“Complete disbelief” at £25,000 Boyle Cross design

RESIDENTS have reacted with “complete disbelief” at the cost of new seating and planters for the Boyle Cross area, which could run up to £25,000. 

The cost for the design has been attributed to the need for “bespoke” benches and planters to  be made from steel, to suit the “sloping nature” of the Boyle Cross area, ensuring that they are “safe and stable”. 

The design for ‘phase three’ of the town council’s Market Place redevelopment plans, which was approved by the majority of councillors at a meeting last week, includes three additional planters and two bench seats along the carriageway edge; an extension to existing seating at the top end of Boyle Cross and additional planting; an additional bench seat adjacent to the TSB Bank along the pavement edge; and an additional bin.

It was hoped and agreed by councillors in June that the cost of the ‘phase three’ plans could be covered by money left over from ‘phase two’ of the Market Place redevelopment, which is currently ongoing.

However at last week’s meeting, Frome Town Council’s planning and development officer, Jane Llewellyn, revealed that it was “unlikely” that there will be any contingency money available from the ‘phase two’ works.

Instead, councillors have agreed to explore funding the project through sponsorship and external grant funding, using council funds to make up any shortfall.

In response to the plans, one member of the public at the meeting said that he was in “complete disbelief’ about the amount of money proposed for the plans, and described it as a “waste of resources” that should be used in other areas of the town instead.

Cllr Anne Hills also shared concerns about spending money on the project, questioning if now was the “right time” to be doing this. 

Reservations were also raised by cllr Sheila Gore who said that she had “concerns’ about the design, and the council should explore other options.

In support of the design, cllr John Nelson described it as an opportunity to “bring the place back to life”.

Whilst cllr Nick Dove said the design “won’t satisfy everyone”, but that as Boyle Cross is the “heart of the town”, it is important that the council moves forward with the plans, as it is an opportunity to encourage people to the town and support local businesses.

As the landowners and local planning authority, Mendip District Council will now be approached for approval of the design. A progress report will be brought to council at a meeting in November.