Bognor Regis to benefit from localism

Mrs Frost said the town council should be among those to benefit from the government’s localism moves when the policies are implemented. “With this Localism Bill, there will be more and more powers coming down to our level. “Hopefully, there will be more community involvement with it. It will be a real opportunity for people to stand up and be counted and say what they want,” she said. “The bill should mean the higher authorities will have to talk to us. It can be frustrating when our views on issues have had no impact on their decisions. “If services do get put to the town council to deliver, then it will mean more work for the town council – and possibly more staff.” The council was formed in 1984 and has the status of a parish council. This means it possesses limited powers for matters such as allotments in the Hotham, Pevensey, Orchard and Marine wards around the town centre. Mrs Frost’s career in local government began in 1995 as the clerk to Earnley Parish Council. She also took on the role at Birdham Parish Council in October that year. She joined the town council on April 1, 1998, as the assistant to the then clerk, Kate Gill. She became deputy town clerk on September 1, 2000 until she was appointed as the acting town clerk last July when Mrs Gill retired. Mother-of-one Mrs Frost, 51, of Pagham, asked to be on a six-month trial period. This ended with the councillors delighted with her performance to make her appointment permanent. “It’s challenging work,” said Mrs Frost. “I enjoy the variety of it and dealing with the councillors and the public. “But there’s always the ever-changing legislation, which has increased in recent years.” She is in charge of five office staff based in the town hall rooms which the council rents from Arun District Council. The council is advertising for two more office employees to bolster its workforce after Mrs Gill and fellow manager Paul Beckerson left last year. Also under Mrs Frost’s ultimate control are the three weather observers, the four permanent Town Force team and a seasonal worker. “We already get a lot of appreciation for Town Force. They are a big public face of the council and people like to see the town looking nice with no graffiti,” she said. Mrs Gill departed from the council after just over 12 years as its clerk with the thanks of councillors for her hard work on their behalf since her appointment in April 1998.

Bognor Regis to benefit from localism - claim