Last night's Midsomer Norton Town Council meeting heard that the council has contacted the Police and Crime Commissioner to express concerns about the levels of police patrols in Midsomer.

Councillors were told that the PCC is responsible for the 'totality of policing' so Mark Shelford isn't able to directly involve himself in operational policing.

However the Commissioner has reportedly asked his Staff Officer to make contact with the local Neighbourhood Beat Sergeant, PS Lee Humphreys, so there is what has been called " an open door of communication between the council and the NPT. "

The council heard that it is important that local residents keep the police informed of all crime and policing issues and they should always call in what they witness in the town.

Also at the meeting in the Town Hall, the council has officially opposed planning application 2022/01428/FUL which is a planning application to convert 55A High Street in Midsomer Norton from a shop, into six self-contained one bedroom apartments. Midsomer Norton Town Council comment was that : " There is no parking included in the application; the change of use will result in loss of retail space for the High Street; the appearance is not in keeping with the High Street; the bins will be stored in a fenced off area in front of the building on the High Street. "

Councillors also discussed two financial requests.

A grant for £5,000 for a community engagement officer to help promote the High Street and Markets.

A second request made by the Chairman of the Midsomer Norton Town Trust for a grant of £20,000 to support the Trust in continuing to run an effective organisation to manage the assets gifted from Midsomer Norton Town Council.

The monies, would be used according to the detailed grant application:

1: Pay wages of the Trust Secretary–a secretary was appointed under an initial 12-month contract on apart time basis in January 2021. She works 16 hours a week.

2: Maintain a Town Trust office–most initial set up costs have been met but the Trust needs key items such as creation of a website and branding. There are now monthly office costs of telephone contact, email address, and IT support to maintain the organisation's governance.

3: Meet essential cash flow requirements-for items such as public liability and employment insurance, and utility bills from our assets.

4:Maintain the assets–the Town Trust now has in its asset portfolio the Somer Centre, Silver Street Nature Reserve, the Orchard Hall, St Chads Well, The Town Park, and two pieces of land in Withies Lane.

Predicted outgoings for the year include:•Electrical maintenance work at the Town Park, as external ground sockets are taking in water.• Measures to deal with anti-social behaviour at the Town Park, including the installation of nature cameras as a form of CCTV. •Measures to deal with vandalism at Silver Street Nature Reserve, including the installation of nature cameras as a form of CCTV.• Tree decay detection survey and tree risk survey at Silver Street Nature Reserve, and subsequent tree works. • at Withies Lane Community Farm installation of water point, gate, and parking area.