Photograph of Bourne Town Centre

Photo by Nelly Jacobs

Town Centre and Town Hall

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Introduction to Bourne Town Council
Bourne Town Council came into being in 1974 following the Local Government Act 1972.  Although called "Town Council" its responsibilities and powers are the same as any Parish Council.  It has certain duties that it must undertake by law and carries out activities within its boundary.  The Parish is made up of Bourne and the villages of Cawthorpe, Dyke and Twenty. 

The Town Council, which meets nominally at six-weekly intervals, is made up of 15 councillors.  The Parish is divided into 2 areas, "East" and "West" wards, with 7 representing the East ward and 8 representing the West ward.  Each year, in May, one of the numbers is elected as Chairman of the Council, also known as the Town Mayor.  The Council is served by the Town Clerk and one Assistant who carry out the day-to-day management of the Council and implement its decisions ensuring that all the legal requirements are complied with by the Council.

There are three Standing Committees of the Council.  They report to it and make recommendations for its approval. Committees meet regularly within the council's 6 weekly cycle. At its Annual Meeting the Council appoints the Chairmen of the three committees, which are: Highways & Planning (including Public Health), Amenities and Finance & General Purposes.

Responsibilities
As a Town Council we have a responsibility to our residents and visitors alike, but as it is our residents who pay the Council Tax, it is there that the emphasis lies.

Bourne Town Council has relatively few responsibilities as far as public property is concerned, but the council takes its responsibilities seriously and tries to do what's best for everyone, within the resources available to the council.  Bourne Town Council owns and manages Bourne cemetery and a residential bungalow incorporated within it, allotments at South Fen Road and Christmas illuminations.  The council also manages the public toilets on South Street, which are owned by South Kesteven District Council.

Bourne Town Council, like other employers, is under a duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all its employees.  The obligation includes, amongst others, the maintenance of a place of work and a working environment in a condition that is safe and without risks to health.