What makes my village special.
Ilton Parish Council.
Ilton is a special place to live, mainly because of its people.
There is a great deal of determination when things look difficult or impossible. For example 10 years ago the village was threatened with the closure of it village school, a group of parents and other community people got together and stood up to the county council and put forward a case for keeping the school open. The Council listened and through merging with a nearby village school we still have a village school which has just been rebuilt which we are very proud of.
Our village hall which was a building left from the nearby airfield which was an American airbase in the 2nd world war, was condemned. A committee was formed to build a new hall and after a number of major setbacks the new hall was finally opened just over a year ago. This was due to the determination of those involved. The village hall has broadband access and two computers This has been supported during its second year by the Parish Council.
The village boasts 2 business parks with various business ranging from vehicle repair to manufacturing. A number of local people are employed by these businesses and they support the local community through various means such as sponsorship and providing raffle prizes for different organisations. Following an uncertain time the village Post Office has learnt that it will remain open following the Post Office review which was a great relief to everyone in the village.
The village has a very successful cricket club who run two teams in the Somerset league as well as playing friendly games. They do a lot of work with the young people and organise youth games and many also play in the 2nd XI team at weekends.
There are a lot of footpaths around the village which also link to other nearby towns and villages and make for some lovely walks. A few years ago a footpath leaflet was produced and given to every home in the village. We are due to do a reprint very soon.
On the very edge of the village is an area called Brook Green Common. This area is being developed as a wildlife and conservation area with guidance from SSDC. Footpaths are being laid and a dipping pond is being built.
We have a youth Parish Council which has been very active during the past year. They have organised litter picks and have redecorated the bus shelter. They also came up with the idea of installing gum boards which prevents chewing gum being left on the floor for people to tread in.
We have a neighbourhood watch scheme which is being introduced to every part of the village.
The village has a modest playground with a number of facilities such as skate area, BMX track, basketball area and children's swings. We have just installed new goals, although it is not a full size pitch, the children enjoy having a kick around.
We also have an excellent relationship with the Royal Navy who have a nearby helicopter training base.
I hope this has given you a flavour of our wonderful village.