OVER 50 people took to the streets for the ‘Frome Hoedown’ on the last Sunday of January to tidy around 11 locations around the town.
People hoed together in Portway, Wallbridge to Asda pathway, Portway, The Butts, Clink, Berkley and Vallis Roads, Wallbridge to Tuckers Close pathway, West End, with scores of others hoeing their own pavement.
One of the organisers of Frome Hoedown, which launched in September 2020, Mendip District councillor Shane Collins, said, “The sad truth is that after 12 years of government austerity and council cuts, Mendip cannot afford person power and hand weeding, which is what is needed now as grass takes over pavements and paths.
“Respect to the Frome residents who have stepped in, meaning no Roundup weed killer has been sprayed on our streets or polluted our river over the last 18 months. We have probably done around 20% of the Frome main streets, and hope to complete the job by May. Any streets need hoeing get in touch via the Facebook page. “
Local resident, Dalma Luttrell, who with a team of 20 people cleared West End, said, “About 20 of us came together for many people’s joy, who use this important 300m (thank you Artur for measuring it) link between downtown and Whatcombe. Everybody said we will meet again to keep it clean.”
Another local, Yvonne McQuillan, added, “Vallis Rd done and dusted. We made four new friends! Thanks so much for helping and so lovely to meet you Trudy Massey, John, Lara and Liz. Vegan pastries and pies at half time from the wonderful Katy Harris’s market stall…yum and no need for Roundup !”
Becky Suzanne from Frome Town Rotary said, “We have re-claimed and doubled the width of the footpath from Berkley junction towards Clink Rd. Teamwork makes the dream work.”
Kathryn Riddick, who with a team of six widened the foot and cycle path from Wallbridge to Asda, said, “We reclaimed much of the pathway to Asda. Some great work done around Frome today.”
And Mendip District councillor Michael Dunk, who widened the foot and cycle path between Wallbridge and Tuckers Close, said, “After four hours of hoeing and chopping laurel, my back is killing me. Now for a hot bath. I need more help on Sunday 27th February at the next Frome Hoedown to finish the job!”
To join Frome Hoedown on the last Sunday of the month, and to ask or offer help, visit the Frome Hoedown Facebook page.
Frome Hoedown is in support of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Motions passed by Frome Town Council, Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council.
