A councillor and trustee of a community organisation has said he is ‘devastated’ Midsomer Norton Town Council delayed a vital funding decision which is feared will jeopardise the future of major events.

Grants have been allocated in previous years to the music and arts festival, the town fayre and show, and the Christmas fayre and lights switch-On.

The clerk to the council recommended a grant of £27,000 be awarded to the events but the decision was deferred during a meeting on Monday, March 2, leaving organisers uncertain about the future of the events.

The council also considered a core funding request from the Midsomer Norton Community Trust. The £15,000 application was for the trust’s essential running costs, including the upkeep of the Somer Centre and Orchard Hall, and the organisation of popular community events such as Trio Paradis and the First Thursday Social at Welton Rovers.

The carnival Association requested £10,000 to continue running the Midsomer Norton carnival. The event costs around £24,000 to put on each year and is volunteer run.

The trust’s main source of income—the town hall—has been closed for over two years, leaving the charity struggling to maintain operations. Although the council included money for the events in its budget, deferring the final decision is said to further compound the financial uncertainty surrounding the trust.

Gordon Mackay, a town councillor and trustee of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust, said: “Personally, I’m devastated the council has deferred the decision on this essential funding for the community trust. Community events are so important to our town and with so much volunteer time given to deliver them, I think the town council should be supporting them financially.

Midsomer Norton celebrating it's annual Christmas switch-on event.
Midsomer Norton celebrating it's annual Christmas switch-on event in November last year (BN)
Midsomer Norton Town Hall
Midsomer Norton Town Hall (Claudia Zunn)

“Sadly, as a trustee and volunteer for the community trust, I wasn’t allowed to take part or vote in the funding debate on Monday. There is now considerable doubt about whether any of these events can happen this year.

“The Community Trust doesn’t just organise events on behalf of the council. It has also manages the Somer Centre and Orchard Hall and, until recently, the town hall.”

The trust’s loss of income from the extended closure of the town hall has contributed to budget restraints and a grant would alleviate those pressures.

Councillor Mackay added: “The Midsomer Norton Illuminated Carnival is incredible, we’re lucky to have it. Featuring not just amazing floats but also dozens of youth groups, Brownies, Scouts, majorettes and dancers who have a chance to perform and raise money, I think the council should be doing everything it can to ensure the carnival’s continuing success.

“I know how hard those volunteers already work to raise money for the carnival which benefits everyone, that’s why I supported their request for a modest increase in grant funding and I’m disappointed the council did not approve it despite setting a record precept this year."

The Journal has contacted Midsomer Norton Town Council for a statement.