The
Uphill Village Society exists to protect, preserve and enhance the
village for the benefit of the village and its residents – that
means YOU. How do we look to do that?
We
have a general committee, currently formed from a cross section of
residents of all ages and walks of life elected at the AGM in May
support by 5 co-opted members and our 4 local Ward Councillors for
both the Town and District Councils. The later serve without voting
rights to avoid any suggestion of political bias in our actions –
we are happy to fall out with or support any or all of them whatever
their political colour so long as it benefits the village. Currently
there is quite a difference of opinion amongst the Councillors on
the issue of better funding for the village and how this can be best
achieved. A very interesting debate upon which the Society’s
Committee still maintains an open mind and to which we will be
referring to residents in more detail over the coming months. In the
meantime how do we look to help the village without simply
duplication the work of the two councils?
Well
to start with it could be argued that nether council does very much
for the village itself both serving as they must the greater needs,
in one case of the whole of North Somerset and in the other the
needs of the whole of Weston-super-Mare. Both needs are very
important and not to be underrated but there are times when it is
only right that residents in the village should want to concern
themselves with their own local needs and issues. At present only
some of those needs and issues seem to be considered at Town or
District Council level and even fewer of them actual addressed.
Of
course some of the issues that concern us are so local, so relevant
to Uphill alone and then only to some of us who live here that it is
perhaps only right that they should not take up the time and money
of the two Councils but that does not mean that they are any less
important or deserving of attention. This is were the Society should
and can play an important part but all to often we find ourselves
having to fight the bigger issues as well. Not surprising therefore
that many within the village have questioned whether or not there is
a better way of ensuring that the interests of the village are meet,
particularly when money is involved. We pay taxes, lot of them for
all kinds of services national, district and local but still
struggle to see our pavements maintained, litter cleared, alleyways
lit or verges cut.
Uphill does do well in the
great scheme of things; we do not have the housing, social and crime
problems of other area in the district. Those needs are great and
deserving of attention and with help and contribution from us all
but somehow I am still left with the feeling that we have lost out.
Perhaps I am wrong but just at the moment I don’t think so. So the
Society will continue to worry itself about such issues as litter on
the beach and in the Donkey Field, the state of the paths and
alleyways around the village, the maintenance of our verges and play
areas as well as trying to provide, along with the other groups and
organisations in the village a diverse selection of social events
and interests. We hope that in this way at least we do provide value
for money and can continue to count on your support.
