THE RIVER Frome will receive an enhancement boost, after the town council adopted a new strategy to promote the riverside.
Plans to create better access to the river, have additional seating along the riverside and have attractive aquatic planting, were all approved at a Frome Town Council meeting on Wednesday 23rd of January.
The plans were drawn up by the volunteer group, Friends of the River Frome, who work to promote and enhance the River Frome.
Nick Ray, chair of Friends of the River Frome said, “The report was commissioned by Frome Town Council to provide an overall plan for the future, for improving and enhancing the river for public amenity and environmental benefit.
“The report’s strategy was adopted unanimously by Frome Town Council’s externals committee who also asked River Friends to provide more detailed costings for some of the proposals.
“As seen in the town’s consultation exercise ‘Vision for Frome’ and other public consultation, the particular desire within Frome for an attractive and welcoming area between the town and Button bridges has been of prime importance, and the report provides a number of possible options for providing lower access along the banks, with additional seating and aquatic planting, all of which would make a welcome difference to the town centre.
“Other proposals include improving access and amenity at Rodden Meadow, and creating new foot and cycle paths to join with those existing, to create access along the river throughout the length of the town.
“River Friends consulted widely with other local groups and individuals that have an interest in the river, including Frome Missing Link (Sustrans), Frome Canoe Club, FROGS, Mendip Power group, Millennium Green Trust and The Civic Society amongst others, all of whom provided valuable comment and ideas for inclusion in the review.
“With the clear budget commitment of Frome Town Council to improve paths and access to the river, and the possibility of further funds from Mendip District Council, the future looks bright for the River Frome.
“The report is the highlight of another year of solid work undertaken by FoRF which included the famous Saturday morning litter picks, shopping trolley removal, regular invasive weed clearance and the Rodden Meadow picnic.
“The group liaises with statutory water authorities and environmental groups and currently has representation on the River Frome Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative.
“The group is holding its AGM on Tuesday 12th February at 7.30pm at the Frome Canoe Club (next to the Cheese & Grain) where we will be giving a presentation of the Strategic Review, along with a report of the group’s current health. Members of the public are most welcome to come and see what’s going on.”
