News Archive for 2022

Get more from what's on your doorstep with the Fleet Air Arm Museum

The Fleet Air Arm Museum is running a special discount for those who live locally.

The Fleet Air Arm Museum launches discount scheme for local residents to get more from what's on their doorstep . Up to £15 savings on family tickets at one of the south west's leading visitor attraction.   Local residents with Dorchester, Taunton and Bath postcodes special discount to support what's on their doorstep  

Discounted limitless days out for a year  are now possible for residents with Dorchester, Taunton and Bath postcodes as one of the region's most popular museums  launches a special winter-long offer  with up to £15 savings on an annual family ticket from November 14th 2022 – March 31st 2023.

Set amongst four vast aircraft and exhibition halls, with lots of space to explore, the Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum is home to Europe's largest naval aviation collection.

With free car parking, a hugely popular playground area and newly-refurbished café, the museum is a real favourite with locals. There is a fascinating view across the busy air station RNAS Yeovilton where daily operations can be watched from a distance. One of the highlights of the day is the chance to walk under the Delta Wings of Concorde 002, the first British prototype, and marvel at the technology which enabled aircraft to fly at more than twice the speed of sound. 

New this year is the refurbished immersive Carrier Experience where visitors have the chance to see 'the best of the best', journeying from past to present and exploring experiences of the 'Top Gun' naval aviation teams over the past 100 years.

Highlights include aircraft from the 1940s and 50s like the sole-surviving examples of a Westland Wyvern and Supermarine Attacker aircraft, also a Sopwith Pup, the first aircraft type to land on board a moving ship in 1917.

General Manager Marc Farrance said:

"We're issuing a rallying call for all local residents to become ambassadors for what's on their doorstep. Visit with friends and family and see what makes the Fleet Air Arm Museum one of the must-see destinations in the south west. Many of our local community work and volunteer in our wonderful museum and given it's been a tough 18 months it has been brilliant to see the support of so many visitors coming through our gates.  However, we are about to face a tough winter period and really do need as many people to visit and support our incredible museum with this fantastic offer." 

To benefit from the offer, just walk up to the museum with valid proof of address. 

All tickets give 12 months entry to the museum. This offer cannot be redeemed online or in conjunction with other discounts, it also does not apply to other ticketed events. Available until 31 March 2023.
 
For further information 
   
Jacquie Shaw Jacquie.shaw@nmrn.org.uk 07593 443525    
Conor O'Hanlon conor.ohanlon@nmrn.org.uk 07895 301687

Fleet Air Arm

14th November 2022

Avian Influenza

Dear Sirs/Madam,

We have an update on the Avian Influenza outbreak and would ask if you have not already gone to print then if the updated situation attached could be put in its place.

Avian Influenza has been in the country for over a year and since 1 October 2022 there has been 90 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in England alone. Which brings the total number to 222 cases of HPAI H5N1 in England since the H5N1 outbreak started on 27 October 2021. As you may know this strain of the AI is what they call zoonotic in that Humans can catch it, although very treatable people have died from it. 13 of the AI outbreaks have been in Devon/Somerset and this effects our economic trade as well.

If you have any queries do not hesitate to contact me.

Nicola L J Pearce
Trading Standards Officer
Contingency Specialist

e-mail nicola.pearce@devon.gov.uk
Mob: 07971950919
Tel: 01392 384796
tradingstandards@devon.gov.uk

Bird Flu

4th November 2022

Urgent / emergency Road Closure: – ttro297025SS - WW - Cary Road, North Cadbury

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent / emergency) road closure at Cary Road, North Cadbury will commence on 4th November 2022 - 8th November 2022 (00:00 - 23:59).for a total of 5 days.

This will enable Wessex Water to carry out works to repair a leak.

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 Wessex Water on 0345 600 4600, quoting reference: ttro297025SS.

Please visit one.network https://one.network/?tm=131567201 where you will see the map of the affected area (in red), together with the supplied diversion route (in blue).

Please note: this diversion route could be subject to change on review.

With regards
Julie Bryant
Road Closures Team
Contact Centre Tel: 0300 123 2224
Email: ttro@somerset.gov.uk

3rd November 2022

Clark Foundation

Dear Town and Parish Councils and associated community groups,

Many of you will be familiar with the Clark Foundation and have had grants from us in the past. To others, we may be completely ‘new’.

The Clark Foundation is a charity that was founded in 1959 to support community projects in places where significant numbers of Clarks employees, former employees and their families live and work.

We give amounts from £100 to £100,000* to support good works in the fields of leisure, health, recreation, well-being, the arts, education, sport and local amenity. In general, we will offer awards totally around £400,000 in any given year. We mainly support capital projects and the purchase of equipment, rather than on-going running costs. Applications for up to £1,000 can be submitted at any time and are usually determined within a week or so. Larger applications go to a grants committee that meets every quarter. The grants committee is meeting in early December. If you’d like to apply for a grant, and can get your application to us by 15 November 2022, we will be able to consider your application at the December meeting (provided that it meets our funding criteria).

If you have a suitable project, do please get in touch or submit an application. I’m on leave until 2 November, but will be able to answer any queries you may have on my return.

Best regards,

Susie.

In general grants that go to committee will be for amounts of between £1,500 and £25,000. If you have a project that you’d like us to consider for an award of a higher amount, do please get in touch with me prior to submitting an application.

Susie Mercer
Trust Manager

My usual working days are Thursday & Friday
Clark Foundation – WS Clark 1908 Settlement – C&J Clark Ltd 1922 Employees Trust
Tel: 0117 240 5583 (07530 501845 – out of hours)
E: susie.mercer@clarks.com
40 High Sreet, Street, BA16 0EQ

20th October 2022

St Margaret's Hospice

Here at St Margaret's Hospice, we are getting really busy in the run up to Christmas and we are looking forward to resuming lots of our fundraising activities that have been on pause for the past few years. I wanted to write to you to update you on our upcoming fundraising events taking place across the county and would be really grateful if you could promote them in your local area. I've attached some digital posters, but if you would like some physical copies, please let me know and I'll send them out.

Himalayan Trek
This unforgettable fundraising adventure will take place in November 2023, but we have information evenings taking place over the next few weeks where supporters can learn everything from what kit they'll need to how to achieve their fundraising target.
The information evenings are taking place on the below dates
Thursday 27 October, 6pm, Taunton Hospice
Tuesday 1 November, 6pm, Yeovil Hospice
Thursday 10 November, 6pm, Online

Christmas Market
Haselbury Mill, Friday 25 November, 12-4:30pm
Wreath making workshop also available

Santa Abseil
Cheddar Gorge, Saturday 3 December
Only 16 spaces left!

New Year's Day Charity Dip
Minehead Beach, Sunday 1 January 2023

Please let me know if you would like any further information.

Thank you for your support, we really appreciate it.

Best wishes,
Ellie

Ellie Weston​​
Marketing and Events Officer
Tel: 01935 709182
Ext: 2182

18th October 2022

Post Office services

We’re writing to let you know about some changes.

We have also made changes to the Outreach Services at Chilthorne Domer, Tintinhull, Odcombe, Melbury Osmond and the Mobile Services at Corton Denham, Charlton Horethorne, North Cadbury and Buckorn Weston.

These Outreach and Mobile Services are located at various premises and locations, one of which is in your representation area.

For further information please visit our Consultation Hub via the link below:

Post Office

18th October 2022

Temporary Road Closure: ttro131567SS- Woolston Road & Dodinalls House Road, North Cadbury

Please follow the link below to view the above road closure;

The order becomes effective on 13th October 2022 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 17th October 2022 and last for 18 days to enable Wessex Water to carry out new connection 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 Wessex Water on 0345 600 3 600, quoting reference: ttro131567SS

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

With regards,
Sylvie Phillips
The Road Closure Team
Contact Centre Tel: 0300 123 2224
Email: ttro@somerset.gov.uk
Traffic Management, Road Safety and Parking Services
Somerset County Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY

Road Closure

12th October 2022

Flood prevention scheme set to commence on A359 at Marston Magna

Work on a vital flood prevention scheme begins on a key southbound route into Yeovil this month.
Somerset County Council's Highways team, in partnership with the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), are carrying out work on the A359 at Marston Magna in several areas.
Work includes repairs to the highway drainage system which helps remove surface water, repairs to a section of a retaining wall adjacent to a nearby watercourse which provides protection from high water levels, and de-silting of a section of the watercourse which will improve flow and capacity.
To ensure road users' safety, the team will also repair a dislodged road edge stone.
The scheme follows on from extensive research undertaken by the SRA in Rimpton and Marston Magna.
This work will be carried out under a road closure running from Monday 24 October to Friday 4 November. The closure will be in force for 24 hours a day to all traffic, although this will be removed for the weekend in the middle of the two-week period.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset County Council's Executive Lead Member for Transport and Digital said: "The A359 needs this work undertaking as part of our statutory duty to keep our roads safe and well-maintained, and the short-term closure is required to carry out the work safely.

"Our team will do their utmost to ensure disruption is minimised. Please ensure you plan ahead and follow the diversion route."

Councillor Mike Stanton, Chair of the Somerset Rivers Authority said: "People living in Marston Magna, and many thousands of drivers going through the village, have long been exasperated by the A359 flooding near the church.

"Research funded by the SRA has helped the county council's highways department get a much more detailed understanding of flooding problems along that stretch of road. I'm very pleased to see that action's now being taken to reduce flood risks and make people's lives safer and easier."
Access will be maintained to households and businesses in the area and the team will work closely with those affected by the works. Deliveries and access will be accommodated by liaison with on-site operational staff. Every effort will be made to keep the duration of the works to a minimum. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
During the road closure a suggested diversion route will be clearly signposted on site or can be found at.
Stay up to date with this and other roadworks schemes by following @TravelSomerset on Twitter and liking the Travel Somerset page on Facebook.
Somerset County Council looks after 4,172 miles of road and in 2021/22 invested £25.4m to keep the county moving and carried out 556 highway maintenance schemes ranging from drainage works to carriageway and footway resurfacing.

11th October 2022

An opportunity for Parent Carers to help shape the future of SEND in Somerset

Somerset County Council, NHS Somerset and Somerset Parent Carer Forum are inviting families as well as school leads, education, and health professionals to join a webinar this October to help shape the future of Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) in Somerset.

The partnership is currently in the process of developing a Somerset SEND strategy for the next three years. This will outline the focus areas and action points that will inform us to develop our services.

The partnership has identified five ‘working themes’, each has been informed by feedback from families:

Listening, hearing, and responding
Working together and co-ordinating
Getting help as early as possible
Accessing to the right support and provision
Preparing for the future

The webinars are on the following dates and there is no need to book in advance, just follow the link to join:

Friday 7 October 2022 11am to join Click here
Monday 10 October 2022 at 4pm to join Click here

You will only need to join one webinar as they are all the same. During the webinar, leaders from the partnership will introduce each theme in detail, provide you plenty of time for questions and invite feedback from participants.

Cllr Tessa Munt, Somerset County Council’s Executive Lead for Children’s Services said: “We want to ensure the SEND services we have in place suit the users who access them. To make sure we get this right, we want to listen to families, parents and young people who use our services and ask them to help shape future services.

By joining the webinar, you can hear about our vision and tell us your ideas about changing and improving SEND services in Somerset.”

Ruth Hobbs CEO Somerset Parent Carer Forum CIC: “The SEND strategy is an essential piece of work which will shape the areas of focus over the next few years. It is really important for people to get involved and have their views heard to make sure it reflects what is important to them.”

Shelagh Meldrum, Chief Nursing Officer, NHS Somerset said: “Ensuring the development of key SEND services truly reflects the needs of families, children and young people across Somerset is crucial.”

“Without feedback and input from people working in and experiencing SEND provision, the focus of our strategy and vision for the future may not best fit the needs of our children and young people.”

It is important that as many people as possible get involved now, so we can hear from a wide range of views. This will help us to consolidate our focus, so we develop a strategy which really makes a difference for all.”

27th September 2022

North Cadbury & Yarlington Neighbourhood Plan 2018 - 2033

Referendum Result

Dear Residents

More than half of those voting have voted in favour of using the Neighbourhood Plan for North Cadbury and Yarlington

The Plan should formally be ‘made’ on 6 October, although it should be given full weight now the referendum is passed

On behalf of the North Cadbury & Yarlington Neighbourhood Plan Working Group we would like to thank all residents that took part in the referendum


The following has been received from South Somerset District Council:

SOUTH SOMERSET DISTRICT COUNCIL

DECLARATION OF RESULT OF POLL NORTH CADBURY AND YARLINGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN AREA REFERENDUM

I, Roger Quantock being the Deputy Counting Officer for South Somerset District Council at the referendum on 8 September 2022 held under the Neighbourhood Planning (Referendum) Regulations 2012, do hereby give notice that the number of votes cast is as follows:

Do you want South Somerset District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for North Cadbury and Yarlington to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?

Votes

Total number of votes cast 410

Number cast in favour of “Yes” 336

Number cast in favour of “No” 74

The number of ballot papers rejected was as follows:-

a) want of official mark 0
b) voting for more than one answer 0
c) writing or mark by which voter or proxy could be identified 0
d) unmarked or void for uncertainty 0

TOTAL REJECTED BALLOT PAPERS 0

Electorate 928
The turnout was: 44.18%

I do hereby declare that more than half of those voting have voted in favour of using the Neighbourhood Plan for North Cadbury and Yarlington to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area.

Roger Quantock Deputy Counting Officer
Date: 8 September 2022

10th September 2022

Neighbourhood Plan for the Parish of North Cadbury and Yarlington

Be Aware of Misinformation

You may have recently received a Vote No leaflet from an anonymous source

You may think the Vote No leaflet is associated with the Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan working group

IT IS NOT

The Parish Council and the Working Group will not advise you on how to vote. Our responsibility is to present to you the facts and leave you to decide whether you are in favour of the plan or not

The Vote No leaflet contains inaccurate and misleading statements which we have sought to clarify:

Can Neighbourhood Plans prevent development?

YES – by law planning applications are determined in accordance with the development plan for the area unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Therefore, if the Neighbourhood Plan’s policies set out where new buildings should go, and where development should be restricted, this will prevent development in those restricted areas. In the case of the NCYNP, Policy 9 specifically restricts the development of open market housing on greenfield sites that were not allocated for development.

Does the Examiner’s decision to take Clare Field off the list of Local Green Spaces mean it can be developed for housing?

NO – Policy 9 of the NCYNP restricts the development of open market housing on sites that have not been allocated for development. There are also other policies in place that would require the impact on features of heritage, wildlife, and landscape value to be considered in the planning balance.

Could voting yes result in development at Clare Field?

NO – it provides more protection against speculative housing development then relying on the Local Plan. At present the District Council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, and therefore the Local Plan policies are considered out of date. The Neighbourhood Plan policies would be given full weight for at least two years, after which we can refresh the plan to ensure it retains its full weight in planning decisions.

Does the Neighbourhood Plan include any social housing?

YES – it does include proposals for affordable housing, which can include social housing, other forms of affordable rent, shared ownership as well as low cost, affordable homes for sale. The rent levels / degree of discount will be based on what is affordable to local people in housing need. Policy 11 also makes clear that these should be subject to a suitably worded condition or legal agreement to ensure that the housing will remain affordable to, and priority given to housing, eligible persons who have a local connection to the Neighbourhood Plan Area.

You are voting for or against the plan, not who produced it

Residents should consider whether the plan meets the needs of all the parishes rather than that of any one interest group
Why aren’t there any proposals for new homes in Yarlington?

There was no evidence of need in our surveys. SSDC were quite clear that only North Cadbury met their sustainability criteria. In addition, there were no sites put forward for development in Yarlington by local landowners. However, when the plan is refreshed this could be something we look at again, depending on the views of residents.

Has any thought been given to the impact of construction traffic if new homes are built?

YES - Both South Somerset and Somerset Council were asked to comment on the plan’s proposals. If there are concerns about the size and routing of construction traffic when a planning application is submitted, this can be controlled through a construction traffic management plan that can be conditioned as part of any planning permission.

North Cadbury Neighbourhood Plan

31st August 2022

Highways notification

A303 Podimore to Sparkford essential maintenance works
Tuesday 30 August to Saturday 3 September 2022

National Highways operates, maintains and improves England's motorways and major A-roads. This email is to let you know we will shortly be carrying out essential maintenance works on the A303 between Podimore and Sparkford roundabouts.

The work will start on the evening of Tuesday 30 August and finish on the morning of Saturday 3 September and will take place overnight between the hours of 9pm and 4am.

To minimise disruption, we'll work during the night when there are fewer vehicles on the road. During the day we will keep the road open as usual.

The work is currently programmed as follows:

Tuesday 30 August - Saturday 3 September - full night closure between Podimore and Sparkford roundabouts for 4 nights from 9pm until 4am the following morning.

There will be a fully signed diversion route in place during the full overnight closures, but please allow extra time for your journey.

Access for residents will be maintained but may involve a short delay depending on our stage of work. Please show a copy of this postcard to our gatemen who will escort you through the works if necessary.

We'll make every effort to ensure the impact on the local community and travelling public is kept to a minimum. We always aim to work to the programme, however unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes. Please monitor www.trafficengland.com to keep updated.

If you would like further information about this work, please contact National Highways Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 open 24/7, who will direct your enquiry to the most appropriate person, or email: info@nationalhighways.co.uk

For information on all our works in the South West please follow us on Twitter @HighwaysSWEST

23rd August 2022

Neighbourhood Plan Referendum

REFERENDUM

A Referendum relating to the adoption of the North Cadbury and Yarlington Neighbourhood Plan will be held on

8th September 2022

Postal Vote deadline is 5pm on 23rd August

The referendum covers the whole parishes of North Cadbury and Yarlington

Two statutory notices have been published by SSDC in relation to the forthcoming Neighbourhood Plan Referendum for North Cadbury and Yarlington.

They are:
Referendum Information Statement which can be viewed at the SSDC website
and
NOTICE OF REFERENDUM which can be viewed SSDC website

29th July 2022

100 reasons to make the most of Somerset's Home Library Service

From Hogwarts to Westeros, reading has the ability to transport us to completely different places from within the comfort of our own homes – something that is even more valuable for people who find themselves housebound.

Somerset's Home Library Service (HLS) is run by Somerset County Council with the support of amazing volunteers. It enables people like Claire Harbour from Frome, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, to continue enjoying books for free even though she can no longer visit her local library in person.

In a new short video with former BBC correspondent Clinton Rogers, Claire explains how the service helps her to access new books, allowing her to keep her mind active.

Claire says: "It means that I can be a member of the library, sit at home, do nothing and everything comes to me. It is an absolute boon and I don't know what I would do without it."

You can view the video at the SSDC website: Somerset Home Library Service.

The Home Library Service delivers books to people who are unable to get to their local library, such as those who are housebound, living in long term care, carers, or people who are vulnerable due to long term conditions or disabilities. The service is open to people of all ages. 

Cllr Adam Dance, Lead Executive Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity said: "This is a brilliant service. Reading books can help keep your mind engaged as you grow old and help prevent cognitive decline – improving memory and helping to reduce the likelihood of dementia. But it can also help people of any age to reduce stress by lowering blood pressure and heart rate."

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset County Council Lead Executive Member for Communities added: "The Home Library Service played a really valuable role in the pandemic, especially for people who were shielding during the lockdown periods.

"But none of this would work without the brilliant team of friendly volunteers who make the service possible. If you have some spare time and a passion for reading, you may want to consider taking up a rewarding role as a HLS volunteer.

"Somerset Libraries offer a wide range of brilliant services – as well an extensive collection of books, films, and digital products available to loan, there are health and wellbeing services, children's activities and supported digital learning.

"Please visit Volunteering Opportunities | Somerset County Council Volunteering to take a look at the volunteering opportunities available with the Home Library Service."

Volunteers can also support in accessing free e-Books, Audiobooks, and e-Magazines, as well as provide DVDs and other items. There is normally a charge for these items, though exemptions do apply for audio books if you are blind, partially sighted or have a condition that makes reading printed books difficult.

If you or anyone you know would like to receive the service, please contact Home Library Service manager Kirsty Jenssen by emailing kjenssen@somerset.gov.uk, or calling 07814 079831.

For more information, visit: Home Library Service (somerset.gov.uk).

29th July 2022

Food vouchers return for Summer Holidays

Schools will once again provide food vouchers to families eligible for Free School Meals to combat holiday hunger over the summer holidays.

Somerset County Council is distributing approximately £1.2m from the Government's Household Support Fund directly to schools to help fund food vouchers for children eligible for Free School Meals over the summer holidays.
The allocation for this summer provides vouchers worth £10 per pupil each week of the holidays. Schools will automatically provide food vouchers to eligible students.

Eligible families who are in urgent need can also apply for extra short term financial help by searching Somerset Household Support Fund online. The quickest way to get help is online, but if access to the internet is difficult or support is needed to apply, families can call 0300 123 2224 and Somerset County Council will help find an organisation who will support families to make an application.

Applicants must live in Somerset, be over 16, living independently of parents and carers, have proof of identity and be able to prove their income is not enough to cover essentials.

Household Support Fund payments can be used to buy food, credit for pre-payment meters for electricity, gas and water, and other essential household items such as beds and white goods.

Cllr Tessa Munt, Somerset County Council Lead Executive Member for Children and Families, said: "These are challenging times and Somerset County Council is pleased to be able to provide this support to families over the summer holiday break. Being able to eat well means children will return to school healthy, ready to learn and succeed. In addition, the Household Support fund helps not only with food but other essential items, bills and even important family furniture such as beds and a fridge, freezer or cooker. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need extra support."

25th July 2022

South Somerset District Council's COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund is now open to applications

The COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) has been made available to support those businesses affected by the pandemic, but that are ineligible for existing support linked to business rates for the financial year 2021/2022.

The Government guidance states that CARF is available to reduce chargeable amounts in the year 2021/2022 only and must be directed towards ratepayers who have been adversely affected by the pandemic and have been unable to adequately adapt to that impact. Under the criteria set by Government it is not available to the following:

Businesses eligible to receive the Expanded Retail Discount, Nursery Discount or Airport Operations Support Scheme for the year 2021/2022
Unoccupied businesses (other than those closed temporarily due to mandated Covid-19 restrictions) in the year 2021/2022

South Somerset District Council (SSDC) have written to several businesses who they believe to be eligible for the support. If you have received a letter you do not need to contact SSDC unless you are required to opt-out from the scheme.

The council has also launched an application method for those businesses who do not qualify under the main scheme but meet the below eligibility criteria:

The ratepayer is not eligible (or would be eligible) for the Expanded Retail Discount (covering Retail, Hospitality and Leisure), the Nursery Discount or the Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme (AGOSS)
The ratepayer is not entitled to either Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief granted at 100%
The ratepayer is not subject to Subsidy Controls (see final tab on website link)
The ratepayer is not entitled to mandatory Business Rates Relief (80%) and discretionary top up of 20% which is funded through Business Rates Retention
The ratepayer must be in current occupation of the hereditament (including trading from the premises) for the period Business Rates Relief is sought within the 2021/22 financial year
The business must have been adversely affected by the pandemic and not have been able to adequately adapt to that impact

The 'Special Cases' scheme is open to any ratepayer who meets the above criteria. To make a formal application businesses must email restartgrants@southsomerset.gov.uk by 5.00 pm on Thursday 4 August and provide:

Business rates number
Description of business activist and how it has been adversely affected by Covid 19 for the required time period.

The Council will then review all applications. Funding is limited and we cannot guarantee that all businesses will be successful.

Within the South Somerset District Council CARF Discretionary Policy, we have decided the level of CARF that will be applied to individual hereditaments. The set award will be between 40-60% Business Rates Relief for the year 2021/2022, capped at £20,000. This is a one-off award, future changes in rateable value for the period may affect the amount of Business Rates Relief provided and this will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

More information can be found here

22nd July 2022

New Stronger 4 Longer campaign from SASP

Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership has recently launched Stronger 4 Longer, a new campaign encouraging people aged 50 to 65 to build strength and balance through everyday movement to protect their future health. A website is available offering real stories of people who have benefited from strength building, as well as exercise videos and useful resources to get started.

A press release is attached providing further information on the campaign. You can also watch the promotional video for the campaign here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K_mPvQ07Lo

We would appreciate if you could share this resource with patients by directing them to the website and sharing on social media.


I’ve also been meaning to get in touch to arrange a quick chat to introduce myself and find out what you do – I’m going to be working on the ProActive programme as well as Stronger 4 Longer so would be useful to do an introduction. Let me know when you’re available and we can book something in.

Press release

18th July 2022

Road Closure

Urgent Road Closure: – ttro763342SS - Dodinalls House Road, North Cadbury

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent) road closure at Dodinalls House Road, North Cadbury which will commence on 25th July 2022 and is expected to last until 29th July 2022.

The contractor Wessex Water 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 Wessex Water on 0345 600 4600, quoting reference: ttro763342SS. 

18th July 2022

Temporary Road Closure

Temporary Road Closure: ttro807841SS - Station road, Castle Cary

Please follow the link below to view the above road closure;
The order becomes effective on 30th June 2022 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 7th July 2022 and last for 1 day to enable BCL Groundworks Ltd to carry out resurfacing 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 BCL Groundworks Ltd on 01278 238 801, quoting reference: ttro807841SS

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

With regards,
Sylvie Phillips
The Road Closure Team
Contact Centre Tel: 0300 123 2224
Email: ttro@somerset.gov.uk
Traffic Management, Road Safety and Parking Services
Somerset County Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY
Web: www.somerset.gov.uk

Road Closure

14th July 2022

Fund Raising

Hello everyone

I just wanted to let you know that my funding team colleagues at Spark Somerset are launching a new fundraising newsletter – please see details below and click on the link to subscribe.

New Fundraising newsletter

In July we'll be launching our brand new Funding Newsletter for VCSEs in Somerset.

The idea is a short, informative newsletter for anyone who is involved, or interested in fundraising.

We'll focus on sharing the latest news (including new funding), upcoming training, blogs and advice from the Spark Somerset team and other fundraising professionals.
Sign up below:
https://sparksomerset.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=bcc8d1f67695b144b4ffbe122&id=52690b8eea

Best wishes
Sue


Best Wishes,
Sue Crisfield
Social Prescribing Coordinator
Please note I work from Monday to Thursday with Fridays off. If the matter is urgent please call the Spark office on 01458 550973.

7th June 2022

Temporary road closure

Galhampton Hill, High Road, Galhampton Road, Cary Road, Sparkford,North Cadbury, Pitcombe,Castle Cary
Reference: SD007502 - SS34 - High Road

Please be aware that we have received notification of a temporary road closure at Galhampton Hill, High Road, Galhampton Road, Cary Road, Sparkford CP,North Cadbury CP,Pitcombe CP,Castle Cary CP for approximately 5544 metres, which will commence on 29th June 2022 at 00:00 and is expected to last until 12th July 2022 at 23:59. These works are for Somerset Highways to carry out surface dressing works, their works reference is LG210YBSD90585-01.

For any further information about this closure please contact Somerset Highways on 0300 123 2224 quoting reference: SD007502 - SS34 - High Road.

Click here for more details

6th June 2022

Avon and Somerset Neighbourhood Policing

Somerton and Wincanton Update May 2022

Newsletter May 2022

15th May 2022

INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF THE NORTH CADBURY AND YARLINGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

PC Response to the questions raised by the Independent Examiner on the North Cadbury and Yarlington Neighbourhood Plan.

PC Response to Independent Examiner Questions

19th April 2022

INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF THE NORTH CADBURY AND YARLINGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF THE NORTH CADBURY AND YARLINGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
EXAMINER: Andrew Mead BSc (Hons) MRTPI MIQ

Download document (pdf)

5th April 2022

Somerset Bus Patnership

Dear All,

Over the past month, supporters of Somerset Bus Partnership have sent some 80 letters to the Department for Transport calling for the Bus Recovery Grant to be extended beyond April. We therefore welcome the news that the Government has finally announced the continuation of the Bus Recovery Grant through to October 2022. There has been a huge nation-wide campaign demanding the Government should continue to support bus services. Thanks to the many of you who joined with us and successfully lobbied the Government over this issue.

But our bus services in Somerset remain under very real threat. The return of passengers to buses here in Somerset has been slower than in many other parts of the country and bus operators are facing huge cost pressures with escalating fuel prices coupled with a continuing driver shortage.

Hence, we are organising a Somerset Bus Partnership meeting via Zoom for Thursday March 24 at 730pm.

The main aim of the meeting is to explore with you ideas to increase bus usage.

The meeting would also cover the following points:
An update on bus funding including the latest feedback we're hearing on Bus Service Improvement Plans and Somerset's £163 million BSIP bid.
A Bus Manifesto that we will invite for Unitary council candidates of all parties to support
(Please note Somerset Bus Partnership has been working with all Somerset's main political parties to improve bus services and is politically neutral)
Update on Somerset Bus Partnership's activities
If you would like any items added to the agenda then please do let us know.

We very much hope that you will be able to join this meeting. Zoom details below:

Time: Mar 24, 2022 07:30 PM London

Additionally, it is just a reminder that we will also share your name, email address and Parish you represent with all our representatives. If you don't want your email address shared please provide an email address you are happy to be shared or let us know.

With very best wishes

The Somerset Bus Partnership Team

Zoom Meeting

17th March 2022

Somerset Bus Patnership

Please find attached the March SWP Briefing, with the latest on collections, recycle sites, Eco-School grants and what 1500+ people chose as the name of our new repair project van.

Regards

Somerset Waste Partnership

SWP Briefing

14th March 2022

Thermal imaging camera trial

We have a great opportunity for the communities of Area East in South Somerset to have access to x2 thermal imaging cameras to help identify whether insulation and draught-proofing could be required for homes to help reduce energy bills and improve thermal comfort. These cameras are very user friendly as they directly attach to a smartphone/tablet. One camera is compatible for use with iOS (Apple iPhone or iPad) and the other for use with an Android smart phone or tablet.

Follow the link below for more details regarding booking etc.

Thermal Camera

4th March 2022

Important notice

Urgent / emergency Road Closure: – ttro190966 - Sandbrook Lane, North Cadbury

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent / emergency) road closure at Sandbrook Lane, North Cadbury will commence on 1st March 2022 and is expected to last until 2nd March 2022.

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 Ltd on 03700 500 792, quoting reference: ttro190966 - Sandbrook Lane, North Cadbury

Updates

28th February 2022

Somerset Health and Wellbeing Advisory Network

Helping you to help others
The legal requirement to self-isolate has been removed in England and replaced with guidance for living safely with the virus.

Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health for Somerset has emphasised that we should continue to be respectful of other people's concerns and personal situations. The public health advice is that anyone who tests positive for coronavirus, or who shows symptoms of having it, including a high temperature or cough, should stay at home and avoid contact with others. The same can be said for any other infectious illness, such a flu, or vomiting and diarrhoea.

The SCC Public Health team still advise basic infection control measures should be followed, as these will help slow the transmission of many seasonal illnesses and have a positive impact on reducing sickness levels and improving business continuity. These include regularly washing your hands, maintaining appropriate cleaning regimes and keeping occupied spaces well ventilated.

The vaccination remains the best form of defence that we have against Covid-19. Anyone who has not already booked their jab can do so quickly and easily at COVID-19 vaccinations in Somerset - Somerset CCG.

28th February 2022

Neighbourhood Policing team

Hello everyone,

Please find attached a copy of our Somerton / Wincanton Neighbourhood Policing Team News Letter for March 2022.

Kind regards,

Mike

Mike Bell
PCSO 7954

Somerton Neighbourhood Policing Team | Avon and Somerset Police

Policing Team

28th February 2022

Somerset waste

Please find the latest Somerset Waste Partnership Briefing attached, with information on the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, naming the repair van for our new project, taking action on food waste, and Recycle More reaching its finishing line.

Regards

Somerset Waste Partnership

Somerset County Council uses Microsoft Office 365 Message Encryption to protect emails. Learn more here: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/our-information/email-security/.

SWP Briefing

25th February 2022

Buses in Somerset

OUR BUSES ARE UNDER THREAT
April 2022 was meant to augur in a new era for our buses. It was the month when the £3 billion as part of Bus Back Better, National Strategy for Buses for England, could be used to improve bus services. People could be invited to abandon their cars and opt for the ‘greener’ option of going by bus on journeys to nearby towns and villages.
To improve buses across the county, Somerset had put in a bid for £163 million of Bus Back Better money. That was the sum of money Somerset needed because Somerset bus services currently are the worst rated of any county in England. But the Bus Back Better fund has been over subscribed 8 times by all the bids from across England and so it’s unknown how much money Somerset might get. But it’s unlikely to get anything like what Somerset needs.
The 2 years of Covid with endless warnings not to use buses has seen bus passenger numbers down 40% on pre Covid levels. This has meant the Government has had to step in and subsidise bus services in order to keep them running. To fund this the Government has diverted more than half of the £3 billion pot allocated for transforming our bus services to just maintain our current bus services.
Worse still, the Government has still not said whether it will keep funding our existing bus services from April.
If it doesn’t, then without this subsidy, bus services across the county (including here in Somerset) could “fall off the side of the cliff” (as said by Wera Hobhouse, Bath MP). It’s been estimated 30% of bus services would go. Some bus services could even disappear completely.
Without this Covid Bus Recovery Grant, a leading bus operator has said, “The bus sector is hurtling towards disaster.”
So what can we do?
Could you please ... today ... send an email (doesn’t need to be long) to the Government Buses Minister demanding that the Covid-19 Bus Recovery Grant funding is continued beyond April. Send it to BARONESS VERE OF NORBITON (Buses Minister) - email verec@parliament.uk. Also copy your email to your MP:
DAVID WARBURTON (Somerton and Frome) - email david.warburton.mp@parliament.uk Please also copy in Somerset Bus Partnership to any emails too. Our email address:
somersetbuspartnership@gmail.com .
Additionally, if you should speak to any of the candidates for the Somerset Unitary Council May 5th elections, please ask them what their plans are to protect and improve our bus services here in Somerset. There’s never been a time when our bus services in Somerset have been at so much risk.

Somerset Bus Partnership Team
https://www.somersetbuspartnership.co.uk

18th February 2022

Local Heritage List

I am writing to inform local councils about the Local Heritage List: a new project to record heritage assets in Somerset and Exmoor. This is managed by the South West Heritage Trust with input from partners in local government and heritage, including Somerset County Council, each district council, and Exmoor National Park Authority.

The scheme will give special, ‘locally listed’ status to distinctive and noteworthy buildings, sites, and monuments across Somerset and Exmoor. It is a chance to recognise places with cultural value in our area, and help preserve our diverse local heritage.

I would be most grateful if you inform your South Somerset council about this initiative. The South West Heritage Trust is seeking nominations from the public, as well as community organisations, and welcomes assistance in publicising this opportunity for engagement.

Later in the year you will receive a formal consultation from your local planning authority regarding the Local Heritage List technical handbook. This will provide the planning support, but in the meantime the project is open to nominations.

Please find attached a press release, poster, and ‘Q&A’ document which explains the Local Heritage List in more detail.


Best wishes,
Dr Hattie Induni

Digital and Community Engagement Officer
Somerset Local Heritage List Project

https://swheritage.org.uk/local-heritage-list

Local Heritage

18th February 2022

SWP Members Brief

New mobile repair and reuse project
Summary
• Launching later this year, the project aims to move repair and reuse from ‘niche to norm’.
• Based around a mobile repair and reuse vehicle, it will work with existing groups and engage new audiences.
• The first year will be dedicated to electrical items and electronics – anything with a plug or battery.
• This is a grant-funded project that SWP is running in partnership with Resource Futures and Donate-IT.
• We are currently advertising for a Community Repair Coordinator and asking the public to suggest names for the new service/vehicle.
Background
SWP commissioned Resource Futures (RF) to look at how we can increase reuse and repair, taking into account the work of existing groups across Somerset. One of three potential solutions was for a mobile repair vehicle (working title Somerset Repair Bus) to travel the county bringing repair and reuse to new audiences, tackling barriers around travel and access to repair facilities/groups, and helping groups to collaborate and share skills.
RF and SWP have secured grant funding from Ecosurety Exploration Fund for the project which in its first year will be dedicated to electricals and electronics - from toasters to tablets, record players to remote controls – anything that has a plug or takes batteries.
We have also partnered with local company Donate-IT CIC which collects, refurbishes and distributes tech like laptops and smart phones to people, schools and groups who need them. We are now working hard to get the project up and running as soon as possible.
Project overview
Its aim is to support existing groups, engage new audiences and take repair and reuse from ‘niche to norm’ through four key areas of activity:
• Educate and raise awareness of repair, reuse and sustainable consumption, targeting
schools, community groups, individuals, businesses.
• Amplify existing repair activities – supporting all local repair groups, helping them to
extend their reach into wider audiences and promoting their current activities.
• Support group expansion – facilitating skills and knowledge sharing, increasing resource
sharing and accessibility, and providing advice and practical input.
• Address digital poverty – collecting used smart tech from businesses and residents,
refurbishing, and diverting it back into the community, reducing waste and keeping items in use.
If it proves a success, SWP will consider continuing the project and expanding it to cover the repair and reuse of any item. This will, of course, be subject to a business case and the availability of budget or new sources of grant-funding.

More detail
The vehicle will be second-hand and probably a ‘transit-style’ van with eye-catching branding and livery. We have explored electric options, but cost and logistics make an electric vehicle impractical for this project at this time.
We are now working with the local repair café groups to establish how it can best support existing activities. We expect this will include providing tools and equipment that support their work and make ‘pop-up’ repair events possible.
The vehicle will operate in all districts seeking to:
• Increase consumer confidence in repair and reuse.
• Encourage people to view sustainable electronics consumption and repair as ‘the norm’.
• Collecting donated electronics for repurposing/recycling, and enhancing knowledge of
existing local activities around repair, reuse and recycling.
The vehicle’s itinerary will be a balance between visiting existing groups, attending events, hosting ‘pop-up’ sessions and visiting schools and workplaces.
We are asking the public to suggest a name for the new service/vehicle.
Suggestions can be made through this online form and the deadline for ideas is 9am on Monday 21 February. SWP will shortlist suggestions and put them to an online public vote.
The vehicle will be driven by a Community Repair Coordinator and this role is being advertised now. The successful candidate will travel the county promoting repair and sustainable consumption and working with SWP, Resource Futures and a wide range of Somerset-based audiences.
Closing date for applications is 9am Tuesday 22 February. Please share this advert widely.
We anticipate that the Repair Bus will be attending events between May and December this year, depending on recruitment and fitting out the vehicle going smoothly.
We understand that data security is a concern and can stop people offering devices for repair, reuse or recycling. Through our partnership with Donate-IT we can offer a collection point for unwanted tech items and ensure that these are securely data wiped before being refurbished and donated to those in need.
Further information
For questions about the project, or if you would like to suggest an event that might be suitable (subject to availability), please contact: Julie Searle julie.searle@somersetwaste.gov.uk, and Beth Prince beth.prince@somersetwaste.gov.uk
• Resource Futures is an environmental consultancy specialising in the waste sector
• Donate-IT is a Community Interest Company
• For details about Ecosurety and the Ecosurety Exploration Fund visit www.ecosurety.com

16th February 2022

Notice of Casual Vacancy on North Cadbury and Yarlington Parish Council

Are you interested in contributing, representing and making a change in your community? Would you like to help improve the quality of life in the Parish? The Parish council needs your experience, energy and enthusiasm!!

If you would like to know more please contact the Clerk, Chairman or speak to a local councillor. Applications to be received in writing, or by email, to the Clerk.

Notice of Casual Vacancy

31st January 2022

Covid Update

Good afternoon.

Please find attached this week’s Covid-19 update for Somerset on behalf of the Engagement Board. From next week, this update will be in a different format – in the form of a digital newsletter. If you still wish to receive it as a PDF you will be able to.

This week the PM announced a return to Plan A regulations – full details can be found within the update.

Although Covid-19 case numbers have decreased this week, they do remain high in Somerset and so we need to make sure we remain cautious and keep ourselves and each other safe. To do this we should continue to wear a face-covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, make sure there is good ventilation if we meet indoors, wash our hands, continue to take regular lateral flow tests, and take a PCR test if we have any symptoms.

Everyone who is eligible should also accept the offer of a vaccination or booster, if they have not already done so.

Finally, in our weekly Covid catch-up film we cover the topic of vaccinations for pregnant woman. The film can be viewed here.

I wish you a pleasant weekend.

George Haslock
Communications Officer
Public Health
Somerset County Council
Mobile: 07765043226
Email: ghaslock@somerset.gov.uk

Covid

21st January 2022

The Anne Robson trust

I am writing to ask for your help to let people living in your local community know about the services we offer.

The Anne Robson Trust is a pre-bereavement charity that passionately believes that “no one deserves to die alone”. Liz Pryor, our founder and Chief Executive has recently been awarded the Member of the British Empire Medal (MBE) in the Queens 2022 New Year’s Honour’s list, for services to end-of-life care.

We work alongside NHS hospitals to train volunteers, who sit with patients in the last days and hours of their life to provide company and companionship, so they know they are not alone. However, due to COVID restrictions the volunteers were unable to visit hospitals, and in response to this, we set up a free, National Helpline so that we could continue to offer comfort and support where needed. As restrictions have lifted the volunteers are gradually starting to return to hospitals and in addition the introduction of the helpline is showing to be a valuable resource for anyone in the community to access support from the comfort of their own home.

The helpline is for anyone who is struggling to cope with a terminal diagnosis or the imminent death of someone they care about. Whether they are family members, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, or even a member of the care staff who may just need someone to talk to; we understand the pressures of working and caring for people who are end of life. We are fully committed to ensuring that people facing end of life and their families have access to as many layers of support as possible.

I have taken the liberty of attaching a short article which I hope you can send to the editor of your local parish newsletter or magazine for inclusion in the February or March publication. Alternatively, I would be extremely grateful if you could send me the contact details of the editor, so that we can explore spreading the word of our service with them. I would also be very grateful for any suggestions you can offer of contacts in your area, who may be in a position to help us to spread the word.

I hope that this information will be of interest to you and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards

Suzanne Brown

No One Deserves To Die Alone – We are here to support you.
Call our Helpline: 0808 801 0688

21st January 2022

South Somerset District Council Regulation 16 Public Consultation on NC&Y Neighbourhood Plan

North Cadbury and Yarlington Parish Council as the Qualifying Body has prepared a Neighbourhood Development Plan, entitled the North Cadbury and Yarlington Parish Neighbourhood Plan for the period 2018 to 2033.

The Plan sets out a vision for the future and planning policies which will be used in the determination of planning applications.

Copies of the Neighbourhood Development Plan, supporting documentation and response forms are available on South Somerset District Council's (SSDC) website: https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/your-council/your-council-plan-and-strategies/planning-policy/neighbourhood-planning/ under the North Cadbury and Yarlington drop down area.

If you are unable to access the documents online, hard copies will be available for inspection at North Cadbury Village Stores and Galhampton Country Store from 20th January 2022.

If you would like to see hard copies of the submitted documents at the District Council offices in Yeovil, this can be arranged if you contact planningpolicy@southsomerset.gov.uk; or by ringing 01935 462462.

If you would like to make a representation on this Neighbourhood Plan the relevant response form is attached.

Please download the form and email your comments back to SSDC at planningpolicy@southsomerset.gov.uk or in writing to the Strategic Planning Team, South Somerset District Council, Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2HT

The consultation runs from 20th January 2022 until midnight on 4th March 2022.

Any representations may include a request to be notified regarding South Somerset District Council's decision under Regulation 19 whether to make the Neighbourhood Plan for North Cadbury and Yarlington.

Please be aware that a summary of all representations received by the Authority will be publicly available.

Reg 16 Response Form January 2022

Copies of Neighbourhood Development Plan, Support Documentation & Response Forms

20th January 2022

SWP service update

Collections: Covid-related absence remains a concern, but collection services are currently stable. With more than 350,000 collection a week, some delayed collections can and do happen as part of business as usual for a variety of issues, such as access issues and vehicle breakdowns.

Any collections – recycling or rubbish - missed should be returned for within two working days and we encourage residents to report any missed collections online using the My Waste Service feature on the SWP homepage.

Crews are working extremely hard at what remains a difficult time and we continue to ask for everyone's patience and support.

This will be the last of these daily updates. They will be reinstated if there is any future substantial disruption to collections.

18th January 2022

SSDC Press release

Please see a press release attached issued on behalf of the Somerset Community Resilience Partnership regarding how Somerset will use £3.8m from the Government's Household Support Grant to support Somerset residents who are struggling to pay the bills this winter.

10th January 2022