Many of us have been involved with the Vision for Frome consultation and have contributed to the Community Strategic Plan for Frome, 2008 – 2028. The plan sets out the aspirations of the Frome community for the next 20 years. The plan is an evolving one providing opportunities to improve and refine our approach and objectives as Frome faces the challenges of both climate change and peak oil. Add your views or ideas for transport on the forum here.

Transport featured strongly in the Vision for Frome, Community Strategic Plan. Many of the views shared by the people of Frome reflect our own County Council’s objectives to:

o Reduce growth in congestion and pollution o Improve health o Reduce social exclusion and improve access to everyday facilities o Improve safety for all who travel o Support sustainable economic growth o Protect and enhance the built and natural environment

The Local Transport Plan for Frome is in no way intended to diminish the importance of the Vision for Frome Community Strategic Plan. It is very much hoped that it will strengthen the case for action, but in particular, to address some of the more urgent and pressing transport and travel concerns.

We have purposefully selected a number of projects to form the key objectives of our plan – many identified as priorities by the public during the Vision for Frome consultation. The Local Transport Plan for Frome sets out a much shorter time frame for all its priority projects - of just 3 years. We think this is achievable. Many of the changes we are proposing are desperately needed. If, for example, we have identified a dangerous crossing where public safety is compromised on a daily basis – we need action now. We should not have to wait until there has been a fatality or serious injury.

With the support of Frome Town Council, Frome Civic Society and other allied community groups we intend to use Frome’s Local Transport Plan as a campaigning and lobbying tool to strengthen our relationship with Somerset County Council – who are largely responsible for funding and shaping our transport and travel needs now and in the future.

Simon Carpenter & Tricia Golinski Sustainable Frome, Transport Group June 2009