Study will look at re-modelling of town centre

FROME Town Council is embarking on a study into the feasibility of re-modelling the town centre.

The main objective of the project is to create a town centre environment that is ‘easier for pedestrians to move around, whilst maintaining vehicular access and flow’.  The project will examine ways to improve the appeal of the town centre to local residents, visitors and shoppers, which respects its special historic character.

Mel Usher, leader of Frome Town Council said, “The feasibility study will take a comprehensive look at a range of issues including crossing points for pedestrians, parking arrangements, the extent of paved areas, street furniture and lighting and how events and festivals can best be accommodated within the town centre.

“Ultimately, we are interested in making Frome town centre a more attractive place for people to shop and visit, whilst enabling vehicular traffic to continue to pass through the area.  This project is part of our general drive to improve the vitality of the town centre.

“Landscape Projects Limited, who have considerable expertise and experience in this field of work, have been selected to undertake the feasibility study on our behalf. They will be engaging a wide range of interest groups to help develop options.

“These will include Somerset County Council as the highway authority, Mendip District Council as landowner and planning authority, Frome Civic Society, Frome Chamber of Commerce, the Town Team, retailers and other business owners, taxi and bus operators, public transport users, access groups and other users of the town centre.  Wider public consultation will follow towards the end of September including a public exhibition.”

For further information, please contact: Peter Wheelhouse, economic development & regeneration manager, Frome Town Council – Tel: 01373 475573.