The Big Mayday Hug, by local democracy reporter Daniel Mumby

FROME residents are being asked to join hands on the May Day bank holiday in support of alternative plans to redevelop the Saxonvale regeneration site. 

Mendip District Council has been working to clear the site to allow the Acorn Property Group to construct a development of 300 homes, commercial space and an arts and heritage venue, following the second approval of plans in September 2021. 

The Mayday Saxonvale group has put forward alternative proposals for the site, which would see a smaller number of homes delivered, along with more commercial space, a lido and the relocation of a Frome primary school. 

Mayday Saxonvale is now calling for Frome residents to join hands and encircle the site on 1st May in a show of support for these plans – which could come before the council’s planning board around two weeks afterwards. 

This event (dubbed The Big Mayday Hug) will take place on the same day as hustings organised for candidates standing in the local elections on 5th May, where Frome will elect its representatives for the new unitary Somerset Council. 

The official Eventbrite listing for the event states that around 800 people will be needed to complete the chain around the entire Saxonvale site. 

A Mayday Saxonvale spokesperson said, “We are asking the people of Frome to come together and meet at 10.30am on 1st May at the bottom of the Saxonvale car park (opposite Marks & Spencer). We will then join hands in single file around the perimeter of the Saxonvale site in a chain (hug), up along Vicarage Street, and down Garsdale. There will be music, drums, and drones. 

“There will be music, tea, and cake at the Silk Mill afterwards and each participant will receive a Mayday Big Hug badge showing that you took part. 

“We will need approximately 800 people to ensure this event can run. Please share with your friends, family, and any local groups with which you are affiliated.” 

The Mayday Big Hug will take place on the same day as hustings organised by Frome Town Council, allowing residents to meet and question the candidates standing to represent them on the new Somerset Council until 2027. 

The Saxonvale site falls within the Frome West division, in which the following candidates are standing: Martin Dimery (Green); Michael Dunk (Green); Damon Hooton (Liberal Democrat); Richard Pinnock (Liberal Democrat); Mike Rideout (Conservative); Byron Taylor (Labour); Hilary Thomas (Conservative). 

For more details on the Big Mayday Hug event, or to register your attendance, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-mayday-hug-tickets-317627060087