Frome Town Council has voted to create a working party to look into how to rejuvenate and revitalise the town centre, including creating a new version of Discover Frome to bring in visitors.

The meeting of the council at the Town Hall (December 6) heard that while there is a perception that there are more empty shops, the actual number of properties which are not filled is still 17 - which with swaps in and out has remained pretty static.

That said three of those empty properties were the major banks and local businesses say footfall since they left has fallen off a cliff.

In a report shown to councillors footfall IS down, with visitor numbers in the summer of 2023 down on those recorded in 2022.

The vacancy rate of the town centre in Frome is 8.6 % - compared to the national number of 13.% (in figures from The Grocer).

While there was some positive news that the WHY Gallery on Stony Street IS coming back into use following its closure on Christmas Eve as an art gallery, according to data collected by street monitors in the town, there are 500 fewer people every day using the town centre.

This business is moving into the High Pavement

The report said: " The closure of three banks in the Market Place as well as the general cost of living and changing consumer behaviour are likely to contribute to a further decline if not checked. Clearly, trying to regenerate town centres by building more retail space is now a broken model. The solution in Frome must be to improve the mix of uses in the town centre bringing footfall, life and vitality back."

Could the council force properties to go up for sale ?

In the report councillors could read ahead of their meeting, it was pointed out that within the Levelling- Up Act there was is a reference to "Forced Auctions". If a property has been empty for longer than 12 months the landlord can be forced to allow the local authority to auction it for rent. The landlord gets to select the winner but they must choose between bidders. The report stated : " This could be a powerful tool in Frome."

But that was not discussed at the Frome Town Council meeting.

What was brought up - again - was the lack of safe crossings into Market Place for those shoppers who wanted to venture into town.

Cllr Adam Boyden asked whether there wasn't any money left in the kitty from the market place development up to 2020. which saw railings removed from the corner of Cork Street.

Frome Town Council wrote at the time the work would include : "A new 20 mph zone and other traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian safety. • Enhancing existing 'desire lines' where pedestrians frequently cross the road using build outs, better dropped kerbs and other features."

This did not happen and while money had indeed been allocated to these measures, according to the Economic Development & Regeneration Manager to Peter Wheelhouse, the funding had been 'repurposed' and had been spent on other things. You can see the report before the council here

We want a vivacious, active and thriving Frome Town Centre

Councillors were united in wanting a busier and thriving town centre, but several were concerned when it was suggested that building a new web site to attract visitors would cost in the region of £20,000.

The council is exploring a co-creation partnership with an outside company to develop a more interactive and updated tool to increase visitor numbers, but there was no discussion on other options, or, following one comment from a councillor, how businesses NOT in the town centre could or should be supported.

Councillors voted to draft a workable strategy for the town centre, which will be put, along with costings to the next meeting of the council in the New Year.

Some of the other suggestions in the report

1. The private collection of commercial waste by different operators could be replaced by a unified daily collection.
2. Palmer Street currently has 6 hospitality venues. Only 1 has outside space. Creating a food court atmosphere in Palmer Street with restricted vehicle access, installing mobile planters, lighting and seating would encourage al fresco dining – something which would increase footfall by enhancing the town's attraction.
3. Restricting vehicle access up Catherine Hill during opening hours will also create a healthier and safer space for visitors and residents.