Frome Town Councillors gathered at Frome Town Hall on 11 November for their latest meeting, covering community safety, councillor development and plans to strengthen the council’s staffing structure for the future. The meeting also included a special presentation recognising the remarkable contribution of a familiar figure.
Tributes paid to PCSO Gary Moore
The meeting began with a heartfelt celebration of the service of Gary Moore, who recently stepped down after nearly 20 years serving the Frome community as a Police Community Support Officer. Representatives from Avon and Somerset Police and the town council paid tribute to Gary’s dedication to local people, particularly young people and families, and the lasting impact he has had across the town.
Mayor of Frome, Mark Dorrington, presented Gary with a special commendation on behalf of the people of Frome, thanking him for his exemplary service and wishing him well in his new role supporting children and young people through Somerset Children’s Services.
Accepting the award, Gary spoke of his love for neighbourhood policing and thanked colleagues, partners and the community for their support over the years following a standing ovation from the Council Chamber.
Police highlight community partnerships and local priorities
Neighbourhood Inspector Rachel Clark updated councillors on the work of neighbourhood policing teams across the Mendip area. She highlighted recent successes tackling antisocial behaviour, addressing rural crime and strengthening engagement with communities that can be harder to reach.
Inspector Clark encouraged residents to continue reporting concerns and sharing information with police, explaining that local intelligence is vital in helping officers target resources where they are most needed. She also praised the strong working relationship between Avon and Somerset Police and Frome Town Council, describing it as one of the most effective partnerships she works with across Somerset.
New councillor induction programme approved
Councillors approved a new induction and development programme designed to support those elected at the local elections in 2027. The programme has been developed by councillors Lindsay Mayhew and Richard Pinnock, alongside council officers, to help new councillors quickly understand their responsibilities and become effective representatives for their communities.
The programme will include training sessions, opportunities to meet council staff, visits to council-managed sites and resources through a new councillor portal. Councillors also discussed the value of buddying new councillors with experienced members to help them settle into the role. The proposal was unanimously approved.
Council agrees changes to management structure
Councillors also approved a series of changes to the council’s staffing and management structure, following a review earlier in the year. The changes are intended to ensure the organisation has the right skills, capacity and structure to deliver the council’s priorities, with clearer responsibilities, stronger management support and greater resilience to meet future challenges and changing political priorities.
Leader Fiona Barrows said: “As our work has grown, we need to make sure our staff have the support, skills and capacity to deliver what matters to Frome. These changes will help create clearer responsibilities, strengthen the organisation and make sure we have the right people in the right roles to deliver for the town. We’re conscious that this is residents’ money, and our focus is on making sure we’re organised to use it well and deliver the best possible value for Frome.”
The changes include three roles: a Business Services Lead, an Economic Development and Regeneration Lead, and an Events Lead. The latter two will replace existing roles that have become vacant, providing an opportunity to rethink responsibilities and how these areas are organised. The new Business Services Lead role recognises that, as the council has grown, the support needed to keep the organisation running effectively has also increased. Strengthening this function will help ensure staff and teams have the support they need, while improving the council’s overall capacity and resilience.
Together, the changes are intended to address existing capacity gaps, strengthen key areas of the council’s work and ensure the organisation is equipped to deliver its priorities and respond to future opportunities and challenges.
Have your say on next year’s budget
Councillors reminded residents that work is continuing on setting the council’s budget and work programme for the coming year. Residents are encouraged to share their priorities through the council’s ongoing engagement activities, including Meet the Councillor sessions and other opportunities to contribute to local decision-making.
The next meeting of Frome Town Council will take place on Wednesday 2 December 2026 and will be held at Frome Town Hall and online via Zoom.
