Over the past few months, Frome Town Council have been working alongside Frome Town AFC (FTAFC) and the Football Supporters Association to establish a Community Benefit Society (CBS). This will not only provide a firm base for football at Badgers Hill into the future but it will safeguard the ground for the people of Frome, for the FTAFC and ensure that the site is being managed and used in a way that the community values.
In October there was a well-attended public meeting at the Football Club. Those at the meeting agreed that the development of a CBS was the way forward and people were invited to help make that happen. Following a successful follow up three project teams were formed; a group to form a CBS; another to look at the facilities & funding; and a third to investigate the opportunities for more community outreach work. These project groups will ensure that the CBS is built on solid foundations.
To make sure that the next steps reflect the views of the wider community of Frome, the team are now asking residents to complete a short survey which will help shape the future of the club and the ground.
Cllr Mel Usher said “ The ground has been saved for the people of Frome and now the real work starts to turn it into a proper community asset with all that entails. Are you a charity, a community group or a sports group that needs more space? If so, we really need to hear from you. Have you got a passion for football and wish to be more involved in the club? We want to know that too. Being a community asset doesn’t mean that football isn’t going to be front and centre, but the space does need to work for as many people as possible. The survey will help inform – right from the outset – what the town needs and what added value can be gained from the CBS model. ”
When completing this survey, it’s worth noting that the club refers to more than just the football club. As a community asset, we invite you to think about the opportunities for the use of the club in addition to football. Find the survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FromeFootballClub
