Chair’s reflections – Community and Place Committee 6 May 2026 

Guest chair Cllr Lyndsey Mayhew stepped in for the 6 May meeting of FTC’s Community and Place committee, in the absence of regular chair Cllr Carla Collenette. On the agenda: plans for a new council website, the 2026/27 events programme, changes to the way FTC runs its grants programme and updates about My Frome, the Welcome Hub and from Steve Macarthur about the Cheese and Grain. 

“It was my first time chairing a meeting since joining the council last October – and lots of the items on the agenda are things that are particularly close to my heart. There was a golden thread running through all the discussions; making it easier for people to engage with us, find information and access the services that they need, in a way that suits them. 

“Marketing and Communications Manager Rachel took us through the objectives for a new website for FTC. The council’s site is already well used, but in need of a refresh. The new website will aim to improve access to services, strengthen transparency and act as a gateway to participation tools such as My Frome, while also supporting community organisations and local events more effectively. Councillors voted by majority to proceed with the plans. 

“The committee also voted to proceed with the proposed programme of events for the coming year. An events advisory group meets regularly to look at all events, whether they’re one-offs or calendar regulars, and make sure they’re aligned with FTC’s priorities and the Council Plan. 

“There was also an update on the My Frome engagement platform, launched earlier this year to provide an online space for residents to view plans, interact with projects and influence decision making. Around 330 people have signed up so far and the platform also allows staff to add in data collected elsewhere, such as at in-person events. The plan is to have around 3,000 people signed up to comment on/participate in projects at FTC – around 10% of the population. Cllr Anne Hills spoke up to say that it’s also vital we maintain non-digital engagement routes, such as in-person events, and the chance to pop into the town hall to speak to staff, for those who prefer to work that way.  

“Next Iryna, our Welcome Hub coordinator gave an update on their work, supporting displaced people in Frome. Frome’s Welcome Hub has supported more 230 people since it launched in 2022, with around 145 people currently accessing its services. It provides advice, signposting, English language support, and a wide range of social and cultural activities, designed to help people settle and feel part of the community. The presentation emphasised strong partnership working, with organisations such as Fair Frome, Frome Welcome Refugees, and Donate IT; enabling support like food, clothing, technology, and access to events. with the overall aim of helping people lead stable, healthy and integrated lives in Frome.” 

The meeting also covered some changes to the community grants process and an update from Steve Macarthur, director of the Cheese and Grain. Watch the full meeting on the FTC YouTube channel at youtube.com/@FromeCouncil. Access papers from the meeting in the table below. 

The next meeting of the Community and Place Committee will take place on 22 July 2026. Information about all FTC meetings is at tinyurl.com/ftc-meeting-schedule