TWO new faces are swiftly making an impact at Minehead Town Council.

After nearly two months of postponements due to concerns over legality of meetings without a town clerk following the resignation of Sue Sanders, temporary clerk Bryan Howe and temporary responsible financial officer Andy Giles unveiled a ‘modernisation plan’ to help the council move forward.

The pair, who have been brought in as an interim measure for three months while a permanent clerk is recruited, discussed the plan at Minehead Town Council’s meeting on Tuesday night (July 24).

Mr Giles said the modernisation plan focused on four key areas: financial regulations, standing orders, committee structures and staffing structures.

“We believe these should be addressed as a matter of urgency, ideally in time for the August meeting,” Mr Howe said.

He also said that there should be asset management plan and medium term financial plan put in place in the coming months.

Cllr Terry Venner said: “I welcome this document and really think this a step in the right direction for this council.”

During the meeting there was also an urgent item brought forward by Andy Giles regarding ‘banking mandates’ which needed a pool of six councillors to be signatories for cheques to go out.

Later, in an item on the council’s payments, Cllr Venner also took issue with a payment of £13,000 on a contract to clear out the town’s litter and dog bins.

“I do not know about anyone else but that is the first I have heard of this payment and the figure is somewhat frightening,” Cllr Venner said.

Mr Giles said he would look into the matter and respond at the next meeting.

Graham Sizer from the Minehead BID board also gave an update on progress, and said there was a great opportunity for partnership working with the council to improve the public realm and put on a spectacular Christmas event.