Domestic Abuse
During the first three months of lockdown, Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service saw over 10,000 people reach out for information and help to their website – an increase of more than 8,000 in the same period during the previous year. Covid-19 has exacerbated the problem for both male and female victims, with lockdown increasing the amount of time they spend at home with their abuser, potentially escalating the threat of domestic abuse and restricting their freedom. Help can be accessed by calling 0800 6949 999 or if someone is in immediate danger by calling 999.
Read MoreChristmas Shopping Online – Advise for Consumers
Somerset’s Trading Standards are advising online consumers to only buy from ‘reputable’ traders. The COVID-19 lockdowns have led to a rise in consumer spending online and 87 per cent of UK consumers are estimated to have purchased a product online. The public spends around £2bn a week on online purchases. A new information video if is available to explain how issues and problems can be dealt with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA75JeXrcu0
Read More2021 Primary School Places
Applications for Primary School places in 2021 need to be made through Somerset County Council’s website: www.somerset.gov.uk/admissions The deadline for submissions is Friday, 15 January 2021.
Read MoreSomerset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty receive grant of £248,900 from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund
68 projects have been awarded grants between £62k and £3.8 million to kick-start a pipeline of nature-based projects while creating and retaining jobs. First funding round sees £40 million pot allocated, second round of funding to open in early 2021. ‘Level Up’, a partnership project spearheaded by the Mendip Hills, Blackdown Hills, and Quantock Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), is one of the first environmental projects awarded a grant from the government’s £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund. Defra announced grants between £62,000 and £3.8 million today, to help create and retain thousands of green jobs. The projects, spread across England, will see trees planted – 800,000 in total – and protected landscapes and damaged habitats such as moorlands, wetlands and forests restored, alongside wider conservation work. The projects will also support environmental education and connecting people with green spaces. The ‘Level Up’ project will be coordinated by the Mendip Hills AONB Unit, hosted by Somerset County Council, in partnership with Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset West and Taunton Council, South West Heritage Trust, the Blackdown Hills AONB and Quantock Hills AONB Service. The project will work across the three AONBs, along strategically important nature recovery networks, to enhance connections for wildlife and transitional habitats between the Hills and the Levels. Work will involve restoring important grassland habitat through improved conservation grazing and providing benefits in sensitive water catchments, as well as enhancing and creating woodland, helping improve resilience in the face of Climate Change and Ash Dieback. At the same time, the project will help connect people with heritage and support the public’s re-discovery of nature as a result of the pandemic, whilst also supporting local environmental charities and contractors. Tim Haselden, Project Development Officer for the Mendip Hills AONB, said: “We’re delighted to have been successful with our bid to ‘Level Up’ for nature across Somerset through a series of projects that collectively support nature’s recovery from the Levels Up to the AONB designated hills, whilst supporting a green recovery. This project is an exciting regional collaboration that will deliver some great outcomes for wildlife and our protected landscapes, and where the whole will be even greater than the sum of its parts.” The Green Recovery Challenge Fund is a key part of Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan to kick-start nature recovery and tackle climate change. The fund is being delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said: “These projects will drive forward work across England to restore and transform our landscapes, boost nature and create green jobs, and will be a vital part of helping us to build back greener from coronavirus. “I look forward to working with environmental organisations as these projects help address the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, while creating and retaining jobs as part of the green recovery.” Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive, National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Supporting our natural environment is one of the most valuable things we can do right now. All these projects are of huge benefit to our beautiful countryside and wildlife, but will also support jobs, health and wellbeing, which are vitally important as we begin to emerge from the coronavirus crisis.” The government’s forthcoming Environment Bill puts the environment at the centre of policy making to ensure that we have a cleaner, greener and more resilient country for the next generation. The fund is supporting a range of nature conservation and recovery and nature-based solutions projects, which will contribute towards government’s wider...
Read MoreVirtual Parish Surgery – Thursday 10th December at 7pm
The December Virtual Parish Surgery will take place on Thursday 10th December at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to join and raise any questions or concerns with the Parish Council. District and County Councillors will also be present. The Zoom meeting information is as follows: Topic: Virtual Parish Surgery Time: Dec 10, 2020 07:00 PM London Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83918703862 Meeting ID: 839 1870 3862
Read MoreSomerset Waste Partnership – December 2020 Briefing
A copy of the Somerset Waste Partnership December Briefing is available here: SWP Briefing December 2020 FINAL
Read MoreSomerset Waste Partnership – Press Release – Give Problem Parking a Festive Break
Waste bosses and fire chiefs are asking Somerset motorists to put the brakes on problem parking this festive season. The COVID-driven rise in home working has meant more access issues for collection trucks and fire engines as space on residential streets is at a premium. And with the usual seasonal parking pressures on the way, it is feared that a difficult situation could get even worse. The cars are often legally parked, but in a way that makes it difficult for recycling and rubbish collections trucks to negotiate narrower streets. If recycling crews cannot get through, fire engines will struggle too. The fire service is becoming increasingly concerned that its crews could be seriously delayed getting to an emergency incident, putting lives at risk. As they did during the first lockdown, Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) are urging people to park considerately. Collection crews are putting ‘please park carefully’ notes on the windscreens of problem parkers, just as fire crews do when they find themselves in a tight spot. In October, SWP collection crews reported 269 incidents where collections were delayed or missed because they could not get to a home or a whole street because of the way someone had parked. During the November lockdown this has increased to more than 400. These parking problems are being seen across the county, from small villages with narrow streets to new estates with many more people at home. Mickey Green, Managing Director of SWP, said: “We know parking can be difficult when so many more people are at home, as they are over Christmas and New Year, but please think about how and where you park. “A missed or delayed collection is a frustration, but a delayed fire engine is much more serious.” Area Manager Gerald Taylor from DSFRS said: “Fires don’t wait for anything or anyone. If our fire engines are held up by badly parked cars, it will mean the incident has progressed further, increasing the risk of serious injury as well as more damage to property.” When parking, The Service is asking people when parking their vehicle to: • Park close to the kerb • Leave enough space for a fire engine or an ambulance to pass • Leave extra room near tight corners • Fold in your wing mirror For the latest information about services and any disruption visit www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/coronavirus and follow @somersetwaste on Twitter and...
Read MoreCensus 2021
Households across the Parish will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said. “This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.” Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. For more information, visit www.census.gov.uk. A poster about the 2021 Census is available here: Census...
Read MoreNotification of night time closure for the A38 Bridgwater Road, Taunton
Notification from Somerset County Council has been received to confirm that there will be phased night time works on the A38 Bridgwater Road, Taunton for one week from the 30th November 2020 from 8pm until 06:00 am. A copy of the notice and map confirming the extent of the closure and diversion routes is available here: TTRO A38 Bridgwater Road (Temporary Prohibition of Vehicles) Order...
Read MoreSomerset Bereavement Support Service
As many people are currently facing losing a loved one in difficult circumstances, we wanted to again promote this free bereavement support service for the people of...
Read MoreFlood Online Reporting Tool (FORT)
The Flood Online Reporting Tool (FORT) allows anyone from residents to flood risk authorities to report flooding incidents and should help the agencies develop a better understanding of where flooding occurs and how best to reduce its risk and impact: https://swim.geowessex.com/somerset The flood online reporting tool is a web-based system which has five goals: 1. Report: to allow Members of the Public, Flood Wardens and Flood Risk Management Authorities to enter details about property flooding in one place. 2. Analyse: allows flood risk authorities to quickly analyse flood data which can then be used in reports which help inform Flood Risk Management Strategies. 3. Plan: reports and analysis can be used when assessing new planning options and when assessing proposed flood alleviation schemes. 4. Protect: all records are spatially referenced allowing them to be used as a basis for localised protection schemes from community work down to individual property protection. 5. Network: the system can be a used to aid multiple agencies in their combined response to flooding both during an event and after. Data entered into the system is shared appropriately allowing decision makers and provide an overall picture of what problems exists over a geographical area. This helps agencies better prioritise assistance both during and after an event. The system doesn’t stop there as it also includes tools to help flood risk authorities to work closer with community and volunteer groups to tackle the causes of flooding at the local level. This presentation includes more detail, and how to use it: https://youtu.be/a0E_9IVdFM0...
Read MoreSomerset Youth Parliament
Somerset Youth Parliament and Somerset County Council are encouraging schools, colleges and youth projects across the county to have their say, make a difference and ensure young people’s voices are heard on key issues. The online British Youth Council survey encourages all young people aged 11 to 18 years to vote on issues which are most important to them. These top issues will then be debated and voted on by elected Members of Youth Parliament, helping create the next UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) manifesto. Individuals, schools, clubs and youth projects are able to register and find out more online at...
Read MoreUrgent Road Closure – Broomfield Road, Broomfield
Urgent Road Closure: ttro411391SE – BT – Broomfield Road, Broomfield Please be aware that we have received notification of an urgent road closure at Broomfield Road, Broomfield, which commenced on 9th November 2020 and is expected to last until 11th November 2020 (the closure is between the hours of 09:30 – 15:30). These works are for Sunbelt Rentals on behalf of BT Openreach to carry out cable renewal works, their works reference is BC008WW1JYD21PG. For any further information about this closure please contact Sunbelt Rentals on behalf of BT Openreach on (0370) 0500792, quoting reference: ttro411391SE – BT – Broomfield Road, Broomfield. A map of the affected area (in red), together with the recommended diversion route (in purple) is shown below, along with the link to One.Network. https://one.network/?tm=119471151...
Read MoreStepping Up Employment Support
A co-ordinated network of employment and skills support for individuals, employers and businesses seeking support and information in relation to employment, skills, careers and apprenticeships is being rolled out across Somerset under the Step Up Somerset brand to boost existing provision in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. This includes a new one-stop-shop website www.stepupsomerset.org.uk which will provide support for individuals who are job hunting, seeking training in new industries or working to strengthen their skills by providing details of employment and skills services and resources. Those who find themselves at risk of or being made redundant can find a full range of support including help with reskilling, financial assistance and wellbeing information. Employers will be able to gather information on redundancy support for their workforce, staff development and offering apprenticeships or industry placements to young people. The website will also provide a platform for promoting any recruitment or development events available to attend. For anyone without internet access further one-to-one help can also be provided via a single phone helpline: 0300 790 6275. A poster about Step Up Somerset is available here: Step Up Poster for web...
Read MoreVirtual Parish Surgery – New Time – Now at 7pm on 12th November
The time of the Parish Surgery meeting has be revised following a poll on the Parish Council website. The majority of people that responded to the poll confirmed that they would prefer that a virtual Parish Surgery is held in the evening rather than the morning. Virtual Parish Surgery will now therefore take place on the second Thursday of the month at 7pm rather than 8.30am. The first Virtual Parish Surgery at this new time will take place this Thursday, 12th November. Parish Surgery is an opportunity for members of the public to join the surgery meeting virtually and raise any concerns or queries with Parish, District and County Councillors as well as the Clerks. The Surgery will take place virtually via Zoom, the Zoom joining instructions are as follows (these will remain the same for every Surgery meeting): Topic: Virtual Parish Surgery Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83918703862 Meeting ID: 839 1870 3862 One tap mobile +442034815240,,83918703862# United Kingdom +442039017895,,83918703862# United Kingdom If you have any queries, please contact the Clerk (clerk@westmonkton.net)...
Read MoreCCS Thatch Newsletter – November 2020
A copy of the Community Council for Somerset November Newsletter is available here: Thatch Bulletin November_2020 Final
Read MoreTaunton Police Newsletter – October 2020
The Taunton Police Newsletter for October 2020 is available here: Newsletter AW044 – Oct
Read MoreM5 J24 to J25 Overnight Closures – 16th to 20th November 2020
Highways England operates, maintains and improves England’s motorways and major A roads. Highways England always aim to work to the programme, however unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes. The M5 will be closed overnight between junctions 24 and 25 on the following dates. These closures are needed to so that we can install overhead gantries safely: Southbound – 16, 17 and 18 November 2020 Northbound – 19 and 20 November 2020 Hours of work – 8pm in the evening to 6am the following morning Highways England will keep you updated via advance roadside warning signs, but please also monitor www.trafficengland.com If you would like further information about this work, please contact Highways England Customer Contact Centre on Tel: 0300 123 5000 (open 24/7) or by email: info@highwaysengland.co.uk For up to date information on all our works in the South West please follow us on Twitter...
Read MoreSomerset Covid Alert Poster
A copy of the Somerset Covid Alert Poster is available here: Coronavirus Localised Medium Alert Poster
Read Moregrants of £250 to reduce loneliness at Christmas by spreading festive cheer
Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) would like to support community groups that can help to reduce loneliness and spread Christmas cheer through food and festive activities. Christmas can be a difficult time for some of our neighbours, and this year will be a tough Christmas for many more in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Many people who would normally come together for a community Christmas meal will be unable to this year, due to the coronavirus restrictions, so SCF wants to fund groups who can help to bring festive food – and the spirit of Christmas – to people at home. The Festive Fund for Somerset offers a £250 grant to groups if they can tell SCF how their work can combat the isolation and loneliness that many people can feel in the winter months. Groups will need to think about how they can safely prepare and deliver food and gifts, or think creatively about how they can bring people together virtually to create happy Christmas memories. Grants will be awarded for work that supports people of all ages who may experience loneliness or disadvantage at Christmas. To apply, you will need to complete a short application form by Friday 13 November. SCF will let applicants know if they have been successful by the end of November at the latest, so they will have plenty of time to plan their activities. For information on how to apply for a Festive Fund grant, visit:...
Read More2021 School Places
Whether a child is starting school for the first time, or transferring to their next school, applications need to be made through Somerset County Council’s website: www.somerset.gov.uk/admissions The deadline for applications for secondary school places is Saturday, 31 October 2020 and the deadline for primary school place submissions is Friday, 15 January 2021.
Read MoreNew Covid-19 Alert Poster
The New Covid-19 Alert Poster for Somerset is available here: COVID-19_LocalAlertLevel_Medium
Read MoreSomerset Waste Partnership – October Breifing
The Somerset Waste Partnership October Briefing Sheet is available here: SWP Briefing October 2020 FINAL
Read MoreSomerset Prepared – Autumn Newsletter
The Somerset Prepared Autumn Newsletter is available here: http://www.somersetprepared.org.uk/?wysija-page=1&controller=email&action=view&email_id=37&wysijap=subscriptions&user_id=905
Read MoreVirtual Parish Surgery – Thursday 8th October at 8.30am
The monthly Parish Surgery meeting will be taking place virtually again this month. If you would like to join the Surgery, the Zoom meeting information is available below. Amy Shepherd is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83918703862 Meeting ID: 839 1870 3862 If you have a queries or issue you would like to raise but you can’t attend the meeting, please email your point through the Clerk in advance of the meeting and the Clerk will raise it for you on your behalf. (Clerk@westmonkton.net)...
Read MoreCommunity SpeedWatch – Volunteers Needed
The Parish Council has received some enquiries from local residents about establishing a Community SpeedWatch scheme in the Parish. The Parish Council has contacted Avon and Somerset Police to request information about the SpeedWatch Scheme. In order for the SpeedWatch Scheme to be put in place in the Parish, volunteers are needed. Each Scheme can initially include a maximum of two locations. If you would like to volunteer to take part in the Scheme, please contact the Clerk (clerk@westmonkton.net) to confirm your interest and the proposed location that you would like included in the Scheme. The Clerk will then liaise with you and the local PCSO about establishing a scheme or schemes in the Parish. Please email the Clerk by 14th...
Read MoreMonkton Heathfield Link Road – Water Main Diversion
To facilitate Persimmon Homes’ construction of a link road between Sellick’s Road and the A3259, it will be necessary to divert a water main away from where the road is to be constructed. The location for the diversion is in fields adjacent to the A3259 and Allen’s Brook, with access via the new part-finished junction off the A3259. The works are currently programmed to start on Monday 5 October and are anticipated to take approximately 12 weeks to complete. As part of the works and to ensure the safety of the public, the public right of way that runs alongside Allen’s Brook will be closed. A small section of footpath between Tudor Park and Allen’s Brook will be diverted around our work, but will be available for use as normal. Warning signage will be in place. The contractors are aware of how frequently the footpath is used, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak school hours. They will do their utmost to avoid construction traffic movements across the footpath during those hours, but should there be a need, they will ensure that such traffic movement is strictly managed to avoid the potential for conflict with any user of the footpath. Again, warning signage will be in place. The contractors will always endeavour to be considerate temporary neighbours and keep any inconvenience or disturbance to a...
Read MoreSomerset Waste Partnership – September Briefing
The Somerset Waste Partnership September Briefing is available here.
Read MoreUse of Public Rights of Way in our Parish
The Parish Council has prepared a letter to all residents providing advice about use of the Public Rights of Way in the Parish. A copy of the letter is available here.
Read MoreVirtual Parish Surgery – Thursday 10th September at 8.30am
The Parish Council will be holding its first virtual Parish Surgery meeting on Thursday 10th September at 8.30am. If you would like to join and ask any questions or raise any concerns you can do so by joining the Zoom meeting. The Zoom meeting information is available below: Topic: Virtual Parish Surgery Time: Sep 10, 2020 08:30 AM London Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81921136503 Meeting ID: 819 2113 6503
Read MoreSomerset Waste Partnership – August Briefing
The August Briefing is available here: SWP Briefing August 2020 FINAL
Read MoreLaunch of Somerset Catalyst
A new scheme to give start-ups and early stage businesses across our region the best chance of success. Funded by the County Council and four Somerset District Councils, Somerset Catalyst is part of a wider business support programme that is rolling out across the county, recognising that the creation of a vibrant business community is key to achieving economic growth. The goal of Somerset Catalyst is to create the necessary positive culture, support system and infrastructure to create economic growth that will ripple across all our communities and put Somerset on the innovation map of the UK. The programme will run annually, commencing in September for a six-month duration. Participants will benefit from one-to-one expert coaching, workshops on key aspects of running a business, a peer support group, business review panels with industry experts, help to access business finance and profile-raising marketing support. Find out more at www.somersetcatalyst.co.uk The programme is accepting online applications until Monday 31 August...
Read MoreDomestic Abuse Service
Somerset County Council’ domestic abuse service is to receive a share of a half million-pound fund to support local services. The Council’s service provider, The You Trust, is one of a number of local agencies who help victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, which will benefit from the fund. The You Trust are often the first point of contact for someone who is seeking help and the recent lockdown had a significant impact on victims who were living with perpetrators and felt that there was no way to escape. Help is available – 0800 69 49 999 or...
Read MoreParish Council Website – Photograph Competition
The Parish Council is currently reviewing and updating the contents of the website. In doing so it would like to add some more up to date photographs to the collection that is already available on the website. The Parish Council is therefore launching a photograph competition. If you would like to take part, please send your best photos of the Parish to the Clerk – clerk@westmonkton.net by 30th September. The winner will be announced in October and their photograph will appear on the homepage. All other entries will be added to the website. Good...
Read MoreEmergency Road Closure – Coombe Lane, West Monkton
Please be aware that we have received notification of an emergency road closure at Coombe Lane, West Monkton, which commenced on 29th July 2020 and is expected to last until 2nd August 2020 (the closure is between the hours of 00:00 – 23:59). These works are for Wessex Water to carry out works to repair valve, their works reference is 038213970001. For any further information about this closure please contact Wessex Water on (0345) 600 4 600, quoting reference: ttro386986 TD – Coombe Lane, West Monkton. A map of the affected area (in red), together with the recommended diversion route (in purple) is shown below, along with the link to One.Network....
Read MoreThatch Newsletter
The CCS Thatch July Bulletin is available here: https://issuu.com/communitycouncilforsomerset/docs/ccs_thatch_bulletin_july_2020_compressed
Read MoreExpression of interest for new Pavement Cafe Licences
Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is working to support pubs, restaurants, cafes and takeaways across the district with their preparations to reopen from 4 July as Covid-19 restrictions are eased. Our officers are currently implementing temporary changes to licensing laws to allow more premises to sell and serve alcohol and food for consumption off the premises, making social distancing easier. SWT will aim to process applications for Pavement Café Licenses within 10 working days and will continue to ensure that communities are consulted on applications for Pavement Cafes, that waste is disposed of responsibly, and that pavements and pedestrianised areas are still accessible and able to support social distancing. The application process for new Pavement Café Licenses will be up and running on the Somerset West and Taunton website shortly including full information and guidance Any business wishing to apply for a new Pavement Café licence should submit an expression of interest to openinghighstreets@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk. Businesses that have expressed an interest will be sent full details and links to the application form and guidance. An officer from Somerset West and Taunton Council may also contact you to discuss your plans. Full reopening guidance for Pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants and takeaways can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/restaurants-offering-takeaway-or-delivery The Government measures, which have been introduced to simplify the process for outdoor seating, include reducing the consultation period for applications for pavement licences from 28 calendar days to 5 working days, and setting a lower application fee for a pavement cafe licence. Full details of the new legislation can be found on the Government website...
Read MoreLatest update from Somerset Waste Partnership
All “business as usual” materials are now being accepted at all 16 recycling sites in Somerset. That includes cardboard as well as commercial waste and other waste you pay to dispose of – including tyres, gas bottles, soil and hardcore, vehicle parts, plasterboard and asbestos (card payment only). Trailers and vans can access the sites at any time, as long as they have the appropriate permit. Although sites have been busy, the recently introduced “shop-style” social distancing arrangements – floor markings and signs – have worked well. However, please note, staff are unable to offer any assistance with unloading or handling any waste or items. Unfortunately, no items brought to sites can be put forward for reuse at the moment. They will be recycled where possible until a safe way to handle them has been agreed. Anyone planning to bring items that are fit for reuse is asked to keep hold of them for the time being. Once on site, safety restrictions remain in place, including: • Gloves to be worn when outside the vehicle • Maximum of two people per household • Strict social distancing • On busier sites traffic, may still be directed by staff All sites are open for their usual summer hours. There have been long queues at peaks times, notably first thing in the morning, and we will continue to encourage people to only visit the sites when they really need. Quieter times tend to be 4pm-6pm on weekdays. Queue cams are operating for Bridgwater, Chard, Highbridge, Minehead, Street, Taunton, Wells and Yeovil, and we would advise people to check these before they visit. There have been significant improvements with collection services, with far fewer missed collections and quicker return visits when collections are missed. Customer services teams have also considerably reduced the backlog of requests. Meanwhile … > Detailed daily updates at www.facebook.com/somersetwaste – join 12,000+ smart Somerset residents and follow us as we hit our 10th Facebook birthday. >> For latest insights, useful tips and inspirational ideas, join 2,900+ instant news addicts and follow us at www.twitter.com/somersetwaste >>> And sign up at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk (scroll down to the button) to be one of 10,000+ Somerset residents who get their news delivered to their inbox with our SORTED!...
Read MoreMonkton Heathfield Garden Community Consultation
SWT wants you to help shape the future of a key development site in the Taunton Garden Town. Members of the public are being encouraged to have their say on how the new Monkton Heathfield Garden Community (MH2) should be designed, and the different ways green infrastructure, including open spaces and areas for tree planting, could be achieved. The Monkton Heathfield Policy area is a key part of the adopted Core Strategy for Taunton. The new draft Framework Plan shows the suite of development sites and related proposals around Monkton Heathfield. A public consultation on the Concept Plan and Design Guide for the Monkton Heathfield Garden Community started this week (15 June) and will run until Friday 10 July. The consultation seeks input on: The draft Concept Plan to guide the development of the Monkton Heathfield Garden Community; and Draft Design Guidance to provide more detail on the Councils aspirations to achieve a high quality development, following the adoption of the Garden Town Vision and the Design Guide and Charter for the Town in 2019. Following the consultation exercise, SWT will consider what modifications need to be made to the draft plans and documents, and will take into account any other representations. Cllr Mike Rigby said “The Monkton Heathfield Garden Community – MH2 – is one of the most important sites in Taunton and will eventually deliver around 1,600 new homes, a through school, employment areas, a District Centre, major open spaces, tree planting and new roads. We are committed to continuing to engage with the local community about these proposals and I would urge everyone to have their say”. The consultation can be found at:...
Read MoreBus Services Update
Buses of Somerset are re-introducing double deck vehicles on Service 21 from Monday 15 June. This is due to the need to provide additional capacity, as a response to social distancing measures. The SCC Highways Team is in the process of cutting back trees along Milton Hill to enable Buses of Somerset to safely operate double deck vehicles. Until this work is completed, the service will need to divert around Milton Hill, as it is not currently safe and could cause damage to the larger vehicles. SCC operate Service 12, which provides a link to Taunton and serves Milton Hill. While the tree work is being undertaken, residents who live on Milton Hill will still be able to access a regular bus service. We are hoping that the disruption will be minimal, with the 21 reverting to its normal route as soon as it is able. A timetable for Service 12 is available here: Service...
Read MoreUPDATE: Toneway Creech Castle upgrade postponed to support economic recovery
A major road improvement scheme to upgrade the busy Toneway Creech Castle junction in Taunton is set to be postponed until next year to support the economy as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Somerset County Council originally planned to begin work in April 2020 but this was temporarily paused due to the start of lockdown and uncertainty over materials, sub-contractors and key utilities work. Now, following discussions with the business community, it is proposed to postpone the scheme for another 12-18 months. This is to help support the local economy during the recovery by minimising any temporary disruption on a key route into Taunton. Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Although these improvements will provide long-term benefits to Taunton’s economy, it was always going to be a challenging scheme to deliver with no option but to close one of our main roads “Postponing is not an easy decision. We are absolutely committed to improving this key junction when the time is right and will be looking to reschedule this scheme at a later date when the situation is hopefully much improved.” Councillor David Hall, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Community Infrastructure, said: “Whilst this upgrade is needed to support wider growth in Taunton and Somerset these are difficult times for everyone and we want to support our business communities in our local economy wherever we can.” Stephen Henagulph, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “These are incredibly difficult times for local businesses and we welcome any proposals that will support them as they begin their recovery post lockdown. We know this scheme will cause delays and disruption during construction, but these works are crucial in the long-term to improve the transport infrastructure in Somerset’s county town.” The Creech Castle scheme was due to be delivered by Alun Griffiths Ltd, who are currently continuing to work on the nearby M5 Junction 25 improvement scheme. Postponing the Creech Castle works has allowed the contractor to press on at Junction 25 during the lockdown period and works remain on schedule, despite the coronavirus disruption. For further updates on Junction 25, and to sign up for email newsletters, please visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk/J25. The proposal to postpone the Creech Castle works will be considered by Somerset County Council’s Cabinet at its meeting on 17...
Read MoreSomerset Waste Partnership – Recycling Sites and Collections Updates
20 06 05 SWP sites from 8 June
Read MoreRecycling Sites Update from the Somerset Waste Partnership
SWP PR recycling centres hour from 1 June 29.5.20
Read MoreMarie Curie’s famous fundraising campaign goes virtual to recover devastated fundraising income
Marie Curie’s famous Blooming Great Tea Party is going virtual this year and the charity needs tea party hosts in Somerset more than ever before to make up for the devastating effect the coronavirus crisis has had on the charity’s income. The end of life charity is calling on you to throw a Blooming Virtual Tea Party from home this summer. While staying indoors is the new normal, throwing a virtual tea party is a fun way to stay connected to the ones you love during this time and a great way to support nurses working on the frontline of the crisis. In people’s homes across Somerset, the charity is caring for people with terminal illnesses, as well as people with Covid-19, and is protecting the NHS by keeping patients away from hospital. However, as the charity has stepped up its support for the nation, its fundraising income has been devastated by the impact of lockdown measures – it had to cancel its Great Daffodil Appeal in March and closed all its charity shops shortly after. That is why the charity and its celebrity ambassador, Mel Giedroyc, are encouraging everyone to download Zoom, Skype or Houseparty and connect with friends and family while raising some money at the same time. Cake lover and tea party extraordinaire, Mel Giedroyc says: “You can bake it, fake it, brew it or stew it – whatever your cup of tea, Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party is going ‘virtual’ this year and it’s a simple way to keep in touch with your chums, while raising money for a wonderful cause, which, I think you’ll agree, we all need right now. “Marie Curie needs to raise a massive £2.5million each week to care for the tens of thousands of people who need its nursing and hospice care. This year, the amazing nurses and frontline staff need you more than ever, as the fundraising events they rely on have all been cancelled. “I’ve met their nurses before. They are inspiring, kind, caring and loving people who are currently caring for people at the end of their lives and keeping people out of hospital, helping the NHS cope with the Coronavirus crisis. Every last crumb of the money you raise will help people at the end of their lives. So please join me by raising a cuppa, and some money, in your lounge or garden for the Marie Curie Nurses on the front line”. Riona Houghton, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser in Somerset said: “Our Blooming Great Tea Party looks a little different this year but I think everyone needs an excuse to meet up with their friends and family – online of course – and check in on the people they love. If you can do that while raising some money for Marie Curie, then your generous donations will enable us to help even more people at the end of their lives get the care they need in this time of uncertainty. “We rely on the support of the amazing public to ensure our nurses can keep caring for people. And while the coronavirus crisis has badly impacted our fundraising events, we hope by going virtual we’ll be able to raise the vital funds we need to keep supporting people in our communities across Somerset.” To register as a Blooming Virtual Tea Party host visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty or call 0800 716 146 for you fundraising pack full of hints, tips, recipes and fundraising ideas. Stuck for recipe ideas? You can find plenty of inspiration on the Marie Curie website or why not try out this Coffee, Walnut and Baileys...
Read MoreNew bereavement support service available in Somerset
Somerset County Council has commissioned two leading charities to provide bereavement support for people in Somerset in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Somerset Bereavement Support Service will be delivered in partnership by end-of-life charity Marie Curie and mental health charity Mind in Somerset. Councillor Clare Paul, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Health and Wellbeing said: “During the coronavirus pandemic we are, together, facing loss of life, often under very difficult circumstances and I would like to personally offer my condolences to the families and friends in Somerset and beyond who have lost a loved one. “This important new bereavement support service aims to reduce the distress and improve the long-term outlook of people bereaved during the coronavirus pandemic, enabling them to improve their resilience, functioning and wellbeing. The service is there to help people feel safe to explore their thoughts and feelings, understand grief and develop copying strategies. I hope it can provide the much-needed support and comfort that people need at such a difficult time.” In the first instance, for those over 18, telephone support calls will be provided by Marie Curie Companions, specially trained volunteers who can offer emotional support to bereaved people or support in some cases pre-bereavement. The service can also provide support to professionals in Somerset dealing with bereavement in their work setting. Julia Bearne, Marie Curie Community Engagement and Development Manager, said: “When someone close to you dies it is, and has always been, terribly difficult. Sadly, we know that the recent restrictions enforced because of the coronavirus are making it even harder. “This service is not only for those who have lost someone directly to coronavirus, but for anyone experiencing grief, whatever stage they may be at. We anticipate many callers will have lost someone during or just prior to the lock down period and are either grieving in isolation, were not able to see their loved one before they died or perhaps were not able to attend the funeral. “Our Companions offer comfort, a friendly voice and a listening ear. Please don’t be afraid to reach out for help, so often talking to someone can make a huge difference.” Where further support is needed, the Marie Curie Companion volunteers will carefully link people to specialist Mind in Somerset bereavement support workers who will deliver up to six bereavement counselling sessions. This service is available to adults and children over 12 years. Susan Hoyle, Bereavement Lead, Mind in Somerset, said: “We would like people to know, including professionals and young people, that we are here for you to help and support if you have experienced a loss during these very difficult times.” Louise Finnis, Public Health Specialist, Somerset County Council, said: “This is an exciting piece of partnership work which we are seeing so much of during the coronavirus pandemic. I am delighted such experienced charities will be able to support Somerset people at this difficult time.” If you or someone you know, is affected by grief or bereavement, and would like to talk to someone, please call the Somerset Bereavement Support Service on 0800 3047 412 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to...
Read MoreSomerset Waste Partnership – Updates and revised collection dates
Somerset Waste Partnership briefings are available below: SWP Briefing late May 2020 FINAL SWP Recycling site timetable week beginning 25 May 2020
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