Mendip district councillor Barry O'Leary has welcome moves to ensure that those villagers most affected by last year's NASS festival get heard and listened to when it come to addressing the problems.

Last week residents of Southwood, Evercreech and Prestleigh will have received notice of the local consultation by NASS - only to find it was being held a 14-mile round trip away in North Wootton.

Cllr Barry said: "I welcome them trying to recognise and address the problems caused by last year's issues.

"This ongoing consultation is what those who run large events in or near our community should do. It's a welcome sign, festival organisers obligations don't end at the event gates.

"There are many positive changes being proposed and actions. I believe this is because residents, and their councillors, have sought to work together and with NASS - this is a good thing.

"Many members of the community were disappointed that the consultation meeting was so remote from the villages surrounding the Bath and West Showground, where the event is held.

"I know residents may not have the means to get to North Wootton as it is seven miles away and most elderly folk don't like driving at night."

NASS have confirmed that, at Cllr O'Leary's suggestion, they are offering a free minibus from Evercreech to assist people.

Barry said: "I'm delighted that NASS have agreed to this if there is sufficient demand.

"It is also a more ecologically aware solution. I again repeated my expectations and requested that the summer consultation be held more locally, in the village.

"Obviously this will be their bus, not a Barry Bus, but I do hope I've assisted and that this makes the NASS consultation more accessible."

The meeting is Wednesday February 19, and Barry is urging villagers to email get in touch with NASS at [email protected] marked for attention of Jools Butterfield so NASS can then contact you directly.