It was the first and potentially the last face to face monthly Radstock Town Council meeting until next January – and it was not for the faint hearted. This Journal reporter for one, was glad she took her coat.

With both doors wide open, face masks on and impressive Covid procedures in place, this was a meeting taking no chances. From Monday evening, 21st June, Town and Parish Council meetings are meant to be leaving Zoom land and going back to a more public facing role. But with Covid cases rising from 57 to 173 in the past week (B&NES’ latest figures), Councillors were nervous.

Cllr Chris Dando said Council meetings in person at this time were “not really satisfactory or particularly sensible. I don’t think catching Covid or long Covid is a price worth paying for a Council meeting.” He added that if Councillors were forced to meet but were uncomfortable to do so, then “up and down the country tens of thousands of Councillors will resign and that is a tragedy.”

Fellow Ward Councillor Bruce Shearn echoed his sentiments: “Having lost three really good friends over the past year to the virus – I was shaking at the thought of coming here tonight. We have to be careful.” Cllr Gary Dando was outvoted but said Government advice should be listened to, with the July easing date in sight.

The Town Council only has to meet twice a year face to face as a minimum, so with this week’s meeting, they would have to meet again by January 2022 in person.

Councillors voted to resume online meetings with decisions to be taken at separate meetings in outdoor spaces.