Candidates quizzed at Democracy Day

FROME Town Council  praised the success of their ‘Democracy Day’  earlier this month, when members of the public turned out in force to meet electoral candidates for the upcoming town and parliamentary elections.

The competing political parties took stalls at the Cheese and Grain, where candidates could interact with their constituents, and Somerton and Frome’s six parliamentary candidates took part in a Question Time style hustings.

Mayor Peter Macfadyen said, “In nearly 90% of Mendip’s towns and parishes there will be no elections because there is no competition for places! The ‘choice’ is whoever steps forward (whatever their views or competence).

“Meanwhile, an impressive 49 people are competing for the 17 town council seats in Frome.  A good number were at Sunday’s hustings in the Cheese and Grain where there was standing room only for those not early enough to grab a seat. Both were good signs that at least democracy is alive and well in Frome.”

Frome town clerk Paul Wynne said, “We put on the Democracy Day as part of our aim to provide clear information on the voting choices electors have at Town, District and General Elections being held on 7th May.”

Parliamentary candidates for the Somerton and Frome constituency are: • Ian Angell (Independent) • Alan Dimmick (UKIP) • David Rendel (Liberal Democrats) • Theo Simon (Green Party) • David Warburton (Conservatives) • David Oakensen (Labour).

There are an estimated 13,630 households in Frome, which for the town and district elections are split into eight wards. The number of seats in each ward varies according to its size – full details of ward constitutions can be found at www.frometowncouncil.co.uk.

Polling stations on 7th May will be open from 7am until 10pm.