His dedicated contribution to the local community has been wide ranging and this award is well deserved. – Owl

Axminster councillor awarded recognition for community work

Molly Kirk www.midweekherald.co.uk 

AN Axminster Councillor has been recognised nationally for his “exceptional contributions to the local community” through the LGA Independent Group’s, “prestigious” Clarence Barrett Award.

Paul Hayward’s service to the community spans more than a decade. He was elected to the Town Council in 2011, becoming the Town Mayor between 2016 and 2017.

He also qualified as a parish clerk, previously working for the parishes of All Saints, Chardstock, and Newton Poppleford, before finally returning to Axminster Town Council, this time as the serving Town Clerk.

In 2019, he was elected to East Devon District Council (EDDC), a separate organisation, for the neighbouring Yarty Ward.

In 2023, he was re-elected to EDDC, but this time, to represent Axminster alongside Independent Councillors Sarah Jackson and Simon Smith.

At East Devon District Council, Cllr Hayward holds the position of Deputy Leader and Cabinet member responsible for the Economy and Assets Portfolio.

A spokesperson said: “His ongoing work with East Devon’s business sector has been instrumental in helping local enterprises access vital support, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, where he chaired the funding panel at EDDC to distribute more than £13m in government support grants to help businesses recover.”

Beyond his formal duties, Paul has been involved in and supported numerous local community-led initiatives and charities.

Most notably, Paul is a founding member of Axminster Christmas Together (ACT), an initiative that has been running since 2016. ACT seeks to combat loneliness and social isolation by offering a free Christmas meal and entertainment for those who would otherwise spend the day alone.

Previously, he was also a founding member of the Axminster Christmas Lights Association (ACLA) in 2015. ACLA later became Light Up Axminster, which has given the town centre a much-needed lift through the dark winter months ever since. He is also a member of the Axminster Chamber of Commerce.

Paul has also championed the installation of Automated Emergency Defibrillators (AEDs) across Axminster and the surrounding parishes. He regularly conducts free defibrillator awareness and training sessions across the East Devon area to give as many people as possible the confidence they need to use this lifesaving equipment.

There are now 21 publicly accessible defibrillators across Axminster — potentially the highest provision per capita in the UK.

Paul was unaware he had been nominated for the award, which came as a surprise. He said: “Since 2011, I have tried my very best to improve services and amenities in the town, and across East Devon, for the collective benefit of everyone who lives in this wonderful part of the UK. I am honoured that my small contribution has been acknowledged but I know that there are a great many other unsung community heroes in Axminster who strive daily to do their bit in making the town fabulous.”