Frome Town Council has set out its vision for the year ahead, presenting a plan focused on building economic, social, and environmental resilience to meet the town’s needs and create a community that works for everyone. Alongside this, the council has outlined its work programme and budget ahead of the upcoming budget-setting council meeting on 15th January.
Cllr Steve Tanner, Leader of the Council, said:
“This plan has been developed through conversations with residents, businesses, and community groups over the past year. We recognise the challenges many Frome residents are facing and acknowledge that the town doesn’t work for everyone. The plan identifies key aims and priorities, focusing on five core areas: growing community wellbeing, supporting a thriving town, cultivating environmental sustainability, improving infrastructure and assets, and ensuring that as Frome Town Council grows, we are diligent and exacting in how we spend your money to ensure it is used wisely.”
A key priority this year is to support Frome’s wealth of local community groups – helping them thrive – fostering a sense of belonging and improving access to essential services. Frome Town Council is committed to making the town work for everyone, and work includes taking on the Key Centre and developing other spaces to provide access to early help services, to support residents before they reach crisis points.
The town centre will also see significant improvements. The council plans to enhance the appearance of the town centre, making it cleaner and more attractive while boosting footfall from both visitors and residents to support local businesses. Initiatives include better waste management, increased recycling, and improvements to the Saturday and Wednesday Markets as the council assumes responsibility for their operation. The council will also continue working with Somerset Council to promote better development, ensuring the housing Frome needs is delivered and will work to attract greater funding to the town more broadly.
Environmental sustainability remains a priority this year. Frome Town Council will work with the community to develop a Climate Action Plan for the town. The ranger team will also expand to manage over 57 additional open spaces, including Brunel Way, St John’s Road, and a series of smaller play areas around the town. These spaces will be managed both for and with the community but also to enhance biodiversity and support wildlife.
Councillor Fiona Barrows added:
“Frome Town Council is committed to working for the town—being bold and effective. By improving governance and transparency, streamlining decision-making, and fostering public engagement, we want to build trust and accountability. This plan and work programme have been prepared as Somerset Council devolves powers and responsibilities. With this budget, alongside funds carried over from last year’s devolution budget, we will be able to take on these new challenges.
“Our efforts will make Frome stronger, more connected, and better prepared for the challenges ahead. Whether it’s creating vibrant community spaces, advocating for better housing, or leading on climate action, we are focused on practical, visible outcomes that ensure Frome works for all.”
The proposed budget and work programme to deliver these priorities have also been published. The precept will see a 6.6% increase in the Frome portion of council tax, an increase of 35p a week for Band D properties. This will bring the Frome portion of the precept to £295 annually, with 76% of households—those in Bands A–C—paying less.
The council meeting to discuss the plan will be held at Frome Town Hall on 15th January at 7pm. Members of the public are encouraged to attend in person, join online, or watch the livestream on YouTube. Full details, including the new Town Plan, can be found https://bit.ly/FromeTownCouncil15Jan2025
