It seems only right that this week's column marks the incredible news regarding the £23.6 million investment into Glastonbury from the Government's Towns Fund.

Over the past year, the Towns Board – on which I have sat on – has been working with local communities, and each other, to come up with an eclectic range of projects to help enhance the local economy and community.

Our first meeting back in January last year was the only one we were able to do face-to-face. From then on, we have had regular meetings via Zoom due to the pandemic and despite the challenges the technology inevitably presents, everyone was as committed to ensuring the pitch was of the highest standard.

I would like to thank all those who sat alongside me on the board – in particular, our chair Robert Richards from Glastonbury Festival who had an extremely tough job and always had the good of the town at the forefront of his mind.

The projects in Glastonbury include the establishment of an enterprise and innovation centre in Beckery House, completion of work on the Red Brick Building and a new park and ride service – as well as much more.

The most pleasing thing after months of hard work and planning is the vision has really been brought to life and the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government felt that the projects had such merit that we received almost all the money which was available.

That is a remarkable achievement, and this is going to be a very exciting few years for our town. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver on our plans.