Hello everyone, and welcome to this week’s column.
What a baking summer this is proving to be, and it shows no sign of abating. Like most issues there are mixed views on this, with some enjoying the endless sunny weather, and others, including me, desperate for some serious rain. Working as a gardener I see daily at close quarters the effect this drought and the unusually high temperatures are having on our plants, trees and wildlife – as well as people – and its very worrying.
There is no doubt now that the climate crisis is well and truly upon on us and we will need to adapt very quickly to no longer living in a cool temperate climate. As far as I understand it, currently, Frome will not face a hosepipe ban, but I do believe we need to be careful with our water and consciously try and avoid wasting it.
In very exciting news this month, FTC is extremely proud to have been able to step in to help secure the ground of our much-loved football club. Thanks to great and ongoing work behind the scenes, led by Cllr Mel Usher, we are delighted to have been able to protect the future of the club for the town with a temporary deal. With the recent wonderful win for the England Women’s team, the popularity of the club is certain to grow as a new generation of young people are inspired to take up the sport, and we are thrilled to be able to support that.
Looking slightly ahead, this week sees the planning application to Mendip by Mayday Saxonvale heard by the planning board. We at FTC stand wholeheartedly behind the Mayday proposal. It offers a one-time-only chance to expand the centre in a way that will benefit the town economically and socially. Our need for new homes is not in question, but this innovative and community driven proposal answers that and so much more, not least the crucial space needed for some of our small businesses to expand so that they can stay in the town and strengthen our own economy and provide employment for local people. There is a huge amount of support across the town for the Mayday proposal, and we will be watching the next steps very closely.
As always, take care of yourselves and each other, stay cool and don’t hesitate to contact me or my council colleagues if we can help with anything.
