Name
Jane Nicklin
Which ward do you represent?
West Ward, Shepton Mallet
Any committee roles?
Chair TD&P
Member of RAE, ACT and P&R
Tell us a little bit about yourself (100 words max)
I spent my working life in the NHS working at all levels and specialised in rare neurological conditions. I now support various health-linked groups part-time. I moved to Shepton about 12 years ago and didn’t expect to stay – except the community spirit means I couldn’t envisage living anywhere else now. Spare time-wise (if I have any) I have alpacas, am a silversmith and like travelling in obscure places
What motivated you to become a councillor?
I almost fell into it. I saw that there was a need to have more people get involved in the democratic process and if I was going to moan, I had to do something about it! I also strongly believe in public duty – old fashioned but having worked in the NHS it is deeply engrained!
What do you enjoy most about the role?
The positive can-do attitude of the current people involved in the council making things happen that make a difference to local people. Positivity feeds off itself
What’s the most frequent issue you deal with in your ward?
Planning applications especially if a listed building consent is involved (this spans the whole town not just West ward)
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about becoming a councillor?
Talk to a current councillor to understand the role, attend a council meeting, be aware that meetings generally take place on a Tuesday evening but there are plenty of opportunities to do more than just a committee, which may mean meetings at other times
How can people contact you if they have an issue to raise?
email me Cllr.j.nicklin@sheptonmallet-tc.gov.uk or call 07793210101