Dear editor, 

I and other councillors are now gathering initial feedback from local residents about Mendip District Council’s new emerging proposals (which drew on an idea from Cllr Adrian Dobinson, Lib Dem Berkley Down) to work towards a 3 month trial relocation of Frome’s weekly Saturday market to the Market Place with a road closure in place, in a partnership with Frome Town Council and other stakeholders. Councillors are being fully briefed on the proposals this week. Nothing has been decided yet and the idea goes to Cabinet next Monday (30th January) for endorsement.

Overall, it will be very good if the district council is seriously considering investing in Frome in partnership with the town council to encourage more people to shop in Frome town centre, by making the market larger, much more attractive and diverse. If it is organised and publicised so well that Frome becomes known as a better destination for Saturday shopping, it could be quite marvellous for the town.

I and other cllrs will be questioning the Council this week and next about the potential impacts, including those of a road closure on access and traffic along ‘diversion’ routes, as well as the benefits, and whether there are other suitable locations for a refreshed market to attract more people into Frome. The emerging Steering Group will be going through all these issues. It is still ‘early days’ and there is a lot of work to do to get the best out of this, which is why very little information has been available up to now, but I and other councillors are asking for the people of Frome and stakeholders to be fully informed and consulted when further agreements are reached and when details are available.

In the meantime I would ask people to examine the current ideas and to let your councillors know what you think, so we can represent residents’ views on your councils.

My email is cllr.boyden@mendip.gov.uk.

Adam Boyden
Lib Dem Mendip District Councillor, Frome College ward,
Shadow Portfolio Holder for Governance, Assets and Public Spaces