News Updates from North Cadbury and Yarlington Parish Council

North Cadbury School

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is an annual bidding round for eligible academies, sixth-form colleges and non-diocesan VA schools to apply for capital funding. The priority for the fund is to address significant condition need, keeping education provider buildings safe and in good working order. This includes funding projects to address health and safety issues, building compliance and poor building condition.

In November we put in a CIF bid and heard last week that it has been successful, so we will be getting 'Funding for Urgent Classroom Block Renewal'. This is fantastic news enabling us to plan for replacement of most of the temporary classrooms that have been on the school site for many many years. This has been on the schools wish list for a long time and it is now going to become a reality!

It is still early days but the school will wish to progress matters as soon as possible. We will be meeting architects and building surveyors shortly and we will keep you informed of progress.

We have a fantastic team at the school who have worked so hard over the last 2 years to bring significant positive change to the school. Children, parents and staff are all working together with a really dynamic feel to the school. The staff have been amazing particularly over these last 3 months helping the children (and parents) with the challenges of home schooling and providing support to key workers and their families.

This grant is a significant boost to the school and, being a key facility in the parish, I trust that the parish council will see it as a real boost to the village as well.

8th July 2020

Resurfacing work Sparkford roundabout

Essential surfacing works need to be carried out at Sparkford roundabout on the A303. To minimise disruption, we’ll work overnight when there are fewer vehicles on the road. During the day we will keep the carriageway open as usual.

A303 Surfacing work

Highways England

5th July 2020

County Council Brief July

From the desk of David Fothergill, Leader Somerset County Council.

July 2020

5th July 2020

One Somerset

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE LEADERS OF MENDIP DISTRICT COUNCIL, SEDGEMOOR DISTRICT COUNCIL, SOMERSET WEST & TAUNTON COUNCIL AND SOUTH SOMERSET DISTRICT COUNCIL IN RESPONSE TO 'ONE SOMERSET' AND THE FUTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SOMERSET

"We want to make it clear that the District Councils of Somerset do not support 'One Somerset' and the proposals for a single council for Somerset. "The detailed work which the five councils of Somerset commissioned together clearly concluded that a single council was the wrong solution for the people and communities of Somerset. "Somerset's District Councils have been focused in recent months on supporting our residents and businesses through the Coronavirus crisis. This remains our priority including focusing on how we help Somerset's communities and economy recover. However, as Somerset County Council is determined to push the debate on the future forward during the pandemic, as four districts we will now be putting our collective efforts to developing an alternative proposal. We have always said would refocus on this when the time was right. "We know we can offer a better future for the people of Somerset that reforms local government and is ambitious for our communities and their quality of life. Somerset does not deserve the cheapest local Government. Somerset deserves the best local government. "We will develop the best plan for the future with the help and involvement of our communities."

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Local government has seen big reductions in funding from central government and that means challenges for everyone. At the same time, the challenges our communities face require urgent attention which cannot wait. The key challenges for Somerset communities, alongside recovering from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, are: High rates of children growing up in poverty and poor social mobility Large numbers of struggling families, Growing numbers of older people who are increasingly living in poor health The climate emergency Homelessness and the lack of genuinely affordable housing The economy including productivity, skills and wage levels District Councils in Somerset have already undertaken radical change and as a result are financially sustainable, and able to protect services to communities without making cuts. However, we recognise that further change is required in the future. A team drawn from the five councils of Somerset, including the county council, undertook further work on the options, and we agreed the well-trodden path of a single Unitary model was not the right choice for Somerset. Our invitation to Somerset County Council to rejoin this joint work remains open. We will focus on a plan for widespread joint reform, that focuses on the needs of our communities. Our aim is not to simply cut costs. Our intention is to find a way, to improve life for all residents in Somerset now and for the future. Our communities do not deserve the cheapest local government. They deserve the best local government which will drive improvement in quality of life. Just as Somerset County Council, we need to be invited by the Government to submit our plan for positive change in Somerset. If that invitation is received, we will consult with our communities on our proposals to help the people we serve, alongside partners in the NHS, police and more, shape the way our plans develop. This will be a plan developed with our communities to create a better future for everyone in Somerset. This statement has been released by South Somerset District Council on behalf of Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset West & Taunton Council.

2nd July 2020

Recycling Latest

Latest 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 redduced the backlog of requests.

Recycling Update

29th June 2020

Teals Store

You may have noticed a new addition to the Landscape at the junction of North/South Cadbury.

Along with our brilliant team of local tradesmen, we have been working steadily and safely to bring the new TEALS store to life at its new home on Orchard Lane. A celebration of Somerset goodness, you can expect to find weekly staples alongside slow-grown meat from local hillsides, freshly baked bread, a selection of deli goods and cheeses, delicious food to go, fantastic coffee and a selection of independent-label gifts.

Teals

29th June 2020

Recommendations on the Role of Parish Councils in the event of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Somerset.

LGR Report

LGR Report

21st June 2020

Local Government Association Model Member Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

21st June 2020

Tree Preservation Order

Following a request from a number of parishioners, on 2 March the Parish Council applied for a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to be placed on the oak tree that stands in the centre of Clare Field in North Cadbury. We have recently learned that the application has been successful and as a result, TPOs on three oaks in Clare Field have been served.
Full details of the TPOs can be seen here:

Tree Preservation Order.pdf

19th June 2020

Cycling Network Survey

Here is a short survey on cycling in the area which we hope you will complete. As we come out of COVID 19 lockown, we’d like to make improvements to the local cycling networks and your feedback will help us to make the improvements that are important for YOU to start cycling or to cycle more. Even if you don't cycle at all - perhaps you have a mobility issue that prevents you or perhaps you don't feel it's safe to go cycling with the children, we really want to hear from you. It will take less than ten minutes and will help us to make the improvements that you need for cycling more. Your help is appreciated.

Cycling Survey

19th June 2020

Transforming Railways

The attached map clearly shows the possibilities for transforming disused railways in Somerset into paths for walkers, cyclists, those with mobility issues and, where possible, horse riders. Here is a ONE QUESTION survey about transforming disused railways into multi-user paths. Please let us know whether you are for or against and add any comments if you choose. It will take less than a minute! Thank you.

Survey

19th June 2020

Parish Council Donation to St Margaret's Hospice

On 9th June the Parish Clerk received a note of thanks from Samantha Mahan of St Margaret's Hospice Care for the donation agreed by the Parish Council on behalf of the parish. In her letter Samantha wrote:

Hello Becky,

Thank you for your letter dated 3rd June 2020. We were delighted to receive the Council's very generous contribution of £250 towards the care of our life-limited patients within your area and to help us continue that care during the Covid-19 pandemic. Please pass our Thanks on to the councillors. We are so grateful for the support of local councils such as yourselves, to help us provide our care across the community of Somerset....

Kind regards,

Samantha Mahon
Trust and Major Gift Assistant

19th June 2020

Temporary Road Closure: Lower Woolston Road

TTRO358425 - Temporary Road Closure: Lower Woolston Road, Compton Pauncefoot CP,North Cadbury CP

The order becomes effective on 18th June 2020 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 22nd June 2020 and last for 26 days to enable Somerset Highways to carry out structural maintenance Drainage works.

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

Temporary Road Closure

18th June 2020

Community Grant Opportunities

SSDC press release dated 15. 6.20 on Community Grant Opportunities for Your Environmental Projects
South Somerset District Council has a long tradition of supporting communities, local voluntary groups and the wider community sector. One of the ways this is enabled is through the Community Grants programme for projects such as community transport, improving recreational facilities, community halls and many more schemes that enhance the lives of the local community. SSDC have now extended the Community Grants scheme to support local
environment initiatives.

Last year the Council acknowledged the climate emergency and are now committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. This includes supporting environmental progression for communities across the district to develop existing, and kick start new exciting environmental projects. This new extension to the existing community grants scheme will place environmental progression at its core, offering funding for communities to inspire environmental projects across South Somerset's local landscape. We've seen significant changes in our communities over the past three months and this is an excellent opportunity to ensure the changes are positive with novel projects championing sustainability, carbon neutrality and biodiversity. The fund will cover up to 50% of the project costs and you will need support from your Parish Council.

Applications in the range of £100 to £1,000 will be reviewed by SSDC and your Ward Member, any applications for more than £1,000 are decided by your SSDC Area Committee with a maximum grant of £12,500. Applications can be made at any time throughout the year, but revenue funding is limited so do apply in good time, especially if you have seasonal deadlines to meet.

With the range of funding available, all forms of projects can benefit, from smaller funding projects such as a community orchard, building a bat hotel, or even paying for a regular meeting space where your group can meet to discuss and implement your projects.

Larger projects could be for schemes such as a local electric vehicle charging points, energy efficiency for your community hall, wild-flower meadow creation or even buying an acre of land. This new funding will give your community the opportunity to take a great eco idea and see it through to fruition.

If you would like to speak to someone about our grants programme you can email communities@southsomerset.gov.uk. You can also visit our website and find additional information on how to apply

15th June 2020

'Environment Champions' Wanted

Environmental Champions are volunteers whose role will:

- Be the recipient of any environment/climate information South Somerset District Council (SSDC) wishes to share with parishes, through emails and attendance at forums.

- Compile and return any information on their parish which would be useful for SSDC to know (environment groups, electric vehicle charging points, re-wilded areas, etc)

- Encouraging on specific green measures in the parish, to enable environmental sustainability to be at the core of the parishes’ decision making.

- Collaborating with surrounding parishes/groups to maximise impact and share expertise.

Environment Champion Leaflet (pdf)

6th February 2020

Notice of Parish Council Vacancy

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!!

Public Notice of Parish Council Vacancy (pdf)

27th January 2020