Midsomer Norton Town Council’s bi-monthly meeting raised many issues within the town on Monday evening, including raising the 2020/21 precept, which will see an increase of 2.9%, equating to 6 pence a week and £2.74 per year.

The Mayor, Councillor Michael Evans, also announced details of the Ward Councillor Empowerment Fund, which gives £2,000 to each B&NES Councillor to help better things within the communities they serve. The deadline for the funding is 30th September.

The Council then heard from New Leaf Studio Chartered Landscape Architect, Andy King, who talked through the Town Park design: “The park is to include parking, spiral pattern paving, a sensory garden (sponsored by the Lions), with wheelchair access where the entrance wall to the park will be engraved with ‘Town Park’ – each letter being made from steel frames and Blue Lias stone, with bollards inbetween.;

He said: “At the previous meeting, we discussed marking the back of the wall with graffiti from the town events, but I do not think that will give off a good message for the entrance of the park. Instead, I have looked into a natural stone finish.”

One Councillor said: “A white wall is an invitation for graffiti, black stone is not.

Although there are places that make benches out of recycled plastic, Andy could not find a manufacturer that could provide bespoke, curved seats made out of recycled plastic to fit the curve of the space. As a strong alternative, he said: "I suggest timber and metal is the best approach with an industrial aesthetic to go with the industrial background of Midsomer Norton.”

The architects are also looking at Wellow Brook walk which runs from North Mead Road along Wellow Brook footpath to Cleveland Road. Andy raised issues on the area: “The entrances are underwhelming, so it may be worth rationalising it with artwork.

“I do not think the fence along Cleveland Road is necessary; only if there is cattle grazing in the area. Perhaps include an open aspect in this area for people to enjoy.”

The Mayor said: “I am personally in favour of taking away the fence to make it more inclusive. As we lease it from the Duchy, we have to send anything there to be

proofed.”

They discussed re-surfacing the main pathway with a crushed stone surface, clearing certain areas of vegetation along the brook, clearing areas of Himalayan Balsam and looking into turning big spaces into picnic areas by keeping the grass lower.

It was proposed that Midsomer Norton would host a VE Day celebration, on May 8th, working alongside the public, Community Trust and Rotary Club as a combined effort.

The mention of the town’s Almshouses caused a stir in the Chamber, with Councillor Moxham bringing it to Councillors’ attention that one has reportedly been sold to a private owner. “Curo claimed they were never Almshouses, even with photographic evidence. They were given to the town, so should be for the people of the town, and not private ownership.”

The Council decided that it would be B&NES who should decide what happens in the future.