A Somerset councillor has called for immediate intervention after two residents died at the Pines Residential Site, a traveller’s community located on Berkley Lane in Frome. The site, situated near the Commerce Park enterprise zone and a planned housing development, has long been under scrutiny for poor living conditions.
Councillor Adam Boyden, representing Frome North, raised the issue during a full council meeting on March 4. Highlighting reports from residents and Berkley Parish Council, he detailed serious concerns including deteriorating homes, inadequate maintenance, environmental health risks, vermin infestations, poor lighting, unsafe pedestrian pathways, harassment claims, and rising rents. These issues, he argued, likely violate the site’s licence conditions and legal standards.
“The tragic deaths of Sammy Lee Cooper, 34, and Megan Webb, 28, underscore the urgency of addressing these problems,” said Mr. Boyden. The Somerset Coroner’s Office has scheduled inquests for Cooper on October 5 and Webb on September 29. Avon and Somerset Constabulary confirmed that neither death is being treated as suspicious and no further police action is currently underway.
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Since the Pines site was sold by Somerset County Council in 2012, local officials have expressed frustration over the lack of consistent inspections despite multiple requests from councillors, the parish council, and Frome and East Somerset MP Anna Sabine. Mr. Boyden questioned when the council would formally inspect the site and what steps would be taken to improve conditions, including possible council acquisition of the site.
In response, Councillor Mike Rigby, responsible for economic development, planning, and assets, assured that an inspection is planned within weeks. He explained the council’s role in licensing caravan sites and enforcing compliance with conditions established under model standards last reviewed in 2008. Where breaches are found, the council can issue compliance notices with deadlines and pursue prosecution for non-compliance.
Mr. Rigby noted that residents may apply to join the council’s waiting list for gypsy and traveller sites, although currently, these facilities are located in the south of Somerset. Housing register applications are also available, though traditional housing may not always suit the community’s preferences.
While Somerset Council declined further comment on the timing of the inspection, the planning committee is set to meet on April 7 to review a proposal that would expand the Pines site from 23 to 35 pitches. Planning officers have recommended refusal of this plan.