Showfield improvements update

by adamboyden on 10 October, 2013

Update 15th October:

Mendip’s Cabinet have approved the transfer of leases to Frome Town Council, subject to the Council entering into negotiations with Frome Town Council about whether the proposed fence to the children’s play area should be included in the Section 106 improvements fund. See the following joint press release here: http://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/3179/Town-council-to-take-over-leases-for-Frome-Showfield

See also the Frome Times article here.

This should be good news. I will keep everyone posted on how this progresses.

Update Monday 14th October: my message to Mendip’s Cabinet:

“I have undertaken some local consultation on the proposed transfer (to Frome Town Council) of the lease of the old Frome Showfield. The feedback I have received from residents who live in the streets surrounding the site is unanimous in favour of the transfer. They and I feel the lease transfer would benefit the local community by enabling the most local council to manage and maintain the site in line with the community’s needs and wants. The transfer would also save this Council money. I would then also hope to see the S106 funds transferred to FTC to implement to improve the area as a town park, in broad accordance with their preferred scheme …, but also with provision of a fence to surround the playground (to keep dogs away from children while they play, and vice versa). I would then wish to see a public consultation of some sort on the final preferred scheme, to allow local people to have their say and enable refinements to be made, before implementation. I also understand that the lease transfer would not prevent the potential funding of additional play equipment here (e.g. for toddlers) under the implementation of the Mendip Play Strategy, as I understand that the old Showfield is an identified priority site for investment.  I look forward to seeing both councils continue to work together on improving this area for local people.”

10th October letter to Frome Standard:

Next Monday (14th October), Mendip District Council’s Cabinet meets to decide on Frome Town Council’s request for the transfer of Mendip’s lease on the old Showfield. In September, Mendip’s Corporate Asset Management Group supported ‘in principle’ the potential transfer of this site following further interest by Frome Town Council.  As one of the ward councillors, I think this is a good idea. FTC should be able to manage the Showfield well as public open space and better involve local people in enhancing the area, as they have done at Welshmill.  If the lease is transferred to FTC, over £40,000 of ‘Section 106’ funds can then be transferred to FTC to implement. FTC’s preferred scheme, prepared after the public consultation with Vision For Frome in October 2012, proposes to use the funds to improve footpaths, provide a small kickabout pitch for public use (subject to planning permission), an outdoor gym, and more seats and trees. Should the Town Council take over the lease, they would then be responsible for maintenance, including to provide areas of shorter grass, which was identified as a top priority in the 2012 public consultation. Mendip should be able to provide funds for more play equipment as the playground has been identified as a priority in district Play Strategy.

However, I am still arguing for a new fence to be provided around the playground, to keep dogs away from children while playing, as this was also identified as a priority by residents. I have also asked both councils to organise a public announcement on the final preferred scheme, with a chance for comment and ‘have your say’ on the specific proposals. I understand this should happen once the above issues are resolved.  Things are finally moving forward on this, although slowly. The lease transfer and improvement plan would also need to be agreed further by the Frome & District Agricultural Society.

People can let me know what they think via cllr.boyden@mendip.gov.uk and see http://adamboyden.mycouncillor.org.uk/2013/10/02/showfield-update/ for more details.

Adam Boyden

Mendip District Councillor, Frome College ward
Frome's old Showfield

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