The topics under discussion at the September meeting of Frome Town Council had a common theme: a desire for the community in Frome to be positive, resilient and successful, and the council’s role in it.
Opening the meeting, Karen MacDonald of Crimestoppers Trust spoke about the charity’s work supporting police, by handling confidential reports of crime from members of the public. By guaranteeing total confidentiality, the charity’s research shows that 35% of reports lead to a positive outcome, with anonymity empowering people to take action without fear. Cllr Anita Hillier thanked Crimestoppers for their service and pointed out that one of the opportunities the service offered was a tangible way for individuals to take action on road safety, reporting drunk or reckless driving and potentially avoiding a tragedy on Frome’s roads.
There followed a sobering account of a turbulent year for the Frome Town Community Benefit Society (FTCBS). Chair Andrew Carpenter and Secretary/Treasurer David Parry reported enormous difficulty in recruiting and retaining the board members it needs to operate legally, with some difficult pre-existing issues proving challenging, and leading to volunteer/trustee burnout.
The CBS board remains committed to the vision of an inclusive and sustainable future for Badgers Hill and asked for the community’s and the council’s patience and assistance.
A brief discussion about Somerset Council’s consultation on removing some elements of council tax relief took place, with FTC’s position clear: FTC is opposed to changes to council tax relief, where discounts are available to people on low income or some types of benefits.
Cllr Fiona Barrows asked for an update on the proposed crossings on The Butts and Broadway, having recently heard that Somerset Council have refused the planned crossing on Broadway. Resilience Project Officer Katie Fraser shared the news that the two planned ‘toucan’ crossings, funded as part of the Quiet Way and running in tandem with the Safer School Streets project, were not going ahead as initially planned. A zebra crossing, rather than a button-operated toucan crossing for bikes and pedestrians, is now planned for The Butts. The Broadway crossing was rejected by the county council. Somerset Cllr Martin Dimery has pledged to follow up with council officers and see if the project can be moved forward.
Remaining with the theme of FTC’s relationship with Somerset Council, there was an update on devolution plans from Cllr Max Wide. How, he asked, could the opportunity for devolution be taken in the best interests of Frome’s ‘heroes’, defined as the individuals, businesses, groups and places who make the town what it is? How can those people be supported to thrive, and what elements of Somerset Council’s remit should FTC take on to help make Frome more successful? Does the future lie in owning buildings, or in greater freedom to manage elements of the town that impact on businesses and tourists? A draft prospectus for the devolution project will be presented at the October council meeting, when costing for the various options will help decide next steps.
Last but not least, Cllr Anne Hills, a Share Shop trustee, gave an update on the Share Shop, in hibernation since June 2024 after nine years. Despite a successful business model, a committed team, a steep annual increase in membership/turnover and a fossil fuel saving estimated as the equivalent to a car driving seven and a three-quarter times around the world in 2022/23, the Share Shop model relied on the free premises it has lost. The future is unknown, but this example of a thriving, functional community organisation surely has a part to play in the future of our town.
If you are interested in getting involved in the football club or have space for the email us at info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk and we will pass the message on.
Watch the full meeting on the FTC YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@FromeCouncil
