Mendip District Council has returned a much-loved asset to the local community in Frome.

The freehold of Boyle Cross, and the surrounding raised area in the Market Place, has been transferred to Frome Town Council for £1. The transfer sees Frome Town Council take on responsibility for the special town heritage site and will replace the joint management forum arrangement which had been in place for some years. Along with gifting the land, Mendip are also making a one-off contribution of £9,000 towards maintenance costs.

Boyle Cross was built in 1871 by the Hon and Rev R C Boyle, rector of Marston Bigot, as a token of his affection for Frome. Designed by his wife, Mrs E V Boyle, and sculpted by Joseph Chapman of Frome, it was restored to its original use as a fountain three years ago. As part of the agreement, Frome Town Council can hold small markets on the land. They will work with Mendip's Market Team to ensure any joint markets are synchronised for the benefit of the town.

Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: "We are delighted to be returning the monument and the paved area at Market Place to the people of Frome, and will support Frome Town Council with a further £9,000 running cost contribution. This is clearly an important piece of heritage that is loved and enjoyed by local people and they will no doubt treasure it and ensure it flourishes now it's back in their hands."

Anne Hills, Leader of Frome Town Council said: "We are thrilled to be taking on the stewardship of this historic site and look forward to filling the space with activity. We want to see a continuation of what is already there, including Stuart the flower man, and the other market traders, but in time we want to welcome a host of others. To that end, we are looking for expressions of interest for people to run events and activities and pop-ups on the space. It is our ambition to ensure that this very special centre remains the beating heart of our town, full of life."

If you are interested in trading on the space you will need a street trader's licence issued by Mendip District Council, if you are a food stall you will need Health and Safety and Food Hygiene Certificates and Public Liability Insurance. Please see Mendip's website for more information here: www.mendip.gov.uk/article/7007/Register-A-Food-Businesss

Send expressions of interest to [email protected]