Dear Editor,

YOUR front‑page article of 29 April, detailing local opposition to the proposed Chilcompton Road development made it clear, residents are right to be furious. This development is completely unsustainable and would push Midsomer Norton far beyond breaking point.

Our services are already at capacity. Residents can’t get NHS dental care, GP appointments are scarce, and secondary school places are running out. Adding 113 more homes on top of the major developments already underway is simply unrealistic.

Chilcompton Road can’t cope now, let alone with hundreds more cars. It’s a narrow funnel that struggles with buses, tractors and peak‑time traffic, and the pot‑holed surface only adds to the problem. More traffic means more danger, more pollution and more gridlock.

And let's be honest, Midsomer Norton offers limited employment. It's widely seen as a dormitory town for people commuting to Bath and Bristol, places with developments far closer to where people actually work. Building here just forces more cars onto roads that can’t take them.

And why build on green‑field farmland while brownfield sites sit untouched? Residents are right to question the flood‑risk claims too. The River Somer already overflows every winter; ignoring that is short‑sighted.

What really undermines trust is the consultation. A feedback form that avoids asking whether residents want the development at all isn’t consultation, it’s a box‑ticking exercise.

This is the wrong development in the wrong place. The community has spoken clearly. It’s time for planners and councillors to listen and to reject this development outright!

Yours faithfully,

Mrs D Matthews

Midsomer Norton

Dear Editor,

THE green spaces we are fortunate to have around us come into their own at this time of year. Trees bursting into leaf and blooming flowers lift our spirits, inviting us to spend more time outdoors.

Our green spaces foster a shared sense of community and pride, support our wellbeing and make our area a unique place to live. Our district’s green spaces, in both rural and urban areas, are a huge asset. With its beautiful landscape and rich heritage, the Somer Valley has much to appreciate, and we are working to unlock more of its potential to improve residents’ quality of life.

Bath and North East Somerset Council recognises that we cannot take our precious green spaces for granted. We think of them as ‘green infrastructure’, a network of truly diverse green spaces which is just as important as our housing and transportation infrastructure. They are an integral element of our commitment to improving residents’ lives and to investing in prevention, in this case assets that bring long-term health and ultimately economic benefits.

The Council has set out two five-year plans to make places across B&NES greener, while tackling the climate and nature emergencies and making our area healthier for people. One plan outlines our vision and approach, while the other focuses on the investment needed and how we will deliver our vision. They are guides for our partners, developers, local town and parish councils and community organisations who have a key role to play.

We have introduced the Nature Towns and Cities accreditation into our plans. This national scheme, led by Natural England, National Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, puts nature at the heart of future growth. We will work closely with our urban communities to create accessible green spaces, streets and neighbourhoods that are good for wildlife, people and climate resilient.

Inclusive and accessible green spaces are vital for healthy, active communities. Our research demonstrates that every £1 invested in green infrastructure delivers £4 of benefits. We are investing in our Parks and Open Spaces programmes to improve access and quality for all, as well as supporting food growing and nature-positive management.

Somer Valley Rediscovered (SVR) Partnership brings together B&NES Council, Radstock and Midsomer Norton town councils, parish councils and other partners. The partnership’s goal is to improve biodiversity and increase people’s connections to nature to improve health and wellbeing in the Somer Valley. Coinciding in part with the UK’s free Festival of Nature, Somer Valley Rediscovered is putting on fantastic events and workshops at the end of May and in early June. Visit https://somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk/festival-of-nature-in-the-somer-valley-2026/ to find out more and to take advantage of these activities.

Sometimes we could use a bit of a boost to become more physically active. Somer Valley residents are supported by the Active Way, which offers group walking, wheeling, and cycling activities, as well as personalised support. It’s a great way to get active outdoors in the way that suits you best. To find out more, email [email protected]. Have fun!

Cllr Kevin Guy

Leader of B&NES

Dear Editor,

I AM writing from Arthritis UK to invite the community to take part in our brand-new arthritis-friendly movement fundraising challenge, Get Your Move On this May.

With one in six of us struggling with the pain, fatigue and stiffness of arthritis, this isn't just about fundraising - it's about helping people build sustainable exercise habits that can help manage arthritis symptoms. Arthritis can also leave people feeling isolated, so Get Your Move On will also help connect a supportive community of people who understand, and provide access to valuable information and resources.  

All participants can choose a preferred form of exercise and set their own time targets and have the option to join a designated Facebook community group for support, inspiration and advice through the month.

We welcome everyone to join Get Your Move On from May 1 to May 31 and are delighted to support you work towards your personal movement goals whist raising vital funds for Arthritis UK to support our crucial research and support services. 

More information and sign up can be found on the Arthritis UK website or by emailing [email protected].

Sincerely,

Bethan Thobani-Hacker

Head of public fundraising, Arthritis UK.