With news that universal help for energy bills is coming to end next April, Radstock Town Council heard that the need to look at ways of supporting and keeping the local community warm was even more pressing.

The meeting of the Town Council (October 17) heard that B&NES is looking at creating warm spaces and that the town would do the same, possibly in the Methodist Church Hall, possibly the community centre.

B&NES council would be working with the local voluntary group 3SG to offer up spaces for people to go to to get warm.

Cllr Chris Dando told the meeting: " We are speaking to organisations about making warm spaces. Obviously in the light of the news today any support we can give, anything we can do, we should do. "

Cllr Bruce Stearn speculated that the councillors might be able to use their annual allowance to help, but it was pointed out that with next year being election year, they will not be getting that money. " But we do need to do what we can to help this winter without people suffering."

In other news, councillors say that the purchase of the Methodist Hall is pressing head, with plans to confirm that the council has an interest in buying the building to create a community hub by mid December. You can read about what they have decided HERE. The council unanimously agreed to approach the Architectural Heritage Fund which may provide up to £15,000 towards the costs involved in taking on the hall and exploring ways it can bring in revenue.

Councillors also agreed to buy a new welcome to Radstock sign, at a cost of £388 as you approach the centre from Clandown. The sign will be supplied by the Royal British Legion which has the artwork from past commissions of signs for the town.

The next meeting of the Town Council was set as November 21.

Other date for your diary : The Christmas light switch on in Radstock will be November 26.