Chard Town Council has had a very busy 2025, having accomplished various projects, delivered or facilitated a variety of events and met significant key milestones.
Reopening of the Town’s Public Toilets
After being closed for many months, the Bath Street toilets in Chard were reopened on 11th August thanks to the council’s intervention and negotiations to take on the daily operations.
Support for Local Events and Community Traditions
The council has actively supported annual community events such as Chard Carnival, Halloween festivities, Remembrance events, and the Christmas lights switch-on by providing logistical support, funding, and use of the Guildhall.
Community Celebrations and Remembrance
The council coordinated and supported events in collaboration with other key organisations, marking VE Day in May and VJ Day in August, including ceremonial moments and performances to bring the town together.
Town Crier Competition and Civic Tradition
The Annual Town Criers Competition was hosted in June, continuing a unique local cultural tradition that engages participants from across the UK and beyond – this year seeing an Australian entry.
Representation and Elections
The composition of the council saw citizen engagement through local elections in 2025, including the election of new councillors for the Crimchard and Jocelyn wards, reflecting active civic participation in local governance.
Community Consultations and Planning
Throughout 2025 the council has been communicating and engaging with residents on issues such as local amenities and community priorities via its relevant committee and community meetings, reflecting ongoing efforts to gather input and plan future work.
Recruitment
In December 2024, the council’s HR Committee and Full Council resolved to appoint David Bell to the role of Chief Executive & Town Clerk. Appointing a longer-term Town Clerk was a key step in stabilising the council, especially amid changing council services and broader strategic initiatives like community engagement projects (e.g., KIND Chard, about to be launched). The appointment brings stability, clarity, openness and accountability.
In September, Ingrid Edginton was appointed Stakeholder Liaison Officer. This role represents a strategic investment by the council in community engagement and partnership building — especially as Chard looks to deliver new initiatives, secure funding for projects, and strengthen links across the voluntary, business, and civic sectors.
Ingrid’s initial focus is on the KIND (Key Information Network Directory) project, which looks to strengthen community networks and communication, while providing better access to local services, support health & wellbeing and inclusion, as well as encouraging volunteering and participation. Watch this space, as we announce more information including a launch event very soon in the new year.
Parks and Open Spaces
Our Parks & Open Spaces need funding and care. They are important facilities for many of our community. Our Amenities Team have worked hard on maintaining these spaces.
Chard Town Council Officers and Councillors wish residents a warm and restful Christmas and look forward to meeting more milestones in 2026 and beyond and would like to thank them for their ongoing support in making improvements to the town.
Please note our operational hours over the Christmas and New Year period:
- Monday 22nd December 9.00-16.00
- Tuesday 23rd December 9.00-16.00
- Wednesday 24th December 9.00-14.00
- Thursday 25th December CLOSED
- Friday 26th December CLOSED
- Saturday 27th December CLOSED
- Sunday 28th December CLOSED
- Monday 29th December CLOSED
- Tuesday 30th December 9.00-14.00
- Wednesday 31st December CLOSED
- Thursday 1st January CLOSED
- Friday 2nd January CLOSED
- Saturday 3rd January CLOSED
- Sunday 4th January CLOSED
During these times of closure, Emergency Cover for matters within the remit of the Town Council will be covered via the following number: 01460 239567.
Over the Christmas period many matters outside of our remit can be reported to Somerset Council, such as road and travel related issues. The following link may be useful –
Somerset Council Christmas and New Year Service Updates.
Future Dates to note –
- Saturday 17th January 2026 10:00am-11:00am – Councillor Surgery
- Sunday 18th January 2026 from 5:30pm – Chard Wassail
- Monday 26th January 2026 7:00pm – Next meeting of Full Council
- Saturday 21st February 2026 10:00am-1:30pm – Chard Community Showcase