Who We Are
Better Wetherby is run entirely by volunteers from across our local community.
Brian Taylor
Acting Chair
Brian brings an unusually global perspective to Better Wetherby. He has spent many years working internationally for the United Nations, helping countries collaborate on security, border management, and cross‑agency enforcement. That experience — uniting diverse groups to solve complex problems — now shapes the way he works with local councillors, residents, and partner organisations.
Having lived in Wetherby for over 40 years, Brian represents the group at highways meetings, speaks at council deputations, and works to ensure the town develops in a way that honours its history, its community, and its future.
Wetherby has been Brian’s family’s home for decades, and his involvement is his way of giving back — using international experience to make a very local difference.
Dave Howard
Website & Communications Operations
Dave’s journey into Better Wetherby began with a simple leaflet from a housing developer — and the realisation that proposed plans would permanently alter the local landscape. With a background interest in ecology, geology, and walking the local landscape, he quickly became a key voice on environmental and drainage issues, even giving technical evidence at planning inquiries.
As Better Wetherby’s communications lead, he maintains the website, manages the mailing list, and turns complex planning material into clear information for residents. Motivated by a wish to protect the natural environment and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growth, Dave plays a vital role in keeping the community informed and connected.
Les Tyler
Steering Group Member
Les has lived in Wetherby for over four decades.
With a lifelong interest in place, community and character, Les believes change is not something to resist by default, but something that must be shaped, guided and managed well. His involvement is driven by a desire to see development that supports sustainable communities rather than unchecked growth. Through Better Wetherby, he has worked to engage early with planning processes, influence outcomes where possible, and improve schemes.
Often found running Margins Bookshop, Les speaks daily with visitors and residents who value Wetherby’s distinctive character. His commitment to the group reflects a belief that informed, coordinated local voices can still make a meaningful difference to the future of the town.
Peter Catton
Steering Group member
Peter has been involved with Better Wetherby since its formation, representing the Wetherby Civic Society. As Vice Chairman of the Civic Society, his focus has always been on preserving and enhancing Wetherby while ensuring that growth is realistic, supported and properly planned.
He has been particularly concerned about large‑scale developments added late to strategic plans, especially where they place strain on transport, schools and health services, or are poorly connected to the town itself. Through Better Wetherby, Peter has worked across the full planning cycle, emphasising the importance of early engagement and sustained scrutiny.
Peter sees real value in the occasions where inappropriate proposals are improved. His continued involvement reflects a determination to ensure that residents’ views are heard, and that major developments are not allowed to overwhelm the town’s infrastructure or character.
Steve Clements
Steering Group Member
Steve became involved with Better Wetherby after moving to the Spofforth Park development and playing a key role in establishing resident control of its estate management company. First‑hand experience of development issues, and the pressures they place on communities, led him to engage more deeply with wider planning matters affecting Wetherby.
Having lived in the town for over 40 years, Steve is acutely aware of the impact further development can have on already stretched roads, transport links and services. As a mechanical engineer, he brings a practical, analytical approach, and an understanding of the technical and commercial realities that often sit behind planning decisions.
Steve values Better Wetherby’s role in raising awareness, keeping residents informed, and ensuring that the consequences of development are fully considered. He sees collaboration with local organisations and councillors as essential if volunteer groups are to have influence in an increasingly complex planning landscape.
Terry Barraclough
Steering Group Member
Terry joined Better Wetherby following public meetings about proposed housing developments around the town, motivated by a desire to prevent uncontrolled urban sprawl and protect Wetherby’s long‑term wellbeing.
Although relatively new to the group, he brings decades of professional experience to its work offers skills in analysis, systems thinking and collaboration. He currently supports the group through website and communications backup, and values the shared purpose and teamwork within the steering group.
Living in Wetherby for the past 12 years, Terry sees Better Wetherby as a group of like‑minded residents committed to making the town a stronger, more attractive place to live, work and visit. His focus is on joined‑up thinking, working with other local groups to improve not just housing outcomes, but the wider fabric of the town.