The Community & Place Committee met on 27 October to hear updates on community safety, neighbourhood projects, climate action, economic development and plans for the year ahead. Councillors also received presentations from local partners and discussed priorities for the 2027/28 work programme.
CCTV helping to keep Frome safe
The meeting began with a presentation from Jamie Lipton, CCTV Manager at Somerset Council, who outlined the role of the county-wide CCTV service. The team monitors 239 cameras across 11 Somerset towns, including Frome, providing 24/7 support to police and emergency services.
Jamie shared examples of how CCTV operators have helped prevent crime, supported investigations, identified offenders and provided evidence for prosecutions. Recent partnership work in Frome has included tackling graffiti and supporting police action against antisocial behaviour. Councillors also discussed privacy, the use of AI in CCTV systems, and how cameras are maintained and monitored.
Thank you to Cultivating Community
Members heard from representatives of Cultivating Community, who reflected on four years of operating the café in Victoria Park. Originally established to help tackle isolation and loneliness, the café evolved into a wider community project, offering work experience and training opportunities, working alongside local schools and colleges, and supporting residents of all ages.
The organisation highlighted the positive impact on volunteers and staff, including helping several people move into paid employment. Councillors thanked the team for creating a welcoming community hub and recognised the significant contribution they have made to Victoria Park and the wider town.
Shaping priorities for 2027/28
The committee began discussions around next year’s work programme and budget. Councillors outlined how the Town Council allocates its budget and invited residents and members to consider how funding should be prioritised across different areas of work.
Initial discussions focused on four key areas:
Communities
Priorities include continuing to strengthen community wellbeing, developing the Key Centre as a thriving community hub, supporting vulnerable residents, growing neighbourhood-based work, supporting local voluntary organisations and improving accessibility and inclusion in public spaces.
Climate Action
The committee heard updates on renewable energy projects, home energy advice, retrofit support and climate adaptation planning. Work is continuing with partners to increase local renewable energy generation and secure external funding for future projects.
Economy and Town Centre
A major priority will be the development of an Economic Prospectus for Frome. This will help identify infrastructure needs, skills gaps and future opportunities, creating a stronger evidence base for discussions with developers and partner organisations. Continued support for the town centre and local markets also remains a key focus.
Communications and Engagement
Plans include implementing a new communications strategy, launching the new Town Council website, expanding resident engagement through MyFrome and ensuring events continue to support community priorities.
Events programme reviewed
Councillors reviewed the Town Council’s recent events programme, including activities such as Frome Busks, the Wildlife Parade and Skate Jam. Discussion focused on balancing the benefits of events with the resources required to deliver them, as well as ensuring future events align with wider strategic goals.
The committee supported continued evaluation of events and endorsed a collaborative approach that encourages greater involvement from community groups, volunteers and partners.
Brunel Green project update
An update was provided on community engagement work at Brunel Green, one of the open spaces recently transferred to the Town Council. Residents, school pupils and local stakeholders have been involved in shaping ideas for the site through workshops, surveys, play sessions and conversations.
Emerging proposals focus on improving biodiversity, creating opportunities for play and social interaction, and enhancing the area as a valued green space. The next phase will see ideas transformed into a practical work programme, developed alongside local residents.
Tackling graffiti in the town centre
Town Centre Manager Katie Fraser updated councillors on a community art project designed to address graffiti and tagging. Working with local artist Tom Sturgis and young people, the initiative has already delivered new murals in key locations and aims to reduce future antisocial graffiti while supporting positive creative opportunities.
The committee also discussed ongoing challenges around fly-posting and the need for a long-term partnership approach to improving the town centre environment.
New Young People’s Health & Wellbeing Apprentice
The committee welcomed the Town Council’s new Young People’s Health & Wellbeing Apprentice, Luca, who has recently started in post. Councillors look forward to receiving an update on this work at a future meeting.
Green Open Homes launches this November
The meeting concluded with an update on the Green Open Homes programme, taking place from 14–15 November. Residents will be able to visit a range of local homes that have undergone energy efficiency improvements or been built to high environmental standards.
The project aims to give people the opportunity to learn directly from homeowners about retrofit projects, renewable energy technologies and the practical realities of creating a warmer, more energy-efficient home. Several participating homes will continue offering visits throughout the winter.
The next meeting of the Community & Place Committee will take place on 27 January 2027.
