May Briefing
For urban Frome North
I am thrilled to be asked to work alongside our Conservative Group Leader, Diogo Rodrigues, as his Deputy Leader of the Opposition this coming year. I will continue to support him and our dynamic team this year to ensure that we ask the difficult questions, challenge their decisions and prepare ourselves to get the council back in 2027.
If you are in one of the villages I represent, my report (which is specific to your community) is on your website (if you have one). If not, my report is sent to the parish chair and clerk, who will circulate around the community.
If you live in the urban part of Frome which I represent, here is your report for the month ahead.
Mowing bulbs
Residents have been in touch about bulbs that were mowed while still in bloom and bulbs that the children at Critchills school planted. I asked the council to investigate and I was advised the one piece of land from Frome Town Council land. The resident has made direct contact with Rob Holden and was advised that it was a contractor. Somerset has told their teams to be more vigilant this time of the year.
Social Care
I have been working closely with a number of residents in the Stonebridge area and across town, to access social care for elderly parents.
Potholes Wallbridge / Warminster Road
I have asked for any update on these severe potholes and will advise accordingly.
Payphone on Portway
I have been asked to support the community’s campaign to save their payphone. I will be making further inquiries and will advise accordingly.
Leisure Centre
Somerset Council inspected the premises last week and the college decided that the outcome was not conducive to a calm exam environment. They have moved the exams to classrooms at the school, and all PE lessons will take place outside over the summer term, or until issues at the leisure centre can be resolved.
Buses to Edmond Park
I have been asked to support a campaign to get more buses to Edmund Park. I will be working with the Somerset Bus Partnership and will update at every stage.
Parking during the Independent Market
I have asked for increased parking monitoring during the Independent Market. The council has advised that this will happen starting from June.
Cattle Market Parking Postcode
Residents have included me in email exchanges with the council to change the postcode for the car park in the centre of town. There is often confusion with the Cattle Market in Standerwick. I will update as I get more.
Rook Lane Car Park
The council inspected the issues of young people climbing over the fences and accessing the roof of Melanie Giles. The fences are the responsibility of the Housing Association, and they have advised that they would inspect and repair. I will follow up this month.
Saxonvale
The site is now officially back on the open market.
Somerset Council Chief Finance Officer Recruitment
Somerset Council’s efforts to appoint a permanent Chief Finance Officer faced further disruption after the latest candidate two withdrew just days before taking up the role. The appointment would have marked the fifth Chief Finance Officer in four years. The authority has relied on interim arrangements, with the current interim officer costing approximately £7,000 per week. It has now been confirmed that the interim Chief Finance Officer, Clive Heaphy, will remain in post until the end of March 2027, meaning responsibility for overseeing the council’s financial position and next budget will continue under interim leadership.
Somerset Council SEND Services and EHCP Delays
A recent report by Somerset Council has highlighted significant delays in the delivery of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), with between 0–5% of assessments being completed within the statutory 20-week timeframe. The report identifies delays in Educational Psychology advice, currently averaging 27 weeks, as a key contributor to the growing backlog, and warns that without additional resource waiting times could exceed 52 weeks. At the Council’s budget meeting Somerset Conservatives proposed targeted investment to increase capacity and speed up assessments, but the amendment was not supported by the Liberal Democrat administration. However, proposals to allocate additional resource to SEND services will now be brought forward for discussion in June.
Somerset Local Housing Needs Assessment (LHNA)
Somerset Council has published its latest Local Housing Needs Assessment, setting out the level and type of housing needed across the county from 2025 to 2045. The report highlights pressures around affordability, future housing demand and the need for accessible and specialist housing. While it does not set policy, it will inform the Somerset Local Plan and future housing strategies. The full assessment can be viewed here:
Somerset Retail and Leisure Needs Assessment (RLNA)
Somerset Council has published its Retail and Leisure Needs Assessment, which reviews future retail and leisure demand across the county up to 2045. The report considers expenditure trends, town centre performance and whether additional retail or leisure floorspace may be required. While not a policy document, it will inform the Somerset Local Plan and future decisions on town centre development. The full assessment can be viewed here:
Somerset Council Gritter Fleet Investment
Somerset Council has approved plans to invest up to £2.3 million in new gritter lorries over the next four years, replacing ageing vehicles within its fleet of 23. Ten vehicles are nearing the end of their operational life, with increasing maintenance costs and reliability concerns. The council currently spends around £200,000 a year on servicing, with risks identified to winter service delivery if the fleet is not renewed. The new vehicles will be procured through Romaquip as part of the council’s capital programme.
Somerset Leisure Centres to See Limited Investment
Somerset Council has confirmed that no major investment will be delivered in five leisure centres over the next two years, following the collapse of operator Fusion Lifestyle. The council has provided £370,000 of interim funding to keep sites in Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Street and Wells open while a new operator is procured. A short-term two-year contract is expected to be awarded, with providers including Everyone Active and Freedom Leisure expressing interest. Officers have confirmed the focus will be on maintaining services, with no significant upgrades planned during this period while a longer-term strategy is developed.
Foster Care Fortnight (11–24 May)
Somerset Council is supporting Foster Care Fortnight, a national campaign to raise awareness of fostering and encourage more people to come forward. There are currently more than 670 children in care in Somerset,highlighting the need for more local foster carers to provide stable homes and keep children close to their communities. Everyone is encouraged to support the campaign through community engagement and social media activity. More information:
SEND Reform Plan Consultation Now Open
Consultation on the Government’s SEND reforms is underway, alongside the national process for local areas to submit SEND Reform Plans by 19th June. Children’s Services teams are working intensively to engage a wide range of partners and stakeholders, including children and young people with SEND, whose views are essential. If you know a young person with SEND, please encourage them to complete the SEND Reform Plan Survey for Children and Young People by Friday 15 May 2026. Have your say here:
ALL OPEN CONSULTATIONS
Please get in touch if you have any questions, concerns or need more information: dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk
Until next month…
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