FROME has been named the best place to live in the South West 2018 by the Sunday Times survey. Frome beat last year’s overall ‘Best in Britain’ winner, Bristol, into second place in the South West this year.
The Sunday Times put the ‘energetic community spirit and enthusiastic incomers’ as the main reason for Frome being crowned number one.
Frome was praised for its revival as an independently-minded town with community projects such as the Share scheme and Compassionate Frome. The town’s ‘Artisan quarter’, the monthly Frome Independent Market, and the town’s variety of food and drink, coupled with its lively arts scene including the annual Frome Festival, the Cheese and Grain and live music venues, were all described as “feeding the soul.”
Frome’s two theatres, cinema and train links to Bath, Bristol and London were cited as being a bonus for living in Frome, with the advantages of town-living in the country.
Mayor of Frome, cllr Sheila Gore said, “Frome is a lovely place to live and I think that this award is all about the people who make it so vibrant here. Frome has a long history of arts and creativity dating back to the weavers of old and it is this which is embedded in our town – along with a can-do attitude. This award really reflects that, and so I am delighted that we have been recognised in this way.
“My favourite thing about Frome is the amazing sense of community here. My year as the Mayor has taken me to visit so many varied and fantastic community groups and sports organisations doing great work and I really think that they are the backbone of our town.
“Frome is an excellent place to visit and there is always so much going on – from the events, shops, cafes and the venues to the countryside. And that is before you have thought about taking a walk around the town to view some of the 400 or so listed buildings! The real reason that Frome is a great place to live you won’t be able to see, but you will feel it once you get here.”
