Following calls in last week’s issue for more public support of Midsomer Norton’s High Street – several local organisations have come together to take on the challenge. But they now need the help of local people who are willing and positive to help make a change, exploring the potential for creating a ‘Frome type’ initiative to tackle the town’s footfall problems.
Whilst Frome is celebrating its independence from national retailers, Midsomer Norton is having difficulty attracting them, with the idea to have a balance of both – promoting its individuality, but also ensuring it is a thriving, bustling market town in future.
The Midsomer Norton Community Trust, Midsomer Norton Society, the Somer Valley Chamber of Commerce and Midsomer Norton Town Council have jointly called a public meeting for 7.30 p.m. on Thursday, 2nd March at the Town Hall’s Assembly Room and everyone interested in helping is welcome.
Speaking to The Journal this week, Michael Rich, Chair of the Midsomer Norton Society, said: “As a community, it is important that we show our support for the local businesses in the High Street, as they grapple with increasing competition, not just from out of town, but increasingly from internet shopping.
“We have some great independent shops, but it always amazes me how people will drive to Bath for, say, craft materials, when we’ve got shops like Rose Crafts on our doorstep.”
The organisers are keen to emphasise that the meeting is to consider constructive, realistic and positive ideas on how to promote what the High Street has to offer. Also residents from not just Midsomer Norton, but the wider Somer Valley, are very welcome to attend.
Tina Veater, from the Somer Valley Chamber of Commerce, says that despite some false starts, there is hope for the future. She says: “Whilst I would be the first to agree there have been some bitter disappointments and broken promises in the past – not to mention endless meetings and schemes that came to nothing – we can’t just give up on 300 jobs.
“If Frome can do it, so can Midsomer Norton. We’re looking for local residents and business owners who care about their High Street who can volunteer some time to help.
“We’re looking for small businesses and home workers, makers who might want to take part in a market. We’re looking for performers, musicians – in fact, anything that may help to get more people using our High Street.
“We need a positive approach to making a change!”
From a community perspective, efforts are being made to ensure that the views of people of all ages are represented at the meeting.
“The Community Trust has members of all ages in the town who rely on easy access to their local High Street,” says Alex Davis, Midsomer Norton Community Trust Manager. “Many are dependent on public transport, and it’s not that easy or cheap travelling to Bath and Bristol every time they want to buy this or that, or access a bank.
“This is why services the Trust offers such as the Community Cinema are so important. By hosting this much-needed discussion, we hope to be able to give local people of all ages a voice in shaping this new initiative.”
The organisers of the meeting are keen for people to come forward with ideas and proposals to ‘reclaim’ and rejuvenate Midsomer Norton High Street.
If you have any ideas but are unable to make the meeting, please email: manager@midsomernorton communitytrust.co.uk or get in touch with us at The Journal, email: [email protected]