An interview with Charlie Bigham was broadcast to the audience at a public meeting about the need to bring good jobs to Wells.

Charlie said there can be difficulties with the planning system in setting up a new factory, although Mendip District Council were supportive, and his challenges finding the right staff.

Issues raised by the audience included:

· The loss of big employers like Nutricia, Clares and Thales

· Why so many Wells people work outside the city

· Lack of a railway station here

The event organised by Wells Civic Society volunteers filled the museum's Lecture Hall and also featured broadcast interviews with Wells Nub News editor Laura Linham and Blue School Careers Lead Adam Bilkey.

Laura told about a report that 30 per cent of graduates who took their GCSEs in Wells remained in the area after finishing university.

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Adam explained how the Blue prepares their students for the world of work and how the school has close links with colleges in Somerset.

Speakers in the room include representatives of Wells YMCA, Youth Club, Scouts and an HR consultant.

The audience had their say, and their comments are being collated by Civic Society volunteers for their website wellscivicsociety.org.uk