The man bidding to become the first MP for the brand-new Frome and East Somerset constituency will be holding a street surgery in the centre of Midsomer Norton next week so residents can ask him questions.

Cllr Gavin Heathcote, who already sits as an Independent on Bath and North East Somerset Council, wants the government to do more to support those who are ‘stuck in the middle’ – the middle earners who often lose out.

He is particularly keen to hear from business leaders and residents who’ll be affected by B&NES Council’s plans to implement parking charges in the town.

He said: “Party politics has let us down for far too long! Whilst politicians in the major parties squabble over the next newspaper headline, it’s the hardworking people in towns and villages up and down the country that lose out.

Whilst those of us who work hard and pay our taxes struggle to make ends meet, we have a political establishment that has no idea how those of us in the ‘real world’ struggle to put food on the table and ensure the household bills are paid.”

Gavin and his team will be in Midsomer Norton Town Centre on Saturday, May 18, from 10am to midday.