Frome Town Council met on Wednesday 7 October, with local charities, nature recovery, river protection and environmental improvements among the topics discussed.
Supporting vital community services
Councillors heard from Suze Christian-Archer of Frome Birth Talk, who spoke about the increasing challenges facing charities and voluntary organisations as traditional funding sources become harder to access.
The charity, which provides perinatal mental health support and counselling for local parents, has launched an emergency fundraising appeal after receiving significantly less grant funding than expected this year. Councillors heard that the appeal had already raised more than £8,000 towards a £10,000 target.
The discussion highlighted the important role that community organisations play in supporting residents and the growing pressures many are facing. Councillors thanked Frome Birth Talk for its work and discussed ways the council could help raise awareness of the appeal.
A new plan for nature recovery in Frome
Councillors unanimously adopted the new Frome Nature Recovery Plan, a long-term strategy to help wildlife recover and thrive across the town.
Developed with input from local organisations, residents and environmental specialists, the plan identifies opportunities to strengthen habitats, improve biodiversity and connect green spaces across Frome. The River Frome is identified as a key wildlife corridor, alongside opportunities to increase tree cover, improve grassland habitats and support wildlife-friendly gardening.
The plan also sets out practical actions, including community volunteering opportunities, support for schools, wildlife recording projects and guidance for residents looking to make space for nature at home.
Decision: Unanimously approved
Backing the Avon Bioregional River Charter
Councillors also voted unanimously to adopt the Avon Bioregional River Charter.
The charter has been developed through a partnership of community organisations, researchers and councils across the wider Avon catchment. It sets out a shared commitment to protecting and restoring rivers, improving water quality and supporting biodiversity.
Representatives from Frome Families for the Future and Friends of the River Frome explained how the charter could help strengthen future river projects and support partnership working across the catchment.
Councillors also agreed to explore options for a community guardian or similar role to help advocate for the river and encourage public engagement.
Decision: Unanimously approved
Plans approved to protect the Welshmill riverbank
Councillors approved plans to address ongoing erosion along the riverside footpath at Welshmill.
Following extensive rainfall earlier this year, part of the riverbank has become unstable, affecting the nearby footpath and creating long-term safety concerns. After reviewing a range of options, the preferred solution is to divert the footpath away from the affected section while allowing the riverbank to recover more naturally.
The approved budget will fund surveys, design work, regulatory approvals and project management needed to progress the scheme.
Decision: Approved
Updates on Frome Library
Councillors received an update following issues raised at the previous meeting regarding Frome Library. Officers reported that repairs to the heating system are progressing and updates had been received from Somerset Council on several concerns relating to the building and surrounding area.
Audit reports approved
Councillors approved the findings of the council’s external audit for 2025/26 and agreed to reappoint its current internal auditor for the coming financial year.
Decision: Approved
Other decisions
Councillors agreed a change to the membership of the Improvement Advisory Group, with Steve Tanner replacing Carla Collenette.
Decision: Approved
| Agenda item | Link to the paper | Approved? |
| Adoption of the Frome Nature Recovery Plan | Read the paper | Yes |
| Adoption of the Avon Bioregional River Charter | Read the paper | Yes |
| Welshmill riverbank protection project | Read the paper | Yes |
| External Auditor’s Report 2025/26 | Read the paper | Yes |
| Reappointment of Internal Auditor | Read the paper | Yes |
| Improvement Advisory Group membership change | Read the paper | Yes |
Next meeting
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 7pm at Frome Town Hall and online via Zoom.
