Dear Editor,

So B&NES Council and Radstock Town Council are going to regenerate Radstock, are they?

They haven't finished the first Regeneration of Radstock yet and we all know what a pig’s ear they made of that. It's alright to consult with the residents, but they ignore what's been said and carry on with their agenda.

They ignored the public for the first regeneration like they also did with the Hope House building. I've no faith that this one will be any different than before. I attended a consultation meeting in the library in 2022. There was only one person from B&NES Council there and no sign of any Councillors from RTC. That shows how much they care about our town. The lady I spoke with didn't seem interested in what I was saying so I gave up after about 5 minutes, I have made suggestions to B&NES Council and Radstock Town Council many times to no avail so now I don't bother.

I'll say again if any Councillors are interested in my thoughts please contact me.

Kind regards,

Robert Brailsford

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Dear Editor,

Highly infectious viruses like RSV, Strep A and flu are common - even at this time of year. RSV can lead to more serious breathing problems in younger children with health conditions and they may need hospital treatment as a result.

As the pressures on NHS services continue to increase and, as a charity supporting families with disabled children and their families, Contact wants to make sure Somerset families recognise the signs and symptoms of RSV, Strep A and flu, how to reduce the risk of infection in younger children and what action parents should take and when - whether it’s seeking advice and help from your pharmacy or GP or calling 111.

Find out more on our website www.contact.org.uk.

Yours sincerely

Amanda Elliot,

Health Lead at Contact, the charity for families with disabled children

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Dear Editor,

Mr Hunt's letter to the 13th March edition of The Journal states that he had not received a formal response to his enquiry regarding the Radstock Town Council (RTC) budget for FY 24/25. I wrote to him, promptly, explaining that budget matters were the collective responsibility of the Full Council and therefore the RTC Clerk would be responding to him. He received a comprehensive reply within the week, addressing each of his concerns.

Radstock Town Council has over the past 2 years been endeavouring to purchase Radstock Trinity Methodist Church in order to create a more spacious Community Hub. The existing facility is limited in space and requires much work over the next few years. Residents were consulted about the purchase and no objections were made. Indeed many residents, groups and societies were in favour, urging the acquisition to be made. Its purchase will allow us to house the library, the RTC Council offices, community groups such as the food club, a venue space, office space and a cafe. The latter three will generate additional income, offsetting running costs. The refurbished Church will also be able to accommodate projects and events which due to lack of suitable space we have not been able to do.

The building itself is part of the heritage of Radstock and whilst not listed is recognised as a building of significance. Its purchase was made possible by Public Works Loans, a formal system used by the public sector for capital projects. Permission was sought and granted by HM Treasury; all the required procedures were scrupulously followed. Regular progress reports have been included in The Wheel, the RTC Council magazine sent to every house in Radstock.

Mr Hunt refers to an “overspend” of £89,500; as explained in the precept article in The Wheel this is actually the use of reserves built up over previous years for current projects. The £370,000 expenditure on the refurbishment of Trinity Methodist Church comes from grants and the Community Infrastructure Levy rather than from the precept.

With regard to Haydon allotments, the budget allows for a contingency to cover some risk and unplanned maintenance; the 2024/25 budget totals £1100 income against a likely expenditure of £860. Predicted 2023/24 Year End Expenditure is £605. Essential maintenance is required at Haydon Allotments and planned into the 2024/25 budget, hence the higher required budget for this (coming) year.

A summary of Radstock Town Council accounts is published in The Wheel. The full accounts are available on the RTC website and are independently audited every six months. Investments are made in Building Society accounts and all expenditure however small is countersigned by 2 Councillors. No risk is taken with public money, best value is always at the forefront of our minds when any purchase, be it large or small, is made.

Members of the public are always welcome to attend Finance and Full Council meetings, the dates of which are published on the RTC website.

Yours faithfully

Councillor Lavinia Corrick

Radstock Writhlington Ward

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Dear Editor,

I wrote a letter to The Journal last week about the local plan consultation which was published last week.

In case anyone missed the information, Bath and North East Somerset Council is asking for comments and suggestions on the sites that have been chosen. These options include sites in Paulton, Peasedown, and Farrington Gurney.

Residents without access to the internet can still make comments - local libraries have paper copies of the consultation documents, so you have an opportunity to make your views known. The consultation period finishes on April 8, so do have your say.

Kind regards,

Liz Hardman B&NES Councillor, Paulton

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Dear Editor,

I wonder whether any readers might be able to shed some light on a recent event. My mum attends a club on a Monday (which I believe is also held on a Thursday) at Orchard Community Hall and caters for the older generation.

She is picked up in a minibus and enjoys some well-planned and thoughtful activities provided by enthusiastic staff and volunteers and is provided with a hot nourishing lunch. The cost is £25 and she has been attending the club for over a year. In short, she loves it, gets dressed up for the day, has made many new friends and has, since attending, a real spring in her step.

However, she has recently been told that the cost may double next month (£50 for 4 hours every Monday for an OAP) and there is a real possibility of the club closing. Several representatives from Age Concern or Age UK attended the club last week and delivered the news.

We as a family, but especially Mum and her fellow club members are so upset by the news and I’m hoping that someone may be able to help with more details.

In short, my questions are:

If we are lucky enough to become older, outings when you have become less independent are a real lifeline and It would be so very sad for this wonderful provision to end.

Many thanks,

Jo Green