THE SOMER VALLEY
Midsomer Norton, Radstock and the surrounding communities
The Somer Valley Partnership adopted its
Community Plan: A Brighter Future in 2005 with an ambition
to create a thriving and vibrant area which has a sense of
well-being and identity.
Its Future Strategic Vision aims to revitalise the economy of
the Midsomer Norton, Radstock and the surrounding villages, known
as the Somer Valley area.
The Vision addresses the key economic challenges facing the area
due to the decline in traditional manufacturing employment and
the need to diversify and expand the local economy.
It is the start of a long-term programme which seeks to address
the following issues:
- A Strong Sense of Place - improve the town centres and ensure
their functions are complementary
- Decline and Change - diversify and expand the economy for the
area
- Opportunities - increase the aspirations and skills of the
workforce and ensure development opportunities are realised
- Challenges - provide a role for Midsomer Norton and Radstock as
the focus of a wider economic area
Where dependent on the planning system, these objectives can be
considered and implemented through the emerging Local Development
Framework (LDF).