IF you live in Dunwear, East Bower, or Horsey you are in Bridgwater Without Parish.The parish is unusual in not having a church, but it does have its own parish council.

Bridgwater Without has changed from a small number of electors to approximately 1,000. Within this parish is the new police station, the new hospital and businesses such as Morrisons and Mulberry.

Bridgwater Without Parish Council meets bi-monthly currently at Morganians Rugby Club on the third Thursday. Come along to meet the parish councillors, and find out how they could help you.

They discuss issues such as any planning applications and road issues. They hear about what is happening both at county and district councils. There is also an opportunity to request help with community projects.

The council’s chairman is Mike Senior. 
He said: “I live on the Kingsdown area of Bridgwater with my wife Tracy.
“I moved to Kingsdown in the civil parish of Bridgwater Without three and a half years ago and fairly soon was asked to take on the role of chair of Kingsdown Residents' Group, a role I held for a couple of years before stepping down in January this year,.

“I am on the steering group of the Kingsdown Pavilion.
“I took on the role of chair of the Parish Council in July, having been asked to do so by my fellow council members.

“As a parish council we want you to know we are here to serve you, the people of this parish wherever you might live be it Kings down, Dunwear, Horsey or any other area of the parish, we are not elected to represent a specific area but the whole parish. 

“We have a small budget which comes from the Parish Council precept you might see on your council tax bills each April, which enables us to do small things within the area.

“We have a parish council web site where you can find lots of information, including how to apply for small grants and where you can contact us if you have any queries. 

“Although I’m sure my colleagues and I have our political standpoints, Bridgwater Without Parish Council is a non-political body.”

The Bridgwater Without Parish Council meet at the Morganians Rugby Club off Bath Road and have a website at www.parish-council.com/bridgwaterwithout.
The clerk to the council is Kate Lang, who is happy to answer any questions you have by email at bridgwaterwithout@yahoo.co.uk.