Tim Bowles, the Conservative candidate for the West of England Mayor, met councillors in Midsomer Norton recently to discuss plans to redevelop the Welton Bibby and Baron site and enhance the appearance of the town centre.

Mr Bowles visited the former paper bag factory, which has sat empty since 2013.

There are plans to regenerate the site with a mixture of new homes and businesses, though a recent planning application was turned away by B&NES Council due to the need for more detail about the proposals from the developer.

Tim also took a tour of the town centre to hear more about plans to rejuvenate the town for residents, visitors and businesses. He was joined by Cllr Paul Myers,

(Midsomer Norton Redfield) and Cllr Barry Macrae,

(Midsomer Norton North).

During the visit, they discussed proposals for the Town Park and plans for a major renovation of the Town Hall to expand its use for the local community.

They also looked at how the newly-created Enterprise Zone in the Somer Valley could boost jobs and investment over the coming years.

Tim Bowles said: “Midsomer Norton is a wonderful, historic market town and it was great to hear about all the plans in the pipeline aimed at boosting the local economy and enhancing community facilities.

“High Streets across the country are facing a tough time at the moment, and as West of England Mayor, I would do all I could to support local traders and the Town Council in boosting footfall and securing investment in the town.”

Commenting on plans for regeneration in the Somer Valley, Tim added: “In order to create new local jobs in the Somer Valley, we need to look at ways to improve transport links to the area and invest in things such as broadband that can attract new

businesses.

“The creation of the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone provides a good basis on which to achieve this.

“It’s also important that we make the best possible use of brownfield sites, such as

Welton Bag, to create new job opportunities, as well as provide much-needed housing.

“If elected as West of England Mayor, I would work closely with residents, councillors, MPs and other stakeholders to look at how we could regenerate brownfield sites and invest in projects that benefit communities and the local economy.”

Cllr Myers said: “We were very pleased to welcome Tim to Midsomer Norton and

discuss with him our plans to invest in the town and boost the local economy.

“I have no doubt that with Tim as West of England Mayor, we would have someone who would support us in these efforts and work with us for the benefit of all our communities here in the Somer Valley.”