Discussions over whether or not Radstock's library could soon be on the move was one of the main issues discussed at March's Town Council Meeting on Monday evening. It is thought that the Radstock Co-operative Society, which is currently undergoing a huge refurbishment project, have approached B&NES to see if the library could be moved within the store, in the area close to the recently relocated Post Office.

Speaking to The Journal this week, David Dixon, B&NES Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said that all options were being considered and should the idea be feasible, both the Town Council and local community would then be consulted. The Town Council expressed fear for the future of the current building, which they do not want to see demolished for housing. Lesley Mansell, Chair of Radstock Town Council, who wrote to The Journal this week to express her concerns (see Letters, Page 2), said that: "What worries me greatly is that we have a building that B&NES seem to no longer want – so what will happen to the money if it is sold? I will lay a pound to a penny that that money will not come back to Radstock. Libraries should be expanding, not contracting. Will it be possible for the library to hold extra groups and activities in such a setting?"

Cllr Eleanor Jackson (Labour, Radstock), said: "I am really concerned. What will happen if the library diminished in popularity or useage? I just cannot see people using a library on the way to get a tin of beans."

Visiting Monday's meeting was Chair of the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association, Steve Collins, who spoke about the plans to change the carnival route from November this year and asked for the Town Council's support. He said that, "Changes in Westfield through various developments will make it difficult to run the carnival in its previous format," and that whilst planning a new route had been a "logistical nightmare", he was confident that the issue in the High Street can be ironed out. The Association are currently busy drumming up support, writing to all competitors to take part and asking for feedback to see if they will be attending this year's event. He said that whilst the longer, 2.5 mile route has been a "little bit of a challenge to sell, feedback has been exceptionally good from most clubs".

This year's carnival, which will also change days and be held on a Monday night, will start at Silver Street, Midsomer Norton, at the St Chad's junction area and will end towards Waterside Road, Westfield, where the floats will then disperse. The opportunity for County status has passed this year, but this year will provide a trial run, or an 'unofficial' County Carnival. It is also seen as an opportunity to involve a new generation in carnival, with many potentially gaining experience with electrics or woodwork. There is also talk of encouraging schools and local companies to work on their own entry!

The Town Council voted to support the carnival through their new website, which launched this week at: http://www.radstock-tc.gov.uk">www.radstock-tc.gov.uk and through their newsletter. Further meetings will be held to see how Radstock can support the carnival financially.

Town Councillors also expressed concern about the reported folding of the local Community Alcohol and Drugs Group and lack of PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meetings. A decision to wind up the Somer Valley Partnership, a B&NES initiative, is reported to be taken on 7th May in favour of Parish Cluster groups instead. Cllr Elizabeth Derl-Davis said she would be investigating the Bronze Security alarm issue for those in sheltered housing. It was thought that extra money found in the budget would mean residents would not have to pay the extra £3.60 per week, but there are now fears that this might not be the case after all. Cllr Jackson said she would be campaigning for the CCG to look at home to hospital transport and the way in which these services are commissioned, after complaints that the current transport company, which brings patients to appointments at the hospital, is either late or fails to turn up at all.

The Town Council granted £2,500 to St Nicholas Church for churchyard maintenance costs, £1,725 to Midsomer Norton and Radstock Dial-a-Ride for operating costs, £1,000 to go towards a replacement vehicle for the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Community Service Vehicle Trust, £288 for the Community Bus for Haydon play sessions, £1,000 to local charity, PEOPLE, for training and operating costs and £1,000 to Radstock in Bloom for watering equipment.

Finally, Councillors voted to agree in principle to investigate the suitability and availability of office space in the new Community Building, should the NRR application go ahead.