Frome Town Council’s applications for the transfer of several areas of land owned by Mendip District Council has been partly successful recently. FTC submitted bids to Mendip to take on ownership of a range of areas of land Mendip currently own, including open spaces, playgrounds, car parks and derelict toilets. Last month Mendip’s Corporate Assets Management Group, on which I sit, accepted FTC’s applications for open spaces at the Dippy (between The Mount and Keyford), and at North Parade, and to lease to FTC the former toilet block at Gore Hedge and (subject to rent being agreed) the Badcox car park and old toilet block. At their last meeting, Frome Town Council agreed to take on the Dippy and land at North Parade and to lease Badcox car park (subject to finance being agreed), but to reject a short-term lease at Gore Hedge. Further discussions between Mendip and FTC will be had about the possible transfer of the Market Cross (free car parking and market pitches) and other open spaces and play grounds.

 

I am happy that the previous policy of Frome Town Council, to apply to take over for as much Mendip land in Frome as is manageable, is being continued by the current FTC administration. Transfer to the most local council can mean that open spaces and other land is managed in a way that is much more responsive to the local community, so long as FTC can manage the workload. With the current officer skills, including the grounds manager and community projects officer, I believe FTC are well placed to take on more Mendip land,and that Frome will benefit from this. 

 

When Lib Dem run, FTC transferred Welshmill Park and the Chateau Gontier Walk from Mendip a few years ago. This work enabled FTC to work to improve the condition of CG Walk, and to work with the FROGS local group and local residents to improve Welshmill Park so much as has been.

 

Consideration of the future transfer of play areas to Frome TC has been delayed by the need to wait for Mendip’s Play Strategy, which will make recommendations on investment and divestment, which has again been delayed due to otehr priorities taking precedence. I am now seeking assurances from Mendip about the commitment to finalise the Play Strategy. 

  

New phone number for Mendip District Council: