We often forget that Frome Town Council is, in law, a parish council. As such we have two duties, we must undertake every year. The first is to hold an annual meeting, and this should have happened on 1st April. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t. This meeting is not an official council meeting but an opportunity for us to celebrate and review our successes and challenges over the previous year. It is also the occasion where the Mayor can award certificates of recognition to local residents who have made a positive contribution to our town. I am very sorry that we are having to postpone the meeting, but I hope we can all get together as soon as we are allowed and kick off the new and improved post Covid-19 Frome!
Rest assured that even though our Town Hall is closed our staff and Councillors are still working for us all remotely. Frome Town Council, along with organisations such as Mendip Health Connections, Fair Frome, Active and In Touch and Frome Community Drivers are trying to ensure that whilst we are all in isolation people have access to support and, where necessary, basic supplies to ensure that those in a vulnerable category are shielded from this virus. For example, Frome Community Drivers are collecting and delivering prescriptions, just call 07596 591391.
Our website is updated regularly www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk and staff are available at the end of a phone on 01373 465 757 to signpost you to support. And alongside Fair Frome, who are operating their usual food bank service, vulnerable residents can also phone the Council to access support and we can arrange Emergency Food Parcels for those really isolated and having trouble with getting shopping. This last service was put to good use recently to help an elderly person in our neighbourhood who had a bit of a panic over getting a delivery and was too frightened to go out. So, if you know people in need let them know help is there.
The second duty of a parish council is to consider the provision of allotments. Until last week, my plot at Welshmill was looking very shabby and I did not think I would be able to do any serious work on it until mid-May when my term as Mayor should end. However, the enforced shutdown of all activities has meant I have had the time to begin to lick it into shape, as my designated daily exercise. The Allotment Association has drawn up some very sensible operating procedures and I hope we can keep them open as long as possible.
I hope you all keep safe and well.
