In his latest column the Radstock Mayor, Cllr Rupert Bevan writes:

One of the less heralded manifestations of local democracy has been the right of the residents to determine the future of their town or village. What will Radstock look like when our grandchildren are moving in with their families?

We can do a lot to determine the character of Radstock. There are many aspects to be researched, scrutinised and understood. It might be the industrial and architectural legacy: should it be preserved or destroyed? It might be the provision of parks and open spaces. To what extent should these be maintained? What about new buildings? Clearly people are always going to need somewhere to live, but should this need be met at the expense of existing open spaces or historic buildings?

When it comes to building materials, the Somer Valley housing uses white lias limestone, not unlike Normandy, France. This makes the miner's cottages both attractive and durable.

We have to think about the Wellow and Snails brooks: are they to be lost, like London's Fleet river, or do the deserve to contribute to an attractive landscape, as they do now? The list is endless and the challenge set somewhat daunting.

There are people with specialist knowledge living in the area who could contribute to the proposed Neighbourhood Plan, a document which the Council hopes to compile with your help. It will act for evermore as a template for the development of the town. Importantly it will prevent it from being subsumed into a dormitory suburb with no defined civic structure.

If you would like to help by contributing your skills and time towards this ambitious project, please contact Diane or George at the Hub and register your interest (https://www.radstock-tc.gov.uk/contact-us)