Last week started with a trip down Nethergate Street in Clare. I had been contacted to have a look at the state of the grass along the side of the road. It looks as if a heavy vehicle had driven along a large length and churned up the verge. It makes everything look tatty. I was unable to track down the culprit but did manage to get a helpful householder to agree to run a rake over the area.

Next up was attending the Clare Business Association. This is always a very useful event and helps to keep me in touch with the business community. There are some very exciting ideas coming along the pipeline. In Clare it’s all about increasing footfall so wider marketing activity promoting Clare is helpful.

And then it was all about the proposed solar farm in Wixoe. I spent a lot of time researching and preparing for the public meeting. It was good to hear residents views which at the meeting appeared to be 25 against and 5 for. But of course the silent majority must also be heard. There will be further meetings as the planning process is followed. The timescale for Wixoe to reply was very short but I was able to get this extended.

Then it was a visit to the Hundon Plough to support it re-opening. We had a great time. So good in fact that we booked in for Sunday lunch. And that was fabulous.

I have also been working hard on protecting the community from a multiple fraudster who is working in our area. More on that later but be prepared to be shocked!!

I have been dealing with a number of requests for assistance. Interestingly, many of them have been related to County Council responsibilities so I have handed them off to our County Councillors. I never like ducking any issues but I am also mindful not to step on toes at the County Council.

Next week is already lining up to be busy.