Frome Town Council have called a public meeting about the Old Showfield, Victoria Park and the Mary Bailey Playing Field, on Saturday 30th January at the Assembly Rooms, Christchurch Street West from 2pm. 

Full details to follow in advance of the meeting, but FTC say, in summary…

‘Victoria Park & Mary Baily

§  We’re going to discuss the Emerging Idea for Victoria Park & Mary Baily (please find this Emerging Idea – Victoria Park).

§  The Emerging Idea is the strategic plan for the park that was discussed and agreed by FTC’s Councillors in 2014.

§  We’ll be discussing the plan and asking everyone for comments & ideas – looking at changes & additions; and prioritising next steps.

The Old Showfield

 §  We’re going to present an equivalent Emerging Idea plan for the Old Showfield [currently in preparation for the meeting].

§  We’ll show potential improvements for the site on a large-scale plan, including improved paths, new play surfacing, play fencing, tree planting, bins and benches, and wildflower areas – all with costs.

§  Then we’ll be discussing this plan, again asking for comments and ideas – and identifying priorities.

We’ll have lots of copies of both plans available on tables for World Café discussions. Then we’ll draw all the conversations together at the end of the meeting to inform the plans. It would be great to see all of you at the meeting.’

Everyone is welcome. It would be helpful to contact FTC on 01373 475576 or email admin@frometowncouncil.gov.uk to register your attendance, so they can get an idea of the numbers coming. You can also keep up to date and get involved with Frome Town Council’s regular Parks & Green Spaces mailing group (see here) by emailing admin@frometowncouncil.gov.uk and giving your name and email address.

I know many residents who use the old Showfield have asked for improvements to the footpaths (surfacing and drainage), playground (fencing, surfacing and more equipment), seating, tree planting, a picnic area, and site security, and I will try and ensure these are included in the plan. I understand that FTC are proposing additional funds in the 2016-17 budget for the Old Showfield, for improvements to footpaths and playground surfacing, and that funding has been granted by FTC to Wansdyke Play Association for some community Play Ranger sessions on the Showfield this year also. I will press for work to begin as soon as possible.

The background to the handover of the Old Showfield to FTC, and the previous consultations on the improvements scheme, can be found here.  I look forward to seeing many people at the meeting. If you cannot make it and would like me to raise any issue for you, please let me know.