Notices and News
Somerset Picnic 2024
Please see the flyers for the Somerset Picnic 2024. Big-Somerset-Picnic_Event-Pack-small, and Somerset Day Picnic 24-poster
Changes to recycling and rubbish collection days EAST - 2 April 24
Further details: HERE
The Knife Angel visits Somerset in April
Further information can be found here: The Knife Angel, Knife Angel A3 Poster, Knife Angel A5 Poster and Member Information Sheet - Knife Angel
Flooding in Somerset - Flood Reporting, actions and funding
It has been an exceptionally wet autumn and winter in Somerset. Between October and February, catchments such as the Axe and the Brue have seen their wettest period on record, and the whole county has been affected by extreme rainfall events. Hundreds of properties have been flooded in dozens of communities, either from surface water, groundwater or fluvial flooding. Somerset Council and the Environment Agency have been working closely together to respond to flooding when it occurs, and to support communities to recover. As climate change makes wetter winters and extreme weather events more likely, community resilience is more important than ever, and we will continue to support communities to be as prepared as they can be for flooding.
The following documents will give you further information:
Flooding Partnerships and Actions, Flood Action Guide Somerset and Flood Recovery Guide Somerset 2024
On Tuesday 2 April, the Nunney Road/Oakfield Road junction will be closed for resurfacing work.
Work is due to take place between 08:30 and 16:30. AMENDED NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS
Somerset Sight are looking for volunteers
Somerset Sight is a local charity that has been supporting sight impaired people across Somerset for over a hundred years and in 2019 we proudly won the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.
One of the various services we offer is the Volunteer Visiting Service, whereby volunteers are matched locally with a sight impaired person for regular visits for company and support and to alleviate their loneliness and isolation.
Volunteer visitors/befrienders help with a variety of tasks such as reading, correspondence, making appointments, going out for a drive or just a cup of tea and a chat. Many volunteers get great satisfaction and enjoyment from their voluntary work, many friendships are formed and the people they support very much look forward to their visits, some telling us that it is the highlight of their week. Full training is provided and we cover all reasonable expenses.
We have over 3000 service users and just not quite 300 Volunteers.
However, we currently have a number of visually impaired people in all areas who would welcome a volunteer visitor, but they are on a waiting list as we do not have enough volunteers to match them with. Not all our volunteers or service users come from Somerset, some live just over the county borders of Devon and Dorset but our services are more local to them, and are all very welcome. We are especially looking for volunteer visitors in the Yeovil area.
If you are interested please see the further information in the links below:
Generic Article about SS, Somerset Sight_We Can Help Booklets, Somerset Sight Issue 78 Newsletter, Additional Volunteering Opportunities form, Somerset Sight - Volunteer Poster, Volunteer Visitors needed postcard
Sarah Dyke MP will be holding two open forum events in the Somerton and Frome constituency in April.
Thursday 11th April, 2 to 4pm, Bruton and Friday 12th April, 3.30 to 5.30pm, Curry Rivel
Both are an opportunity to learn more about Sarah's work in Westminster and the constituency and to talk to her about issues of concern.
Spaces are limited, so anyone interested in attending should contact sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk as soon as possible to register their interest.
Sarah Dyke A4 Coffee Forum Bruton, Sarah Dyke A4 Coffee Forum Curry Rivel
Somerset Council has been appointed and funded by Defra to lead the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Somerset.
Please see the following for further details. Local Nature Recovery Strategy and LNRS Digital Poster
Please find a link to the February newsletter from Sarah Dyke MP.
Town & parish council newsletter February
Please find a link to the January newsletter from Sarah Dyke MP.
Town & parish council newsletter January
Please find a link to the December newsletter from Sarah Dyke MP.
Town & parish council newsletter December
Shepton Mallet traffic light replacement starting this month
Please note the briefing attached re Shepton Mallet traffic light replacement starting this month – plus news of a drop-in session you’ll want to share with your networks. Attached briefing
SSEN restores power to over 33,000 homes as it responds to the impact of Storm Henk - 7.30pm update
Please see attached for information and contact numbers if you have power issues due to the storm. SSEN Distribution - Storm Henk Update
Sarah Dyke MP
Sarah Dyke MP presented a bill in Parliament which would ensure rural residents can access major transport hubs by public transport. Please find the details below.
SD bus petition town parish councils and Rural transport bill town & parish councils
Public consultation on budget setting - launches today
A public consultation on the Council’s budget will launch later this afternoon. It will offer a chance for people to have their say in light of the financial emergency, which was called in November. It’s open to all, and we are encouraging our Somerset communities, residents, businesses, stakeholders, and partners to take part. The consultation highlights several discretionary services which could be redesigned, reduced, or even stopped. It goes live from today (11 December) and will close on 22 January.
The link can be found at: https://somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/comms/budget-consultation-2024-2025/
It can also be completed in libraries and council offices across Somerset.
Somerset Rivers Authority publishes draft Strategy and Flood Action Plan
I’m writing as the Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) to let you know about the newly published SRA Draft Strategy and Flood Action Plan 2024-34. To get people’s views about this draft strategy, we have set up a temporary website where people can answer questions, make comments, and pinpoint flood concerns on a map. It’s at srastrategy.co.uk and it’s live until 31 December 2023. To get straight to the map section of the site, go to SRA Flood Action Plan and scroll down. Please can I ask you and all your councillors to take a look and take part? Your thoughts and local knowledge will help us to draw up plans for river catchments across Somerset and reduce the risks and impacts of flooding across the county. We would also appreciate any help you can give in spreading the word about the draft strategy and this feedback exercise.
I have attached a PDF of the Draft SRA Strategy and Flood Action Plan 2024-34 for anyone who would prefer to read it in that form, but please use the srastrategy.co.uk website to have your say on its contents.
Thank you for your help.
Yours faithfully,
Cllr Mike Stanton, Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority
ACTIVE: Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) in some areas of Somerset
This is to inform you that Somerset’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision is ACTIVE in some areas of Somerset. This provision will be reviewed daily and if anything changes, we will keep you informed. Safe and warm accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the cold weather. If the temperatures are below zero in your area, please check if you can access the service by calling 0300 123 22 24 during office hours and 0300 123 23 27 out of office hours. Spaces are limited, so please phone as early as possible. Outreach are currently contacting clients to encourage them to take up offer of emergency accommodation. The SWEP response is used by many local authorities when there is a forecast of zero degrees or below zero, for three consecutive nights.
Severe Weather Emergency Provision in Somerset has two aims:
1. To ensure that no one dies on the streets due to severe weather.
2. To ensure that every effort is made to engage individuals with support.
This provision is for people sleeping rough in Somerset only. Messages are being shared on the Council’s website and with relevant stakeholders. Learn more here: www.somerset.gov.uk/swep
Your invitation to our 75th Anniversary 'Celebration of Christmas' Carol Service at Wells Cathedral, Wednesday 13th December at 11am
We are celebrating our 75th Anniversary of helping older people in Somerset and North Somerset
It was back on 19th November 1948 that the Somerset Older People’s Welfare Committee met for the first time. This was a group of organisations sharing the same aim - to improve life for older people in Somerset. Since then there have been several name changes - to Age Concern Somerset in 1971 to Age UK Somerset in 2010 - but in 75 years our aim remains the same.
We would love you to attend and be part of our ‘Celebration of Christmas’! Please find HERE our colour poster for the event.
There is no need to book. We want to fill the Cathedral to the rafters but we have 1,400 spaces so I think we will have enough room for everyone!
Guide to Later Life in Somerset and North Somerset
Please find our latest ‘Guide to Later Life in Somerset and North Somerset’ with you. It contains not only information about the services that we offer, but also general information about Care, Home Services, etc. We hope you find it to be a useful resource and that it gives you information that you can share with those who need our help in your community. The guide can be found HERE.
Somerse Sight - Volunteer Visitors Needed
Somerset Sight is recruiting volunteers to befriend visually impaired people on a regular basis.
Would you like to help someone in your local area?
Join our team of volunteers, who help people to remain independent and overcome loneliness and isolation.
All reasonable and out of pocket expenses are paid.
For more information please contact Somerset Sight on: 01823 333818 or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk. Volunteer Poster
Torr Works Quarry - Primary Crusher this Sunday, the 19 November, between 0600 and 1800 hours.
Whilst our planning permission allows us to run our primary crusher at Torr on Sundays we have not done so for many years. However this week it had a major breakdown causing us to fall behind on production rates.
To enable us to catch back up we will be running the primary crusher this Sunday, the 19 November, between 0600 and 1800 hours.
I would therefore be grateful if you could put this information on your Parish websites to help keep local people informed. We will also be contacting Somerset Council to advise them of the situation and if you have any queries please get in touch.
regards
Chris
Chris Herbert
Planning Manager South
Proposed revised scheme of working for Westdown quarry
Following the recent submission of our proposed revised scheme of working for Westdown Quarry to Somerset Council, please find HERE a letter from Heidelberg Materials on this providing context and further information.
Our Future Vision can be found HERE.
Flood Warden Autumn Newsletter 2023
Please see the newsletter HERE.
Advice from Sarah Dyke MP regarding Storm Ciarán
Sarah Dyke MP said:
"With Storm Ciarán expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain to areas where the ground is already saturated, I’m urging Somerset residents to check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
"Significant inland flooding across parts of England is possible from Wednesday to Friday. Alerts are in place at the Lower Tone and Parrett Moors, the River Yeo and River Parrett Moors around Muchelney and Thorney, and South East Somerset Rivers, Upper Reaches. Officials have warned people to avoid low-lying footpaths and roads in each area."
Remember, remember, take care on bonfire night
Please see further details HERE.
Temporary Closure of part of Footpath FR 12/8
The closure will take effect from 20th October 2023 and will remain in force for 21 days.
No alternative route is available.
For information about the works being carried out please contact Ewan Tweedie on 07816 082531
Further detauls can be found HERE.
Fire service consultation
Every year we ask our communities and businesses about the level of precept (council tax contribution) for the fire and rescue service. This consultation is open now until midday on 30 November. See the poster for more details.
Consultation on the Equality Objectives for the period April 2024 to April 2026
Somerset Council has adopted the Joint Equality Objectives for the year 23/24 on the basis that during the first year, there will be a review. Consultation closes 17 Nov 2023
More information can be found HERE.
The Rural Bulletin - 26 September 2023 Edition
The latest Rural News and Analysis Bulletin
Parish Briefing – Flooding, and update - Issued: 19th September 2023
Please see the briefing HERE.
The Rural Bulletin - 19 September 2023 Edition
The latest Rural News and Analysis Bulletin
Parish Briefing – Flooding - Issued: 18th September 2023
Please see the briefing HERE.
Could you help get people to crucial medical appointments? Volunteer drivers needed urgently across Somerset
If you want more information see the link HERE. Please look at one of our volunteer drivers, Pat.
Various Roads, Nunney - Proposed 20mph and 30mph speed limits
Please find a Notice and Plan relating to the above. First Notice and Map.
Sustainable Nunney Group - meeting Thu 14th Sep, 7.30, The George pub.
Just a quick reminder of the Sustainable Nunney group meeting on Thursday 14th this week, 7.30 at the George. The the notes from the May meeting can be reviewed HERE.
Make Your Views Heard
Dear All,
Somerset Council is carrying out a public consultation on a set of planning policy principles that would steer new development in Somerset. This is a rare opportunity for all bus users to influence planning policy and ensure that new developments encourage the use of sustainable transport rather relying on the assumption that everyone uses a car.
The proposals are aimed at prioritising sustainable methods of transport and reducing the need to travel, but they overlook the need to ensure that the developments can be served safely, adequately and efficiently by bus routes. There's a need to ensure that there are safe, well-lit paths to bus stops too.
Also, developers should be required to fund new and improved bus stop infrastructure as well as providing revenue support for new bus services for the first few years of operation.
The Somerset Bus Partnership is drafting a detailed response but I encourage all bus user groups and your members to do so too, particularly if there are examples you can cite on your local patch where previous planning decisions have had a detrimental impact on the ability of bus operators to provide a bus service to the development (such as a superstore set well away from main road bus stops but with a large car park just in front of it, or a linear housing development along a lengthy cul-de-sac).
Full details can be found via the link below and the closing date is 16th October 2023.
The Rural Bulletin - 12 September 2023 Edition
The latest Rural News and Analysis Bulletin
The Rural Bulletin - 5 September 2023 Edition
The latest Rural News and Analysis Bulletin
Creating Places for People - Somerset County Council
Press Release _ Creating Places _Planning
POST OFFICE LIMITED - MARKET PLACE DROP & COLLECT
Wanted to let you know about a new lighter format Post Office branch opening in your area. Market Place Drop & Collect.
Sarah's Summer Tour, come and meet the new MP for Somerton & Frome
Sarah Dyke MP will be visiting The SPAR Market Place, Nunney at 1.30pm to 2pm on Monday 21st August 2023 as part of her Summer Tour, getting out and meeting local people.
Somerset Sight Yarlington Car Boot Sunday 10th September
There is a fundraising car boot and classic cars event in aid of Somerset Sight. Please come along to enjoy yourself, there will be food stands, craft stalls, and refreshments available. Further details can be found on the poster HERE
The Rural Bulletin - 15 August 2023 Edition
The latest Rural News and Analysis Bulletin
Summer Newsletter 2023
Welcome to the Flood Warden summer newsletter 2023! HERE
You may find this poster interesting covering further free sports activities available through SASP (Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership)
The Rural Bulletin - 11 July 2023 Edition
The latest Rural News and Analysis Bulletin
Please see the poster links to free sports activities available through SASP (Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership)
Multi-Sports Camp, Girls only Free Sports, Free Mixed Football and Tuesday Tennis
The Rural Bulletin - 20 June 2023 Edition
The latest Rural News and Analysis Bulletin
NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN (EXEMPT AUTHORITY)
Exercise-of-public-rights-Nunney PC 070623
The Rural Bulletin - 31 May 2023 Edition
The latest Rural News and Analysis Bulletin
Want to support children in Somerset? Then Route1 is looking for you!
See HERE for more information.
Vacancy for a Parish Councillor
Due to the resignation of a Councillor, there is a vacancy for a Councillor. See HERE for further details.
Royal Bath and West Show - Temporary Traffic Restrictions - 1st to the 3rd June 2023
The following MAP provides the details
Attention Somerset: waste collections on Bank Holiday Monday 1 May!
In a change from usual Bank Holiday arrangements, please remember that waste collections will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 1 May.
If your recycling and/or refuse is usually collected on a Monday, that will be the case on Monday 1 May. Collections will be on normal scheduled days for the rest of that week.
This is believed to be the first time Somerset’s crews have collected on a Bank Holiday in a special arrangement to accommodate the extra Bank Holiday for the coronation of King Charles III. If your collection is usually on a Monday, please make sure that your boxes, bags and bins are ‘standing to attention’ on Monday 1 May. Working the bank holiday Monday will mean that crews will not have to work Saturday 6 May.
In a return to the usual arrangements, there will be no collections on Bank Holiday Monday 8 May and collections will be one day later for the rest of that week. That includes collections that would usually take place on Friday 2 May taking place on Saturday 13 May. These arrangements will avoid crews having to work back-to-back Saturdays and gives them the chance to get involved in celebrations over the special Bank Holiday weekend.
All 16 recycling sites will be open as usual at weekends, 9am to 4pm. And, if opening Mondays is part of their normal opening pattern, they will be open on both Bank Holiday Mondays (1 May and 8 May), from 9am to 6pm.
For more information and news about Somerset Council’s Waste Services visit somerset.gov.uk/waste and follow @somersetwaste on Facebook and Twitter.
The Rural Bulletin - 25 April 2023 Edition
The latest Rural News and Analysis Bulletin
Read the latest roundup for the RSN Rural Village Services Group - April 2023
https://mailchi.mp/rsnonline/rural-village-services-group-roundup-april-2023?e=3420d0714d
Temporary Road Closure: ttro954370ME -Quarry Lane To Somers Hill,Leigh-on-Mendip
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=132887966 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_132887966_3544830_61a657b85d.pdf
The order becomes effective on 11th May 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months.
The works are expected to commence on 16th May 2023 and last for 6 hours(09:30-15:30) to enable Openreach to carry out overhead cabling works..
The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is permitted on this occasion.
For any further information about this closure please contact Sunbelt Rentals on 0370 050 0792, quoting reference:
Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, you will need to register for free with www.One.Network
Temporary Road Closure: ttro378546ME-Wraxall Road to Folly Cottages, Ditcheat
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=132918201 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_132918201_3554981_a6c932e890.pdf
The order becomes effective on 11th May 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months.
The works are expected to commence on 15th May 2023 and last for 19 days to enable Milestone Infrastructure to carry out drainage works..
The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is not permitted on this occasion.
For any further information about this closure please contact Somerset Highways on 0300 123 2224, quoting reference: ttro378546ME
Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, you will need to register for free with www.One.Network
Guide to Later Life in Somerset and North Somerset
Did you know that according to the 2021 census there are 245,821 people over 60 living in Somerset and North Somerset? With your help we can reach some of those that need our support the most. So thank you if you are able to display the posters and share the information. More information can be found in our Leaflet and our Booklet.
Please see soe of the Easter Activities avaialble
Basketball – Open play – Frome YMCA – Monday 3rd April
Multisports – Open play – Frome Leisure Centre – Monday 3rd April
Easter HT Camps – Multisports -Nunney, Stoke St Michael and Dilton Marsh – Tuesday 4th and Tuesday 11th (Dilton), Wednesday 5th and Wednesday 12th (Stoke St Michael) and Thursday 6th and Thursday 13th (Nunney)
Further details can be found here: Dilton Marsh Easter Poster; Stoke St Michael Easter Poster; Nunney Easter Poster; Free use of Frome Leisure Centre and Basketball Easter Poster
Volunteer Visitors Needed
Somerset Sight is recruiting volunteers to befriend visually impaired people on a regular basis. Would you like to help someone in your local area?
Join our team of volunteers, who help people to remain independent and overcome loneliness and isolation. Enjoy a free day out when taking your Service User out. All reasonable and out of pocket expenses are paid.
For more information please contact Somerset Sight on: 01823 333818 or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk. Or more information can be found HERE