Last year Somerset County Council launched their Climate Emergency Community Fund and encouraged local communities across Somerset to apply for a share of the £1 million fund to help tackle the impacts of climate change in their area. The funding will pay for projects which will not only aim to reduce carbon emissions but will help to reduce waste, raise community awareness of climate change, and enhance the natural environment.

More than 130 applications were submitted, Frome Town Council is one of 40 successful applicants and have been awarded £75K. This will pay for a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and employ a Resilience Engagement Officer for two years.

The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) will create detailed and joined up infrastructure designs that plan safe walking and cycling routes around and through the town. Having an LCWIP will unlock further funding to make these designs a reality.

Cllr Paul Horton added: "Increasing walking and cycling will benefit everyone in Frome by reducing traffic and congestion, improving air quality, lowering the risk of ill health, and enhancing both mental and physical well-being. Frome Town Council will be inviting residents to contribute to the development of this plan, to make this a community wide project."

The project will start in May 2021 and will be completed by the following spring. For updates on Active Travel activities in Frome, sign up to join the mailing list here: http://bit.ly/activetravelfrome.

The Resilience Engagement Officer will support the people of Frome to become a resilient, healthy, connected community. Residents will be encouraged to be part of the development of resilience projects and plan activities that will reduce carbon emissions; reduce consumption; raise awareness of climate change issues and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change.

The ultimate aim is for healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices to be just a normal part of everyday life and contribute to Frome becoming carbon neutral by 2030.