Dear Editor,

In response to Mr Coombes letter regarding the South Road Car Park, may I suggest that he submits a Freedom of Information request for answers to his questions to [email protected]

They are obliged to reply within a 20 working days timeframe, as I can bear witness to having made a previous request to them regarding works to the Withies Lane bridleway.

Perhaps Mr Coombes would share their reply in this publication as I am sure that it would of interest to many residents impacted by these charges.

I would certainly be interested in the improvement of air quality figures that these charges have had, bearing in mind that this was the rationale used for their introduction.

Sharon Adams

Midsomer Norton

Dear Editor,

I note that the town council are about to splash a little more cash on this project, in an endeavour to decide what the future holds for the potential use of this building.

But, hang on a moment, is this not something which was discussed and debated before the project was started, in order to justify the initial expenditure, and the subsequent "unfortunate" increase in estimated costs?

Already overspent and still apparently incomplete and now looking for "potential uses and users" the "Midsomer Norton Town Hall Transformation Project" has all the hallmarks of the next scene in the pantomime. Who and where is the Fairy Godmother who is going to save it? And has Baron Hardup the resources?

Well, probably the long suffering ratepayers.

This would make a good case study for a Business School MBA project.

Regards,

Jeff Parsons

Radstock

Dear Editor,

Local organisations and community groups are invited to apply for funding to support projects that benefit the residents of Midsomer Norton.

To help manage expectations, these grants will be capped at £1,000 to ensure that a wider range of community groups can benefit from the available funding. Larger requests will be treated as exceptions and considered separately.

The updated grants policy is available on the town council's website and can be accessed here - https://msn-tc.gov.uk/wp- content/uploads/2025/10/Grant-Policy-approved-October- 2025.pdf. This policy outlines the criteria and procedures for grant applications, ensuring a transparent and fair process for all applicants. The grant application can be found online here - https://msn-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Grant- Application-Form-Approved-October-2025.pdf.

Key Dates:

• Opening date: Monday, November 17

• Application deadline: Friday, December 12

• Consideration of applications: Finance and Operations

• Committee meeting on Monday, January 19.

Applicants are encouraged to review the updated grants policy thoroughly and submit their applications by the deadline. The town council is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Midsomer Norton and looks forward to receiving innovative and impactful project proposals.

For further information, please contact the Midsomer Norton Town Council at [email protected]

Caroline Brown

Administrator, Midsomer Norton Town Council

Dear Editor,

I was interested to read a letter in this weeks Journal about the plastic replacement fence as the Heritage Railway.

In my opinion the Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust’s decision to replace the fencing at Midsomer Norton south Station with a plastic imitation is a seriously negative step that utterly undermines their status and reputation as a heritage organisation. Their stated charitable objective is “The preservation, restoration and use of any section of the former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway…” Disneyfication with a nasty looking plastic fence for the sake of ease of maintenance is neither preservation nor restoration.

Some may say, "it’s only a fence", but the picket fencing is a major visual feature of the station, forming internal boundaries and enclosing the long frontage of the station with Silver Street. The previous wooden fencing, whilst looking a bit tired due to the maintenance required, was at least honest and in keeping with the station and its livery colours. The new fence is completely out of keeping, it is dishonest, a fake, the proportions of the element are all wrong, the pointed tops are a separate piece, stuck on and the arises of the pales are rounded and it has a very smooth shiny surface. It just does not have the right appearance. Furthermore, as it seems to come in panels, these now zig zag up and down along the length of the fence, creating a broken line when viewed obliquely, instead of each pale following the slope of the ground and giving a smooth top line. Added to that, the new fence is an odd cream colour that completely destroys the cohesion that the station had, painted in its mustard yellow and green livery colours. The station is also located within a Conservation Area. I believe that the new plastic fence now has a negative impact on the Conservation Area.

The labour involved in replacing and repainting the wooden fence has been cited as the main driver in this decision. However, if appropriate pressure treated timber had been used, this should last at least 25 years. I appreciate that the station relies on volunteers, and I do not want my comments to be discouraging to them, but if the trust wants to be taken seriously as a heritage organisation it really needs to think more carefully. I cannot imagine them compromising and fitting a steam engine with an electric motor and a smoke machine for ease of maintenance, so why make such crass decisions over such a major feature of the setting of the historic station?

Name supplied

Dear Editor,

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For World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 20, I’m writing to highlight the symptoms, which include: tummy and back pain, indigestion, unexplained weight loss and changes to your poo. If you experience any of these symptoms for more than four weeks and are unsure why, please contact your GP. If you are jaundice (yellow tinge to skin/eyes), go to A&E straight away.

Early diagnosis saves lives. Please talk about pancreatic cancer and its symptoms with your loved ones: www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information/signs-and-symptoms-of-pancreatic-cancer

Anyone affected by pancreatic cancer can call specialist nurses for support and information on our confidential, free Support Line (0808 801 0707).

Thank you,

Nicci Murphy

Pancreatic Cancer UK Specialist Nurse