Dear resident,

One of my priorities, when I was elected to Mendip District Council in 2011, was to make the Council work better with local residents to improve open spaces for the whole community.  I can now update you about the open space at Packsaddle and the improvements that we are keen to see here.

For years, Mendip District Council allowed play equipment at Packsaddle Way Play Area to wear out and be removed without replacing it, so now only toddler swings and rockers are left. There was nowhere for people to sit, and little to do.  The Chapmans Close play area, with its hard court and basketball hoop, could also be a better place to play. 

So I have been amazed and inspired by the great ‘community building’ work of Jane Bennett and the rest of the Packsaddle Community Group, in the campaign over the last year to improve the space for everyone, through the community events and parties, the play sessions with Wansdyke Play Association, and by asking people how you all want to improve the area. I understand the most popular things people want to see are more seating, some new play equipment, a circular cycle path, and a boules pitch, so that everyone can have fun however old or young.   So far the Community Group has successfully bid for funding from Frome Town Council (towards the cost of seating and a boules pitch), and has already turned some old tree trunks into new seats.

I have been pleased to be able to help the Community Group, by setting up meetings with Mendip Council officers, helping a little with the FTC bid, and arguing for Mendip to pay attention to what the community needs.  Out of these discussions, Mendip have agreed that the Community Group can provide a disabled access and picnic bench, which Mendip will install.

Now, after a long delay, Mendip is at last drawing up its new strategy for play areas, to set out which areas MDC want to prioritise investment in (and those it can pass on to others). Previously, both the play areas at Packsaddle and Chapmans Close were on the ‘invest’ list so, if they are, it could unlock funding for improvements. We will see what the strategy says in May/ June. At the same time, Frome Town Council has recently applied to take over Packsaddle open space, as well as other assets in Frome, and want to work with the local community to manage and improve the area. Their bid should be decided by Mendip in May, and I hope to be involved.  FTC have worked very well with local residents and the FROGS local group to transform Welshmill Park into a place that is really popular with families and young people. So a transfer to FTC could also be a very positive move.  I will continue to work with the Packsaddle Community Group to try and ensure Mendip and Frome Councils cooperate and work with local residents to improve these open spaces for the whole community. I am very positive about the likely outcomes. 

Also, I, like every Mendip councillor, has a small funding pot to allocate to improving the local environment over the next 2 years, and I want to put it to good use here and in other parts of the ward.

Finally, Somerset County Council have a new role in promoting health and wellbeing now, and should also be supportive. Sam Phripp, your Liberal Democrat candidate for Somerset County Council, Frome North division, is committed to working to make the most of any funding opportunities there may be to support the Packsaddle community more, if he is elected on May 2nd.

I am happy to hear from anyone about this or other issues, so please contact me. I will keep you informed when there is more news!

Adam Boyden 

Mendip District Councillor, Frome College ward, Liberal Democrat

07825 802643, cllr.boyden@mendip.gov.uk

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