give people the opportunity to comment on the way forward in pursuing permanent flood defences for the town. Since 2007 we have been lucky on a number of occasions to have escaped major disruption due to flooding. Until the issue of permanent flood defences is resolved it is imperative that residents and businesses at risk take every possible action to minimise the danger from flooding to their properties.

In the next few weeks we will be advertising a number of forthcoming presentations at the Pump Rooms to further discuss the Neighbourhood Plan and the issues regarding flooding.

At events I attend as mayor I’m finding that more and more mayors and town clerks from other towns are looking favourably at the way we do things here and are keen to learn from us. I find that very heartening. Hope to see you at the Applefest.