THE recent article by Ian Nockolds provided, in my view, a fair and balanced account of the situation surrounding the Community Trust and helped correct some of the misinformation that has been circulated in recent months, writes Cllr Shaun Hughes (B&NES Midsomer Norton North).

The most important point for residents is that this is positive news for the future of Midsomer Norton.

Decisions taken by the Town Council will protect vital community buildings, safeguard popular town events, and ensure that public money is managed with the transparency and accountability that residents rightly expect.

An independent report commissioned by the Town Council identified a number of concerns regarding the financial arrangements between the Community Trust and the Town Council. Those concerns were later reinforced by the findings of the council’s internal auditor. In addition, questions were raised regarding the Town Trust’s compliance with Charity Commission requirements.

Following this work, it became necessary for the Town Trust to charge the Community Trust a market rent for the lease of the community buildings. The Community Trust chose not to renew the lease on those terms. Faced with the prospect of losing important community facilities, the Town Council acted to ensure that the Somer Centre and Orchard Hall remained open for local people.

Years of underinvestment had also resulted in the buildings suffering significant dilapidation. The Town Council has committed £60,000 towards essential repairs and maintenance; this investment will help ensure that both venues remain safe, well maintained and available for community groups and residents.

The Town Council has also brought the financial management of town events back under its direct control. This follows concerns raised by both the independent report and the internal auditor regarding financial transparency and accountability for public funds.

Residents can be reassured that the budget for town events has not been reduced. The same level of funding remains in place. The difference is that events are now managed through a Town Council Events Committee, with meetings held in public. This means residents can attend, ask questions, scrutinise decisions and see exactly how public money is being spent.

This is a significant step forward for openness and good governance. Every pound of taxpayers’ money spent on community events will now be subject to the same financial controls, oversight and public accountability as every other area of the Town Council’s work.

It is important to recognise that the Community Trust continues to have a valuable role in Midsomer Norton. Its dedicated volunteers have made a significant contribution to the town and will continue to support projects that benefit local residents. These changes are not about diminishing that contribution, but about ensuring public assets and funds are managed transparently, accountably and sustainably.

These decisions were never about taking anything away from the community. They were about protecting valued community assets, securing the future of important local buildings, ensuring popular events continue, and putting robust governance in place so that residents can have confidence that public funds are being managed responsibly.

That’s the very least the residents of Midsomer Norton deserve.