There was good news on Monday evening for Radstock residents amongst the bleakness – as the Town Council has looked to spare residents a precept rise. B&NES Council is likely to introduce an overall Council Tax increase as local services face increased pressure, but Radstock think they can spare residents an extra hike, some of whom are already struggling to cope with the effects of the pandemic.

Drawing on its reserves and with some planning, this will mean that the Band D equivalent for a Radstock homeowner will stay at £154.31. B&NES are due to agree its budget next month and we could see increases with the police, who are currently consulting on a potential rise.

Monday’s meeting also saw the Council agree to apply for £15,000 of CIL funding, (developers’ contributions for local homebuilding), which would allow them to create a msterplan for work on Haydon Batch.

The Town Council is looking to transform the space and hope to put ideas together by March/April of this year, ready to consult with the public in April/May to find out what people would most like to see the space used for.

Another big plan of the Council’s was discussed – to formally apply for asset transfer from B&NES Council of the town’s Youth Club. This would mean that the Town Council would be responsible for the upkeep of the building and running of services. Cllr Bruce Shearn said: “Whatever we do, we cannot lose this opportunity. We can ensure that the youth of Radstock have somewhere to go.”

Cllr Chris Dando told the meeting that whilst he was in favour of the move, Councillors should not underestimate the amount of work that this project will involve, calling it “quite a significant obligation.”

He called for a conditional survey on the building and a business plan that will need to be developed for the idea to move forward.