A group of Town Councillors are expressing their concern that Shepton Mallet Town Council has taken vital key decisions without any public consultation.
During a long meeting of the Town Council on 14th July 2015 debate was held on a number of items which included selling a key asset and rebranding the town.
Cllr Judy Bartlett said "I was amazed that there was a total indifference to inviting the local residents and tax payers into the decision making process. I think people want to contribute but are being shut out of the Council operations".
Following on Cllr Jeannette Marsh said "I put forward amendments to the motions to allow public to bring their ideas forward. It wouldn't have stopped the projects going ahead, but would of meant that far more than 16 people had an opportunity to contribute. It's a great shame".
One of the items for discussion was the sale of a painting owned by the town. Cllr Bente Height said "the Council holds this asset on behalf of the residents, sadly there hasn't been any opportunity to discuss the sale in public. So we have no real idea whether residents want it disposed of or not".
Cllr John Parham continued "I have no problem with these matters being discussed, but the Council hasn't got any type of strategy or plan which makes the lack of public consultation even more of a concern. So I think we as a body need to reflect on this. Just forging ahead and dismissing the need for consultation isn't very helpful".
Concluding, Cllr Simon Davies raised his concerns, "the way local government is going means we need more interaction with those who pay for the Council. Of course a Council can't consult on everything, but we should be doing a lot more. Clearly Government expectations are that residents are brought into the running of parish councils. I fully support this and think Shepton Mallet Town Council should reflect this on future proposals".