Welcome to another of our #MeetTheTeamMonday series where we introduce you to members of the West Monkton Parish Council Team and give you insight into who they are and what they are involved with by posing the following questions:
What is your main responsibility?
What is the most rewarding aspect of being in your role at WMPC?
What has surprised you the most about being part of the WMPC team?
Next up is WMPC Councillor, Barry Gage….

What is your main responsibility?
I have two main responsibilities as part of West Monkton Parish Council – Chairman of the Brittons Ash Community Hall, and looking after the Public Rights of Way across our community. The BACH is a wonderful asset in our Parish and as chairman I work with the volunteer hall committee to ensure we are an affordable, clean and well maintained space for the use of the community.

Looking at the Public Rights of Way aspect of my duties, my role consists of monitoring and ensuring the paths across our Parish are passable and kept in good condition. Almost all footpaths now have gates installed, providing easy access for the community to enjoy the wonderful countryside we have around us.


What is the most rewarding aspect of being in your role at WMPC?
The most rewarding aspect of being a Parish Councillor is providing a service to the community and personally hearing people say they appreciate the events that we put on as a Parish Council. I am also very proud of all the extra services WMPC provides like the community fridge etc, and proud of the number of dedicated volunteers in this parish.

What has surprised you the most about being part of the WMPC team?
Having been a Parish Councillor for over 20 years, there don’t tend to be many surprises. It is frustrating how long it takes to get some of our work and initiatives underway/ completed, and we are often hindered by lack of response from developers and the main council. Parish Councils have limited power, although this is rapidly changing with more responsibilities being passed to Parish Councillors from Somerset Council. At WMPC we are looking forward to using these devolved responsibilities to continue having a positive impact on our local environment and residents.