On Saturday 29th May a total of 78 residents living close to the 'Selwood Crescent Green' joined Cllr Adam Boyden and Cllr Drew Gardner, Cllr Linda Oliver, Cllr Mark Dorringto and Cllr John Clarke (attending capacity as board member of the Frome Area Community Land Trust) to air their views on the proposed housing development being put forward by the FACLT, Selwood Housing Group and MDC.

Word spread fast amongst neighbours of several streets who use the green that this valuable community asset could be under threat. Those attending were aged between five and 94. Concern was expressed by many present at the meeting that the loss of this green-corridor patch of trees and grass, which also contains a Walnut tree and an Oak tree, will impact negatively on both the youngest and the oldest who value it most. In addition to being a well-used play area for children too young to walk alone or cross roads to other open spaces, its daily visitors include older residents no longer able to walk significant distances or, in many cases, also no longer able to drive.

One 87 year old resident explained: "For some reason they haven't realised that by trying to solve the problem of housing one set of vulnerable people they will just be creating another bigger problem in its place. That green was my rehabilitation for my hip replacements. People seem to think that old people are not important in our society but many live alone and to have a safe place to meet and chat can be a lifeline. This is a very upsetting proposal."

It was made clear by FACLT representative, John Clarke, that the proposed development is only at a feasibility study stage and the housing group's aim it to provide safe, quality homes for the those in need whilst also taking into consideration the comments and feedback of those who currently use the green. Clarke and Cllr Adam Boyden took the time to clarify that several areas in Frome are being considered and that the community responses are encouraged in order to give a full picture as to the value of the green as a community amenity and not simply a piece of land.

Another resident said: "A couple of men in high viz jackets turned out on a wet Sunday morning in January and fed back that the green is little-used! They are wrong. It is used all the time and has been since the 1960s. It was designated as a play area and houses were sold to people with agreements stating it will never be built on. It's not suitable for development as it is vital to the physical and mental well-being of those already using it."

Anyone in the area wishing to join the next meeting for further information or to express their opinions is invited to meet on the 'green' at 10am on Saturday 5th June.