From The Mayor

I hope you are all enjoying, or at least tolerating, the long spell of hot weather we are experiencing. Many of us are taking the opportunity to enjoy our parks and open spaces, especially as, for once, it coincides with the summer holiday season.

Spending more time outside it is noticeable that not everyone treats our town with the respect it deserves, particularly regarding litter and graffiti. During my year as mayor, I am keen to encourage a ‘Take Pride in Frome’ theme.

The town council provides and services bins on our open spaces and we employ a ranger to look after the town centre but it is a never-ending problem. Please use the bins or take litter home with you and encourage a ‘Keep Frome Tidy’ attitude.   

At a recent Community and Place meeting at the town hall, members of the public were invited to comment not just on what the council is doing but what everyone can do to improve our environment. It was well attended and it was obvious from the depth of feeling expressed that the town’s appearance is of great importance to us all.

I am always pleased to read of residents who look after their neighbourhood and make a point of thanking them on behalf of the town. The Frome Litter Warriors organise litter picks in all areas of the town and the Hoedown group tackle weeds growing in our streets. Well done to you all.

Public art, such as the murals we see at the Westway and Victoria Park add welcome colour to our street scenes but the meaningless ‘tags’ that have become so prevalent do not. These instances of criminal damage can be reported to police online so they can form a picture of the extent of the problem. On a more positive note, we will be encouraging a community art programme to channel people’s needs to express themselves in a way that is positive to the town.

Speaking of art and community, well done to the cast and crew of Singin’ in the Rain at the Memorial Theatre, who I had the pleasure to meet promoting the show around town recently. By the time you read this, they’ll have completed their run; hope they all had a fantastic time.

Frome Carnival is one of our oldest traditions and this Saturday sees the annual fundraising event in Victoria Park. Do come along if you can; I’ll be starting the fun at noon and other councillors will be there with me. It would be great to see as many of you as possible to support the carnival and do ask councillors about anything we can help with.

The carnival raises funds for local people and is one I support every year by walking the route with a collecting bucket. This year’s parade will be on the evening of 26th September, so look out for me; I’ll be the one wearing the chain.   

Cllr Mark Dorrington

Pictured: Cllr Mark Dorrington with the cast of Singin’ in the Rain