Town council seals deal to take over green spaces

Frome residents will have closer control over their local green spaces from the summer under the latest 'devolution deal' to be struck with Somerset Council.

- Daniel Mumby

The unitary authority reached out to town and parish councils across the county after declaring a financial emergency in November 2023, asking them to take on the running of services to prevent damaging cuts in the face of a £100 million budget gap.

Devolution deals have already been signed with numerous town and parish councils, with key services in Bridgwater, Minehead, Wellington, Wells and Yeovil being brought under more local control - including the management of parks and other key green spaces.

Frome Town Council has now followed its former Mendip neighbour by signing a devolution deal, which will see it become responsible for numerous green spaces and play areas from June 1.

In addition to these green spaces, the town council will assume responsibility for street cleaning and “ground-care” services, and continue the management of the public toilets within the Cattle Yard car park. The devolution deal is expected to save Somerset Council around £40,000 a year.