SEVERAL currently topical issues of concern to residents were discussed at Watchet’s annual town meeting, which was held in the community centre, in Doniford Road.

The meeting, which was well attended by local people, covered items such as coastal erosion, with guest speaker Dr Andy King, of Watchet-based independent ecological and geological consultancy Geckoella, explaining the geology of the area and the impact climate change was having on the West Somerset coastline.

A talk was also given by natural habitat expert Paul Rutter, while Kate Jeffreys addressed the subject of urban planning, and the incorporation of green corridors to allow richer natural habitats and movement of wildlife.

Watchet Mayor and council chairman Cllr Loretta Whetlor presented a report outlining the achievements and challenges of the past year, as did Somerset unitary Cllr Rosemary Woods.

The chairmen of the town authority’s various committees also gave summaries of the past year’s work, including asset management, environment and planning, finance and staffing, and recreation and tourism committees.

The reports were followed by an open question and answer session, giving residents an opportunity to challenge the speakers and town council directly.

The evening finished with the town’s annual awards presentations.

Crispy’s Chippy was judged to be ‘the best shop’ for the 2024-25 year, the Methodist outreach centre The Sanctuary received the Millington Shield for the best charitable organisation, and the Salvation Army’s Sam Searle took the volunteer of the year award for her ‘outstanding work within the community and tireless efforts to help others’.

Town council clerk Jo Grellier said the event had been widely praised as ‘a constructive and informative evening’.

Ms Grellier said the evening had allowed everybody who attended to have an opportunity to voice any concerns and opinions and to ‘celebrate Watchet’s unique and active community’.