October’s Council meeting began with a warm welcome from Chair Cllr Sara Butler.
Following apologies and the approval of the minutes from September’s Council meeting, the first item on the agenda was a presentation from David Lassman of Frome Museum, regarding the Frome Hoard returning to Frome. Discovered in 2010 by metal detectorist Dave Crisp, the Frome Hoard is a ceramic pot dating back to AD 305, the item was excavated by Somerset archaeologist Alan Graham and is one of the largest collections of ancient coins – 52,503 were uncovered dating as far back at AD253. The Hoard has resided in the Museum of Somerset in Taunton since 2011 and the Frome Museum have this year started talks with South West Heritage to loan the historic item. The display will form part of a wider engagement project and elevate Frome into a “must see” tourist destination – the Frome Roman Project. This will also provide the theme for the 2024 Frome Local History Festival, as well as being part of a proposed ‘Heritage Connector’ scheme. Councillor Mel Usher suggested that Frome Town Council support the plans to enable the project to leverage funding and this was informally supported unanimously by Cllrs.
Next on the agenda, Somerset County Cllr Sarah Dyke provided a presentation on digital inclusion. Health Connections Mendip have a team of Digital Connectors who provide people in Frome with digital support. Through working with Frome Medical Practice (FMP), health connectors and local groups, they have been able to help people find devices, data or understand how to use their device. They’ve also been able to distribute donated devices to those on low/no income or those with no internet at home, the elderly or isolated. They’ve recently been working with a charity the Good Things Foundation to help reduce digital exclusion through collection of donate used tech and the council have agreed to support the project going forward by running a campaign and being a drop off point.
Next up, Project Officer Viv Whittaker asked Council to approve the financing of the refurbishment work for Victoria Park toilets through a Public Works Loan Board. Following the tender process in August, Cllrs need to approve the financing before being able to agree a contract. There will be no increase to the precept arising from the PWLB loan repayments. Cllrs agreed, you can read the full report here.
Following this Cllr Mel Usher then provided a verbal update on the Football Club after the successful community meeting held at the Badgers Hill site on Monday 3rd October where it was decided to continue to explore with the club a Community Benefit Society. At the meeting Council was invited to re assert the agreement that Cllr Usher and Leader of the Council Anita Collier would be able to act quickly and take up the offer of buying the ground for a pound if it were needed. This was agreed.
Finally, the meeting was provided with an update on FTC’s staff following a question regarding the funding of the Refugee Support Workers and slightly amended wording to the chapters around the constitution, you can read the report here.
The agenda and details of everything mentioned above can be found on the meetings page. And the film of the meeting can be found on our you tube channel. For dates of future meetings visit the Council Committee and Meetings page. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep updated on everything we’re up to.
