Following the previous meeting’s decision to recommend the refusal of the new Doctor’s Surgery at Waterloo Road, Radstock, Town Councillors are being faced with the potential for plans to be taken elsewhere, should B&NES refuse the application at the end of June.

Radstock, which has seen many changes over the past two years and plans indeed, for the last decade or more, has always had an uneasy stand-off with B&NES, many resisting the NRR plans for the town’s regeneration and some arguing that there is no vision for the town as a whole.

Never has this been more of a prominent issue than now – as the town undergoes development and parking is at a premium.

But with news that Hope House Surgery approached the Town Council two years ago to consult over the plans to move, with no response, Town Councillors were questioned by the public at their Annual Town Meeting last Monday as to why and how things can improve in terms of communicating with the local authority – at a time when it is most needed and services are seriously under threat.

Councillor Bruce Shearn said that the Town Council was genuinely trying to be more amicable with B&NES, inviting the Leader, Tim Warren to the town in May to look at parking issues within Radstock. Cllr Chris Dando said that historically, the Town Council had not been very responsive to B&NES, and that whilst there was

criticism, it takes two to tango. He said: “We need to build a constructive relationship with B&NES, not just stand in a corner and throw rocks at them. We should be more

positive.”

Addressing Town Councillors, one local resident said: “We have voted for you and put our trust in you. Not sharing information is letting the community down.”

Councillors also reflected on the previous year at the meeting, which has seen the continuation of growing events within the town; the improvements at Writhlington’s village hall car park, roadworks at Terry Hill and an impending double sided speed camera on the A362 Frome Road. The Town Council is also looking at more accessible office and community space premises for this year as part of the NRR development. Radstock In Bloom also addressed the meeting, saying the group intends to enter the Ayre Cup.