Frome Town Council met on Wednesday 9 September, with climate action, the new skatepark and renewable energy all on the agenda.
People’s Emergency Briefing
The meeting opened with an update from Georgia Clark and Peter Macfadyen following on from the People’s Emergency Briefing screening at the Cheese & Grain earlier this year. The event attracted 350 people, with around half staying to take part in facilitated discussions supported by 18 community volunteers. Councillors heard how the conversations and local screenings are continuing, alongside the development of a new community-led climate network provisionally known as Phoenix.
This was an update and presentation, rather than a decision-making item. Councillors agreed that climate and nature considerations must continue to be reflected across the Council’s work and discussed the importance of clear, accessible local emergency planning.
Annual Report
Councillors unanimously approved the Council’s Annual Report for 2025–26.
The report looks back on a busy year which included taking on the Key Centre and 57 additional open spaces, strengthening the weekly markets, launching My Frome and progressing major projects including the new skatepark.
The report also acknowledges the difficult decisions and organisational changes made during the year. It includes new information on the Council’s emerging equality, diversity and inclusion work, which will now be reported annually.
The approved Annual Report is available here
Decision: Unanimously Approved
A big step forward for Frome’s skatepark
There was plenty of excitement in the Chamber as councillors unanimously agreed to underwrite up to £200,000 through a Public Works Loan Board loan for the new skatepark at Mary Baily Field.
This does not mean the Council will automatically borrow the full £200,000. The final amount will depend on how much more is secured through the continuing fundraising campaign and the campaign is going really well.
The overall project is expected to cost around £400,000. More than £236,000 in funding has already been secured or is close to confirmation, with a further £63,000 considered highly likely. This means the eventual loan could be substantially lower than the maximum approved.
The decision gives the Council the financial certainty needed to move towards signing a contract with skatepark specialists Maverick once the inclusive final design has been agreed. A firm construction programme will follow, with the ambition of work beginning before Easter 2027 if everything remains on track.
The Council also heard directly from local skaters about what the new facility would mean to them and the wider community. Fundraising will continue, with every additional pound raised reducing the amount the Council needs to borrow.
Decision: Unanimously Approved
Solar plans move to the next stage
Councillors also supported plans to explore installing solar panels and battery storage at the Rangers’ base.
The Council has approved the next stage of procurement, allowing officers to obtain three competitive quotations and proceed if a suitable, good-value system is identified. The installation itself has therefore not yet been commissioned.
Early estimates suggest the system could pay for itself through reduced electricity bills in around six years, after which it would continue to provide lower-cost renewable electricity for the site.
Decision: Approved
Other updates
Councillors welcomed the extension of the number 30 bus route into the medical campus. Since 1 September, the service has stopped between Frome Community Hospital and Frome Medical Practice 15 times each day. Information will now be gathered about how the change is helping patients and reducing the need for car and taxi journeys.
The Council also heard questions from Friends of Frome Library and residents concerned about green spaces around Tankies Close and Mendip Drive. No decisions were made on either matter. Councillors offered to support further constructive conversations, while making clear that any future financial commitment or decision about Council management of land would need to return to a formal Council meeting.
| Agenda item | Link to the paper | Approved? |
|---|---|---|
| For approval. Draft minutes from Council meeting on 5 August 2026 | Read the minutes | Yes |
| Approval of the FTC Annual Report 25/26 (report to follow) | Read the report | Yes |
| To approve the drawdown of a PWLB Loan for the skatepark project | Read the paper | Yes |
| To approve the procurement of solar panels for the Ranger base | Read the paper | Yes |
Next Council meeting: Wednesday 7 October at 7pm (Frome Town Hall and Zoom)
