The Council Matters Meeting started with a welcome from Chair, Cllr Sara Butler, followed by questions and comments.

Kate Bielby enquired about the consultation process behind phase 3 of the Market Place improvements, Cllrs will respond directly to Kate following the meeting.

Marketing Manager, Rachel Griffin introduced the update on the work completed by her team since the last Council Matters meeting. Marketing and Communications Officer Laura Hales gave the meeting an overview of the council's social media review which will take place over the next few months. This will ensure the team continue to deliver a friendly, welcoming, accessible and community-based voice for the channels while they continue to review and analyse what works best for the audiences.

Rachel provided an update on the numerous events that the team are already working on ahead of further lockdown restrictions easing. And a follow up review of the newly launched Frome Town Council website which went live in February. Looking at the analytics the data has found that users are finding the site easier to navigate and are finding what they are looking for. You can read the full report HERE: the FTC site

Finance Officer, Hannah Paniccia shared an update on FTC's finances including the Income and Expenditure and Balance Sheet reports to 31 March 2021 and noted that the yearend accounts for 2020/21 including the AGAR (Annual Governance & Accountability Return) will be on the agenda for the Council meeting (Annual Meeting) on 19 May 2021. The full report can be read HERE: the Council's balance sheet

Hannah also gave details on the disposal of some assets, mainly IT and some obsolete equipment from the Victoria Park office, that will give the Rangers much needed space in the yard.

Chris Stringer gave a report on what has been happening recently in the town's parks and green spaces. The Ranger team have been incredibly busy and the list was wide ranging from new benches installed at Rodden Meadow, to hedge planting and a new boules court at Packsaddle play area. All the details, plus what's coming soon can be found in Chris' report. the parks and open spaces sheet

Rachel Griffin then gave an update on the Town Hall, an overview of the tenants and has been looking at options for the café. As the Town Hall events open up with further lockdown easing, it is likely that café area will be used as a booked meeting place in the week and for a bar facility at the weekends. Weddings and booked meetings have already returned to the Town Hall, as have a skeleton staff with the majority still working from home.

Finally, there was a short Health & Safety update which gave an overview of outstanding claims, accidents and ongoing risk management activity, and a staff update which details out staff changes since the last meeting. HERE : with four members now on permanent staff