WATCHET has become the first council in West Somerset to achieve 'quality status' - a new national benchmark for the best run local authorities. The town council is one of just six town and parish authorities in the county to tick all the boxes in a scheme run by the National Association of Local Councils. Chairman Cllr Dave Westcott celebrated the achievement, which was officially made public this week, by declaring Watchet was "simply the best", which he said had been his motto during his long career as a retail trader in the town. "This achievement is a very important landmark for the council and acknowledges the effort of councillors and staff in achieving this considerable accolade," said Cllr Westcott. The quality status scheme was launched in 2003 to provide benchmark minimum standards for parish and town councils and enable them to better represent their communities. Authorities have to pass a series of rigourous tests to secure the status, not least ensuring their clerks hold a certificate in local council administration. Watchet's clerk Sarah Reed has become the first in the district to gain the qualification. Cllr Westcott said the new status would benefit local people as the council had now proved it was well-led, accountable, visible and represented townspeople's interests. The authority would also have greater credibility in the eyes of the local community, voluntary and private sectors, as well as the principal local authorities such as West Somerset Council and Somerset County Council. And it could now also achieve more by working in partnership with other organisations and be able to demonstrate that it was effectively and properly managed, which would instil greater confidence in the community and a greater civic pride. "It is a testament to everyone, councillors and staff, who have worked in harmony as a team to achieve this status," said Cllr Westcott. "Well done to everyone involved. The electorate can be assured that Watchet Town Council will endeavour to maintain the high quality and standards we set ourselves in achieving quality status." A special presentation ceremony will take place in the town later this month.