News in Frome

David Warburton MP for Somerton and Frome has joined 30 Conservative MPs who have now signed an amendment designed to trigger a revolt against the government's proposed cut to the UK's aid budget from 0.7% to 0.5% of national income.

The new clause is a technical amendment enforcing the 2015 International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act, obliging the government to meet a target of 0.7% for official development assistance (ODA), next year (2022).

Somerset electors have until 5pm on Friday 4 June to make it clear which option for change in local government in the county they support by voting in the local poll.

The poll asks electors to choose between the two options for change currently being considered by government to replace Somerset's five existing county and district councils: One Somerset, the plan for a single council proposed by Somerset County Council or Stronger Somerset, the plan for two councils - an Eastern Somerset and a Western Somerset council - proposed by Somerset's District Councils.

Planning news in and around Frome this week and in case you missed it, there are now three active campaigns against the possible building of homes on green spaces in the town.

A total of eight areas have been earmarked for up to 30 new homes.

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, Frome has been able to create a series of new initiatives that are good for people's health and the health of the planet including a cycling prescription service supported by Bike Rental Manager.

Cycle Together is one of the new initiatives which allows people to borrow an e-bike plus essential cycling accessories for four weeks so that they can tackle Frome's (many) hills and improve their health whilst reducing pollution and congestion. The scheme is completely free to participants and anyone can take part. This has proven popular already with bike slots booked up to the end of June.

Another group of residents in Frome has come together to oppose proposals to build on a green space close to their homes.

The residents of Farley Close , a cul de sac close to Hayesdown First School, are fighting proposals to build on a green space which is where, they say children play together, have fun, lots of fresh air and most importantly are extremely safe.

The Somerset highways grass and verge cutting season is well underway, with contractors scheduled to cut more than 9,400km of verge – almost the distance from Taunton to Tokyo.

The season runs from May until September, with the work scheduled to start on C and unclassified roads (including junction visibility splays and sight lines) on June 7.

PCC Mark Shelford has welcomed an investment of £353,116 from the Ministry of Justice to support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence across Avon and Somerset.

The much-needed domestic abuse and sexual violence financial uplift will be distributed to 19 victim services across the force area to support victims and survivors of such abuse to cope and recover.

Over half way into a special fundraising walk honouring the late Frome Rotary President and the walkers are still going strong, blessed by the recent great weather.

With another five days ahead of them, there are still 68 miles to complete along the strenuous Mendip Ring route, but they have also been boosted by having raised nearly £1500.

The Bath & West Country Festival, which is replacing the Royal Bath & West Show for 2021, promises fun activities and performances for every member of the family.

Families and children have always enjoyed the Show, and the one-off Festival taking place this year is no different. It retains the Main Ring, Main Lawn, Woodland and Countryside Arena which visitors know and love, whilst also introducing some new features to enjoy.

Natural England has today (June 2) downgraded the environmental condition of the Somerset Levels and Moors Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) due to water quality issues.

This decision to change the condition to 'unfavourable declining' follows water quality monitoring that revealed that phosphate levels are three times higher than they should be, causing biological harm and producing algae and duckweed that is harmful to wildlife.