The Radstock Mayor writes :

It is probably not my job to apologise for the disruption to Radstock commerce occasioned by the pipe-laying in The Street but someone has to and even the exalted position of Mayor has its disadvantages.

A number of traders have complained, not only about the lack of notice of the roadworks but also the physical difficulties of accessing the shops. The powers that be have been persuaded to put up notices proclaiming 'business as usual' but almost all traders have noticed a significant reduction in turnover at this time.

I spoke to Emma Mannings last week. She is one of the energetic entrepreneurs that Radstock needs to inject new dynamism into the town centre. She stocks a range of products based on hemp. Now, before you hurry off to the police station, I should mention that hemp is a traditional crop, grown for the huge amount of biomass it generates and for the cathartic derivatives that can be made from the plant. In some parts of the world a chemical called THC is extracted, but it is found only in minute quantities in the hemp that Emma uses. However another chemical called CBD is more prevalent and it is this one that has many applications in the world of therapeutics. I purchased a handwash preparation and very nice it is too.

Emma is keen together some of the traders together so that they have a 'voice' that can be heard – at B&NES as well as locally. I applaud and support her efforts and hope that the neighbouring businesses in Fortescue Road will add their voices to hers.

Rupert Bevan