A vacancy has opened on Frome Town Council following the resignation of Cllr Mel Usher, who stepped down last month after moving out of the town.
Residents in Market Ward now have until Friday 15th August to request an election to fill the vacancy. If fewer than ten electors come forward, Frome Town Council can instead co-opt a councillor.
Cllr Usher had represented Market Ward since 2011 and was a founding member of the Independents for Frome, the group of councillors currently serving on the town council. During his time on the council, he played a key role in major local developments including the modernisation of the Cheese and Grain, the purchase and relaunch of the town hall, the formation of Fair Frome, and efforts to save the football club.
“Having moved from the town (admittedly only ¾ miles away) I have found it increasingly difficult to keep up with what is happening. I cannot be as involved in day-to-day affairs as much as I once was,” explained Cllr Usher.
“Market Ward generates a lot of issues and it is unfair on the other ward councillor, Mark Dorrington, to leave him to sort most of these out.
“All organisations naturally evolve and change, and at this point, I feel my time is done. It has been a privilege, and time for someone else to pick up the baton.”
The new councillor will serve until the next full town council elections in 2027.
To request an election, residents must write to the Chief Executive, Electoral Services, Somerset Council, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY. The deadline is 15th August, and at least ten written requests are required.
Pictured: Cllr Mel Usher
