It has to be said that Radstock is looking uncommonly smart these days. Without the ceaseless nose-to-tail traffic converging from at least four directions, there is a tranquillity in the town such as I have never experienced before.

Mindful of the Covid-19 regulations, I have been able to take advantage of the warm weather to have discussions with other councillors on a range of issues affecting the town and all this possible without raising one's voice.

It has been a pleasure to note the tidiness of the gardens and public places. Instead of being glorified roundabouts, they have become the amenities for which they were originally intended. Even Penny, my collie has displayed some sort of canine appreciation for the efforts made by our gardening team.

Onwards and upwards!

This spring, the Department for Transport (DfT) finally began to appreciate that the emphasis of the private motor car as a means of conveying people to work was unsustainable and practical solutions to reducing the national carbon emissions were worth investment.

The Reverse-Beeching Fund has been set up and the protagonists of the Radstock-Frome Railway encouraged to apply.

This they are doing in earnest and hope to have the full argument prepared for the bidding in June. The prospect of our town being once again the railway focus of the Somer Valley would bring with it not only trade and employment opportunities but ensure prosperity for many years to come.

Rupert Bevan