Whether it is because of the fresh spring light and health-giving breeze, I know not. All I do know is that Radstock is a pleasant place to be just now.

Many have responded to my appeal for residents to fill in the survey for the proposed railway reconnection. We have also benefitted from some expert input which makes our application to the DfT a real corker. The main objective at this stage is to gain recognition by officialdom. Once that is sealed, it will be relatively straightforward to convert the idea into actuality.

To this end we have negotiated with Frome Missing Links, a group who are dedicated to extending the cycle path, Route 24, into the town of Frome itself. We are supporting their efforts to bring this about whilst simultaneously organising the construction of a town centre station, next to the Cheese and Grain market. For Somer Valley dwellers you will be able to take a train into Frome to shop, eat out or go to the cinema. An hourly service will ensure your safe return.

If you preferred you could carry on to Westbury and take advantage of the many destinations already reachable from there.

Over recent days I have received many complaints about litter in the area. Despite the welcome efforts of an army of litter pickers, the amount being dropped, especially in the hedges and verges around Radstock is increasing. There are also those who own strips of land in the town itself. Often these have become unsightly bramble patches and attract fly-tipping. It is up to the owners to keep their land free of weeds. If that were addressed such land would become less of a magnet for litter.

Let us hope the spring breeze brings something other than rubbish during the coming days!

Rupert Bevan