Max Wide, who has served on Frome Town Council as councillor for Park Ward since 2022, is stepping down for personal reasons. This creates a vacancy for a new councillor, ahead of the next full town council election in 2027.
During his time as a councillor, Max supported the Town Council through devolution, helping to shape an ambitious prospectus for Frome and guiding the council through the transition. He was also instrumental in establishing the Vale of Frome Local Community Network, which he went on to chair.
Max Wide said: “I have taken the difficult decision to step down from the Town Council. The demands of my job, particularly during this period of significant change in local government, has meant more travel, with less time in Frome, and I want to focus my efforts where I can have the most impact. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Park Ward and to work alongside councillors, staff and community groups who care deeply about Frome. I’ve especially valued supporting the development of the Local Community Network, where I hope my expertise can continue to be of real value. I’m also proud to have led the work on the prospectus for devolution and the broader devolution discussions, which I believe offer Frome a real opportunity to shape services more locally and strengthen community decision-making. I know the Town Council, the LCN and partners across the area will continue to take this work forward and deliver great things for the town.”
Chair and Leader of Frome Town Council Fiona Barrows said: “On behalf of all councillors I’d like to thank Max for the contribution that he has made to the council over the last three and half years. He has brought valuable expertise and experience in local government. He has particularly been instrumental in shaping our response to the new unitary council, the Vale of Frome LCN as Chair and navigating devolution. We are sad to lose him, but understand his reasons and wish him well. It is an exciting time for us as a council as devolution continues to offer opportunities, and we implement an improvement programme to ensure we remain a bold and effective council. We will now take some time to identify an excellent candidate should Park Ward ask for an election – who we will otherwise co-opt for our remaining 18 months in office.”
Because Max has resigned, there is now an empty seat on Frome Town council for Park Ward.
If ten people who live in Park Ward write to Somerset council asking for an election within 14 days of this notice (by 2nd December ) an election will be held to choose a new councillor. The address for that submission is: Chief Executive, Electoral Services, Somerset Council, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
If no one asks for an election by that date, the town council will choose someone to fill the role instead. This is called co-option.
Please see the official notice below.
Frome Town Council – Park Ward
Vacancy for a councillor
Due to the resignation of Max Wide, there is a vacancy for a Town Councillor for the Park Ward of Frome Town Council.
If, within 14 days* after the date of this notice, a request for an election to fill the said vacancy is made in writing to the Chief Executive, Electoral Services, Somerset Council, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY by TEN electors for the Ward, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by the Town Council by co-option.
The last date for electors for Park Ward to submit their request for an election is therefore 2nd December.
Signed,
Peter Wheelhouse, Acting Town Clerk
12th November 2025
*In computing any period of time for this purpose, a Saturday, Sunday, day of the Christmas break, of the Easter break or of a bank holiday or day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning must be disregarded.
