A VACANCY has opened on Frome Town Council following the resignation of Park Ward councillor Max Wide, who is stepping down after almost three years in the role.

Mr Wide, who has served as Park Ward councillor on Frome Town Council since 2022, is stepping down for “personal reasons”.

During his time on the council, he supported the authority through the devolution process, helping to shape its prospectus for Frome and guiding the transition. He also played a key role in establishing the Vale of Frome Local Community Network, later serving as its chair.

Mr Wide said: “I have taken the difficult decision to step down from the town council. The demands of my job, particularly during this period of significant change in local government, has meant more travel, with less time in Frome, and I want to focus my efforts where I can have the most impact.

“It has been a privilege to serve the people of Park Ward and to work alongside councillors, staff and community groups who care deeply about Frome. I’ve especially valued supporting the development of the Local Community Network, where I hope my expertise can continue to be of real value.

“I’m also proud to have led the work on the prospectus for devolution and the broader devolution discussions, which I believe offer Frome a real opportunity to shape services more locally and strengthen community decision-making. I know the Town Council, the LCN and partners across the area will continue to take this work forward and deliver great things for the town.”

Chair and keader of Frome Town Council Fiona Barrows said: “On behalf of all councillors I’d like to thank Max for the contribution that he has made to the council over the last three and half years. He has brought valuable expertise and experience in local government. He has particularly been instrumental in shaping our response to the new unitary council, the Vale of Frome LCN as Chair and navigating devolution.

“We are sad to lose him, but understand his reasons and wish him well. It is an exciting time for us as a council as devolution continues to offer opportunities, and we implement an improvement programme to ensure we remain a bold and effective council. We will now take some time to identify an excellent candidate should Park Ward ask for an election - who we will otherwise co-opt for our remaining 18 months in office.”

Because Mr Wilde has resigned, a vacancy has now arisen on Frome Town Council for Park Ward. If ten residents of Park Ward write to Somerset Council requesting an election within 14 days of the notice (by December 2), an election will be held to choose a new councillor.

Requests should be sent to: Chief Executive, Electoral Services, Somerset Council, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton, TA1 4DY.

If no election is requested by the deadline, the town council will instead appoint someone to the role through co-option.

To download the vacancy information visit www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/vacancy-for-a-town-councillor-as-max-wide-steps-down