Once we are back to normal after this crisis, I think we will have to ask ourselves what the ‘new normal’ might be. For example, I know many people in Frome who spend at least some of their working week in London and other areas of the country, and our relatively good transport links have encouraged them to base themselves here and enjoy all the benefits our town has to offer.
However, now travel in all but essential circumstances has ceased, the use of electronic meetings has really taken off. Some of these commuters are seriously considering whether they need to go back to the drudgery of train and tube travel. There are obvious benefits in reducing our carbon footprint too.
Frome Town Council has quickly adapted to using teleconferencing and we continue to hold our meetings, albeit from our kitchen tables. We will publicise our decisions as usual via our website and are looking into how we can involve our residents in live access to virtual council meetings, the next meeting will be held on Wednesday 22nd at 7pm.
I have said before how I think volunteering can really enhance the well-being of a town, and the volunteer. The people of Frome are proving my point many times over during this crisis, with over 300 people contacting the council to offer their services for the benefit of others. We have matched volunteers with neighbours who need their services, for things like shopping or prescription collection, and although we are told to socially isolate, we should bear in mind that our more vulnerable neighbours need some form of (safe) contact more than ever at this time. If you know of anyone who needs help, particularly those over 70 who should be staying at home, please call the team at the council on 01373 465 757 and we will match them with a volunteer.
Please stay safe.
