Midsomer Norton Town Council met last week to reflect on a year like no other. Reviewing its Annual Report, Councillors said they were pleased with progress made, despite the setbacks of a global pandemic and the challenges that posed to day to day life locally.

Town Councillor Michael Evans said that the final resolution of asset transfer for the Town Hall from B&NES Council was to be celebrated – a huge piece of work that has taken years of negotiation. The Somer Centre area of Midsomer Norton, long plagued with anti-social behaviour, now has comprehensive CCTV and a secure car park, although Cllr Steve Plumley added there “is still a lot more to do” in terms of tackling anti-social behaviour in the town.

The winning of the Heritage grant, with the principle of bringing Midsomer Norton back to its market roots, specifically developing The Island and part of the Town Hall for this purpose, was also discussed. Work is ongoing on this and there should be more to publicise at the end of this month.

Councillors congratulated the Town Clerk and her team for winning Gold in the Local Council Quality Award Scheme.

Speaking of the pandemic, Mayor Lynda Robertson said the response of local people had been heartwarming, with neighbours checking in on one another. She said she hoped the community spirit shown would continue in future. Cllr Michael Evans said that he felt “a little touch of pride” in the town, with the Somer Centre

reportedly having more than enough volunteers for the local vaccination effort.

Whilst the Town Fair has been cancelled this year, Councillors said they were looking forward to enabling events to return, potentially from the Autumn, the main objective keeping people safe but helping to combat isolation and loneliness.

The Town Council meet online this evening on Wednesday, 5th May to elect the Mayor for 2021/22. Readers can join here at 7 pm: http://www.midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MSN-AGENDA-5th-May-2021-Web-view.pdf