News Updates from North Cadbury and Yarlington Parish Council

Wessex Internet

Hello, I hope you are well.

Just to let you know that our coverage checker is now live and I am writing to all parish councils in our coverage area so that you can inform people who live locally that they can now check to see if their property or business is eligible for a free full fibre installation.

As of today, you can find our coverage checker on our website. You will be able to enter your property details to see if you are included in our latest programme to bring full fibre broadband to rural parts of South Somerset. This is part of our Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) contract that we were awarded at the end of last year.

Last month, we “broke ground” in the Woolston area which marked the start of work on this 3 year public funded programme which is due for completion in 2024. Over this time, we will connect ultrafast broadband to thousands of homes and businesses on an area by area approach. The new map on our website has details of each of these areas, along with key dates.

You can find all of this on our website, where you can also register your interest. Once you have done this, there is nothing else you need to do right now – we will be in touch.

https://www.wessexinternet.com/connecting-devon-and-somerset/

We always work closely with local communities, so if you are interested in becoming a representative or a community champion in your particular area then please let me know.

We hope that the FAQs on the website are helpful, but if you do have a specific question please let me know and I will be more than happy to help.



Christine O’Grady
Community Engagement Manager

T: 07956 333782 | E: christine.o’grady@wessexinternet.com
wessexinternet.com

Coverage Checker

8th June 2021

Stronger Somerset

Voters choose Stronger Somerset in local poll

The voters of Somerset have shown their support for Stronger Somerset – the plan for two councils, an Eastern Somerset and a Western Somerset council, to replace Somerset’s existing five county and district councils.
The result of the local poll, which closed on Friday 4 June, was delivered today by Civica Electoral Services, who independently ran and verified the poll, and announced publicly by the District Council Leaders.
The results from Civica are attached for all districts alongside the overall result.
The Leaders of the four Somerset district councils have written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ask that he now takes the result into account in his decision-making.
The Secretary of State’s decision is expected sometime before the Parliamentary recess on 22 July.

Thank you to everyone who voted in the poll.

8th June 2021

St Margarets Hospice

I hope that you are well and keeping safe.

St Margaret's Hospice Care have recently launched two very exciting campaigns; Glorious Somerset Gardens and The Great Somerset G&T Party, which we hope will bring much joy to people's lives after what has been a very difficult time and raise much needed funds for our hospice.

Glorious Somerset Gardens 2021 – More than a dozen stunning gardens are opening to visitors this summer in aid of our hospice. The campaign will begin from 17th May until the end of July, where we will also be showing off our very own beautiful Yeovil garden to members of the public on 25th July. Our green-fingered supporters have taken lockdown in their stride and have spent months preparing their gardens and ensuring they are Covid secure for the summer. Full details of locations, opening dates and admission prices can be found here: https://www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/glorious-gardens. Be sure to show your support and visit the gardens this summer – you won't be disappointed!

Great Somerset G&T Party – We are inviting people across Somerset to host their very own Great Somerset G&T Party to support our patients and their families. Whether you're a gin-lover or tee-total you can host a party with friends, families, colleagues or neighbours in the comfort of your garden or host a virtual party to allow more people to attend – but please remember follow the Government guidance at all times and please drink responsibly. And the great thing is, you can hold your party whenever is convenient for you. Visit our website https://www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/great-gt-party for more details and to request a FREE fundraising pack.

We hope you will be able to enjoy our above campaigns and offer your support. I have attached some posters promoting our campaigns, which I hope you would be kind enough to display or share. Your help is invaluable to us and could help go towards the care and support of our patients and their families.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please do get in touch with me at any time. Thank you so much for your support.

Best wishes,

Kerry

Kerry Baillie​
Community Partnerships Fundraiser
Tel: 01935 709480
Ext: 2496

8th June 2021

Recycle More

Please find attached the Recycle More Messenger, the regular briefings keeping you up to date with the roll-out of Recycle More. With less than a month to go before the launch of the expanded collections in South Somerset, important information is due to be delivered to households across district shortly.

The leaflets contain a collection day calendar and a ‘what goes where’ guide for sorting your recycling. We want to encourage residents to hold on to these leaflets so they can refer to them in the coming weeks and months.

We hope you find this update useful in keeping your communities and colleagues informed.

If for any reason you do not wish to be sent these updates, please email recycle@somersetwaste.gov.uk and put Opt Out – RM briefings (phase 2) in the subject line.

Best wishes,

Somerset Waste Partnership

8th June 2021

Covid Update

Good evening,
Please find attached this week’s Covid-19 update for Somerset on behalf of the Engagement Board. We are reaching the end of half term for schools and we want to encourage people to continue to enjoy Somerset responsibly and cautiously.
We also discuss the importance of accepting the offer for your second vaccination. The vaccine is our best defence against the virus and returning to a more normal way of life. And while the first dose gives some level of immunity against coronavirus, it is vital everyone goes on to receive a second dose.
It is a combination of following the Covid-19 guidance, taking up the offer of a vaccination, testing when required and self-isolating when symptomatic or when asked to do so which will allow us to keep moving forwards to the next step.
I wish you all a fine evening.

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

Covid 19 update

3rd June 2021

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!!

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 by Tuesday 29th June 2021.

Email:  parishclerk@northcadbury.org.uk


Notice of Parish Council Vacancy May 2021

21st May 2021

Galhampton Excalibur

Please find attached this months edition of the Galhampton Excalibur.

Galhampton Excalibur

18th May 2021

Local Poll on the future of local Government

Ballot papers will start dropping through letterboxes this week for the local poll on options for change in local government in Somerset.

The local poll was agreed by all four district councils at meetings on Friday 30 April.

The poll asks voters to choose between the two options being considered by Government to replace the existing five councils – county council and the four district councils:

a. One council for Somerset (“One Somerset” – the plan for a single council proposed by Somerset County Council)

b. Two councils for Somerset: Eastern Somerset and Western Somerset (“Stronger Somerset” the plan for two councils for Somerset – an Eastern and a Western Somerset council – proposed by the four district councils of Somerset).

The poll is being independently run and verified by Civica Electoral Services on behalf of the four district councils.

The ballot papers will be accompanied by two information leaflets – one on each proposal.

Councillor Val Keitch, Leader of South Somerset District Council, said: “The reorganisation of local government affects everyone. It will have a profound impact on local services, individual and community prospects, local representation and health and wellbeing across the county.

“Local people must be allowed to have the opportunity to have their say clearly and unambiguously. A properly organised, independently run public vote is the best way to ensure that happens.

“I urge everyone to use their vote, whichever option they prefer.

“The people’s choice must be respected.”

The District Council Leaders have written to the Secretary of State to inform him of the poll and its dates and ask that the result of the poll be properly considered as part of the decision-making process on the future of local government in Somerset.

All votes must be received by 5pm on Friday 4 June.

18th May 2021

GLEAM Newsletter

Dear Member
I attach the latest GLEAM Newsletter which I hope will be of interest. It includes articles about the death of our patron, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, the effects of the lockdowns on off-roading, changes to the Countryside and Highway Codes, reporting illegal use, the effects of the Secretary of State's decision on Highways England's proposals for the A303 near Stonehenge, traffic regulation orders and policy, evidence relevant to definitive map modification orders, and keeping in touch.
Best wishes and hope you are keeping well.
Diana Mallinson
GLEAM Honorary Secretary

PS. GLEAM, together with other organisations whose patron was the Duke of Edinburgh, has been asked by the singer Henry Dawe to publicise a music video celebrating His Royal Highness's life and helping to raise funds for The Silver Line charity, a confidential helpline for older people. The video and a link to the fundraising website are at https://henrydawe.co.uk/two-paces-back

GLEAM

18th May 2021

Covid-19 Update

Good evening,
Please find attached this week’s Covid-19 update for Somerset on behalf of the Engagement Board. As we are moving to Step 3 of the roadmap on Monday 17 May we are highlighting the changes and also asking people to adhere to the new guidelines so we can move safely towards step 4.
We are hoping as many people as possible are making testing a part of their weekly routine now it is available to all as this will allow us to catch asymptomatic cases earlier and potentially catch new variants earlier too. It is also very important for people to request a PCR test if they show symptoms.
Please note: there are fifteen graphics attached to this mail - thirteen of which relate to 17 May, one for workplaces and the other for Mindline.
I wish you all a fine evening
George Haslock
Communications Officer
Public Health
Somerset County Council
Mobile: 07765043226
Email: ghaslock@somerset.gov.uk

Covid 19 update

17th May 2021

Somerset Waste Partnership

Please find attached the second edition of the Recycle More Messenger. These are the regular briefings aims to keep you up to date with the roll-out of the new Recycle More service which will start in South Somerset from Monday, 28 June.

With just over six weeks to go before things change, we want to make sure that you are kept up to date on what’s happened and when. Next week will see ‘Get ready for Recycle More’ leaflets delivered to homes across the district, so interest and awareness is likely to jump notably.

This edition includes information about the new recycling container, the Bright Blue Bag. It also includes details of Facebook Q&A sessions and the next Talking Café event – please note and promote these if you can.

Attached again are the Recycle More promotional posters. We would be grateful if you could make use of these in whatever way to think works best. These should, of course, only be used in South Somerset locations.

We hope you find it useful and that it helps you keep your communities and colleagues informed.

If for any reason you do not wish to be sent these updates, please email recycle@somersetwaste.gov.uk and put Opt Out – RM briefings (phase 2) in the subject line.

13th May 2021

Food Support for families in Somerset

Food support for families over May half-term

Somerset County Council will continue to provide help to families in need of food support over the May half-term period.

At its Full Council meeting on Wednesday, May 5, the Council Leader Cllr David Fothergill confirmed plans to allocate a total of £250,000 of funding to schools in Somerset to fund food vouchers over the May half-term.

This will provide vouchers for the 14,509 children in Somerset eligible for Free School Meals, plus an additional allocation which schools can use to provide help to other families who they feel would also benefit from support.

Somerset County Council has been working to tackle holiday hunger during the pandemic, providing funding for food and vouchers over October half-term, Christmas, February half-term and the Easter holidays.

Cllr Fothergill said: "We are determined to ensure no-one in Somerset goes hungry. This has undoubtedly been a difficult year for many families, and it is good that we can provide this funding to help at this time.

"Importantly, we have made sure that anyone who receives food support is made aware of the network of further support that is available to help them address other underlying issues, including financial advice and mental health support, housing advice and help with transport."

Further support has been provided for young people in Somerset who qualify for Free School Meals through the Holiday Activities and Food programme supported by the Department for Education.
Somerset County Council joined forces with the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) to deliver food and fun activities to more than 2,500 children during the recent Easter holidays. Work is currently underway to expand the programme for the upcoming Summer holidays.

Somerset's wider emergency food response to the pandemic has seen more than 500,000 meals and items of food delivered to communities, families and individuals across Somerset through the Somerset Food Resilience Taskforce.
The Taskforce is a great example of partnership working involving Somerset's Local Authorities, Village Agents, Fareshare, and numerous voluntary and community groups.

Work is underway to establish a sustainable model of food support for post-Covid which will continue to provide the appropriate support at the earliest opportunity and enable people to get the help they need. This includes supporting the development of community pantries and food projects, and continuing our close relationships with the Village Agents, Citizens Advice and community and voluntary groups.

Anyone in Somerset who needs support with access to food or medicines, or emotional and financial support, can call the Somerset Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275, seven days a week, 8am to 6pm, or visit the CCS Village Agents website https://somersetagents.org/help-with-food/.

11th May 2021

EV Charging infrastructure roll out locations

We hope this email find you well. We wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the much needed EV charging Network that SSDC, in partnership with the DELETTI Devon EV Charging Network project, is in its finalisation for installing from this summer at the previously chosen car parks listed below. The winning tenderer was Scottish Power who are working on the locations of the EV charging parking bays within these carparks.

Scottish Power will be installing one dual charger each of 22kW supply to be able to charge 2 EVs at the same time.
Scottish Power will be supplying the power from their own renewable energy supplies mainly wind farms.

We wanted to remind you of the locations for the EV charging installations which will be phased across the SSDC owned and operated car parks starting this summer and being completed by the end of the year.

SSDC Car parks for DELETTI EV Charging Infrastructure:
Orchard Lane (South Street -MARKED BAYS ONLY) , Crewkerne
Millers Garage, Crewkerne
Millbrook Gardens, Castle Cary
Moorlands, Martock
Orchard Vale, Ilminster
Prigg Lane, South Petherton
Ham Hill Road, Stoke Sub Hamdon
Petters Way Car Park (Outside Petters House), Yeovil
Petters Way Car Park (Octogan end of car park), Yeovil
South Street Market Car Park, Yeovil
Huish Car Park, Yeovil
Stars Lane, Yeovil
(Goldenstones) Ninesprings Café, Yeovil Country Park
Yeovil Recreation Ground
Westland's Entertainment/Leisure Complex, Yeovil
South Somerset Council Offices Brympton Way
Tolbury Mill Bruton
Market Field Fores Street, Chard
Bath Street, Chard
Essex Close carpark, Chard
West Street, Crewkerne
Court Ash, Yeovil
Goldcroft, Yeovil
Fairfield, Yeovil
West Hendford, Yeovil
Chard Reservoir
Yeovil Innovation Centre

This will be the start of the future expansion of EV charging infrastructure for the community meeting our Environment Strategy.

You may also be interested in the e-car and e- bike share survey investigating community interest in a shared EV scheme across the district too. This is soon to close so please submit your response and share with your communities by the 21st of May. https://bit.ly/SSomerset

Many thanks.

Best eco well wishes,
Cara

Cara Naden
Environment Case Officer
Service Delivery
South Somerset District Council

+441935462615

southsomerset.gov.uk @southsomersetDC

11th May 2021

Universal Credit Information for the Community

Due to the impact of Coronavirus over 5.5 million people are claiming Universal Credit. Many of them are new to claiming Universal Credit having been negatively impacted by Coronavirus.

Best Regards,

Mary Williams

Universal Credit Guide

11th May 2021

Press Release Wessex Internet

Wessex Internet breaks ground in Woolston to mark official start of work to bring ultrafast broadband to South Somerset

Wessex Internet has this morning laid its first fibre cable in Woolston, nr North Cadbury to mark the start of an extensive 3-year programme to bring full fibre broadband connectivity to thousands of homes and businesses in South Somerset.

The "breaking the ground" took place in the village of Woolston, North Cadbury.

Onlookers watched as the vibratory mole plough and directional drilling teams laid the first fibre of the programme that will enable 3,618 properties to have world class broadband with gigabit speeds.

Wessex Internet, a specialist rural internet provider was awarded the public-funded contract to deliver the programme in December 2020 following a successful bid to Connecting Devon & Somerset (CDS).

The 36-month programme will be rolled out across 6 phases. Details and timings for the areas within those phases will be announced later this month, along with the exact locations and properties that are included in the rollout.

Today work is starting in the first area which covers Woolston, North and South Barrow and Sparkford.

Hector Gibson Fleming CEO, Wessex Internet said: "We are excited to announce the start of work that will bring ultrafast full fibre connectivity to the most remote parts of South Somerset. We believe that people living outside towns and cities have the same right to a speedy, efficient internet connection and we look forward to working with local communities on this exciting programme. In Woolston, we know that residents are struggling with typical speeds of less than 20 Mbps, which is not acceptable, and we are here to change this."
Councillor David Hall, CDS Board Member and Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Community Infrastructure, said: "We're delighted that Wessex Internet has started the rollout of Gigabit capable fibre in South Somerset, on behalf of Connecting Devon and Somerset. Over the next three years they will be delivering access to fibre broadband to some of the hardest to reach premises in the region, giving our local residents and businesses the future-proof internet connection they need."

Karl Tucker, chair of Heart of the SW LEP, said: "I am delighted to see this three-year programme getting underway that will bring much needed ultrafast broadband to south Somerset. This rollout, which is supported with funding from the HotSW LEP's Growth Deal, will provide vital internet connectivity for residents and businesses in some of our most rural communities which is essential to allow these areas to increase their economic productivity and output."

Media enquiries:
Christine O'Grady, Wessex Internet
Tel: 07956 333782 email: Christine.o'grady@wessexinternet.com

11th May 2021

New Chief Executive

South Somerset District Council's new chief executive has been confirmed
The new chief executive of South Somerset District Council will be Clare Pestell after the appointment was confirmed by Full Council.

Clare, who has been serving as the Council's Director of Commercial Services and Income Generation since 2017, will take up the role on 7 June following the departure of current Chief Executive Alex Parmley.

He is leaving South Somerset for a new life in New Zealand with his family where he will serve as Chief Executive of Waitaki District Council.

Council Leader Val Keitch said: "We are delighted to appoint Clare to this role after she has demonstrated such innovation and leadership in her role as Director, transforming the culture and mindset of the council to be more commercial so that we can deliver services to our residents with financial security.

"I have every faith that Clare can take forward the Council's key objectives of regenerating the district's largest towns, developing the economy, accelerating housing delivery, improving the environment and tackling climate change, and supporting our struggling families."

Clare joined South Somerset District Council with 20 years' experience in the property profession as a Chartered Surveyor, Registered Valuer and Accredited Mediator, after an early career in corporate and high street banking for Lloyds TSB.

Following her appointment as Director of Commercial Services and Income Generation, she built the new directorate and played a key role in the recent transformation of the council. She helped to deliver a new way of operating that created savings and sustainability through adopting a more commercial approach, supporting and services and enabling the delivery of regeneration programmes.

Alongside creating our Commercial Strategy, which is delivering on its challenging target of achieving £3M a year in net income to the council through prudent investments and an improved commercial approach across the organisation, and our Covid-19 Recovery Strategy, Clare has also been leading our Environment Strategy with the team delivering a range of projects to help the council meet its Carbon Neutrality pledge by 2030.

Clare said: "It is a privilege to be appointed to the role of Chief Executive and to lead the delivery of the Council's commitment to help our residents and businesses recover from the COVID-19 crisis, alongside our ambitious plans for the district's future.

"There is considerable work to be undertaken to ensure the Council and its services continue to evolve; that the needs of communities are delivered through priority projects and programmes; and that change in local government in Somerset is taken forward successfully, whatever its shape.

"I want to thank Alex for all the work he has undertaken over the past five years, it has been a pleasure to be part of his senior leadership team and we have achieved much together. I wish him and his family all the very best for the future as he prepares for his new role and new life in New Zealand.

"This council has a proud history of delivering quality services and proactively working with its communities and partners to improve quality of life. Since 2016, Alex has galvanised the team here – our members, senior leadership and colleagues from across the organisation - to ensure our place as one of the country's leading districts, with a clear focus on what is delivered for communities.

"My role will be to not only continue that work, but to ensure we remain committed to improving the ways we provide services to residents and businesses, ensure that the best outcomes are achieved for our residents from any changes to local government, and to look after our hard-working staff who work tirelessly to do so much every day to improve the lives of everyone in South Somerset."

The appointment, which followed a recruitment process led by the Council's cross-party Appointments committee, is initially on an interim basis for 18 months in light of the potential changes to local government in Somerset which are currently being considered by the Government.

The Secretary of State for Communities recently led a consultation on two options for changes in Somerset which could see the existing five councils of Somerset, including South Somerset, replaced with either two new unitary councils or a single council created in Somerset. A public poll of the residents of Somerset is due to be held in the coming weeks.

If either of these options are agreed, this will lead to South Somerset District Council alongside all of Somerset's current councils, ceasing to exist in the future.

Cllr Keitch added: "Due to this, it was agreed that we would appoint to the post of Chief Executive on an interim basis. Such an appointment will be necessary to lead the staff team and the organisation through the potential changes ahead.

"If the Secretary of State decided not to change arrangements for local government in Somerset and South Somerset District Council is to continue, then the Council would review the position of Chief Executive and the interim appointment to determine the best arrangements for senior leadership of the authority moving forward."

7th May 2021

Briefing note from Somerset County Councillors

Please find below a copy of a briefing note from Somerset District Council outlining some of the highlights over the past year.

Briefing note

5th May 2021

District councils give local electors a vote on the future of local government in Somerset

A local poll on the two proposals for the future of local government in Somerset currently under consideration – One Somerset and Stronger Somerset – will now go ahead later this month.

The poll, which will be independently run and verified by Civica Electoral Services, will take place from 18 May to 4 June.

Every elector in Somerset will be issued with a ballot paper and invited to vote by post or online.

The local poll was agreed by each of Somerset’s four District Councils at meetings on Friday 30 April. The report considered at the meetings said holding a poll would “give residents a voice in the debate and help the Secretary of State in understanding and determining the level of support amongst residents for each of the options”.

The District Councils approached Somerset County Council to take part in the poll. Somerset County Council has informed the District Council Leaders that it will not be participating in or endorsing the poll.

The District Council Leaders have written to the Secretary of State to inform him of the poll and its dates and ask that the result of the poll be properly considered as part of the decision-making process on the future of local government in Somerset.

5th May 2021

Footpath closure

Please find attached a 21 day closure notice for Footpaths WN 19/72, WN 19/95, WN 26/10 and WN 27/32 in N. Cadbury & Sparkford Parishes that have been closed due to dangerous bridges. We have applied for a 6 month extension to these closures to allow remedial measures to be undertaken.

In the meantime, should you have any queries please contact Rachal Pearce, Senior Rights of Way Officer - Bridges.

Kind regards

Ewan Tweedie
Rights of Way Warden – Bridges

As a result of Coronavirus, all Somerset County Council staff have been asked to work from home, where this is practically possible, or to support other services if their role is not critical to the Coronavirus response. This will have an impact on our ability to deliver some services, so we thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

PP B2S 1
Rights of Way
Highways Group
Economic & Community Infrastructure
Somerset County Council
County Hall
TAUNTON
Somerset
TA1 4DY

Tel: 07816 082531
Email: etweedie@somerset.gov.uk

Footpath closure

5th May 2021

Briefing note from Somerset County Councillors

Please find attached a copy of the Briefing note from Somerset County Council

Briefing note

4th May 2021

Covid-19 Update

Good evening,

Please find attached this week’s Covid-19 update for Somerset on behalf of the Engagement Board. As we move towards step 3 of the roadmap, and with the long weekend ahead, we are asking for people of all ages to follow the guidance when meeting in outdoor settings and to not be tempted to socialise indoors particularly if the weather should turn slightly worse – by doing this together is how we have come so far, and how we will find life returning to normal as quickly as possible.

We are hoping as many people as possible are signing up for regular testing now it is available to all as this will allow us to catch asymptomatic cases earlier and potentially catch new variants earlier too. It is very important people take up this testing offer and remember to upload their results.

It is also very important for people to request a PCR test if they show symptoms.
Our message is to stay local, minimise travel and continue to follow ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ to minimise catching Covid-19 and spreading it to others – even if you have been vaccinated.

I wish you all a fine evening, and a pleasant Bank Holiday weekend

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

Download document (pdf)

4th May 2021

Somerton and Wincanton Neighbourhood Police Newsletter

Hello everyone.

We hope you have all had a good month and had no troubles with the easing of covid lockdown. Here is our May Newsletter, which is a bit early, but we had some good news to report and have a week of action taking place. We would also encourage you to look at the neighbourhood pages on the Avon and Somerset website, which is where we set our priorities and any current issues. As covid restrictions ease we will begin to arrange and take part in more events. These will be list on the force website in the coming months, so please keep an eye on that to see what we will be up to.

As usual if you have any questions please contact us on this email.

Kind regards

Katie

Katie Maun
Sgt 4073

Somerton and Wincanton Neighbourhood Policing Team | Avon and Somerset Police
Somerton Police Station, Kirkham Street, Somerton TA11 7NN
Wincanton Police Station, Churchfields, Wincanton, BA9 9AG

Mob 07889658542
Email katie.maun@avonandsomerset.police.uk

www.avonandsomerset.police.uk | Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Newsletter

4th May 2021

Somerset Waste Partnership briefing note April 2021

Dear Resident,

Latest Briefing attached - renew garden waste now, all change for bank holidays, Mendip-success Recycle More heads South for summer (and Somerset West and Taunton, and Sedgemoor, after that).

Regards

Nick Cater
Senior Communications Officer
Somerset Waste Partnership

SWP Briefing note

4th May 2021

NALC response to Government Consultations

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has responded to the government consultations for locally-led re-organisation in Cumbria, Somerset and North Yorkshire.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) recently sought views from stakeholders on the eight bids for unitary local government in Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Somerset. After extensive engagement with its Policy Committee and National Assembly recently, NALC has decided to support some principles for locally-led re-organisation which are considered to benefit local (parish and town) councils. NALC has not commented on the individual bids submitted during this latest unitary authority creation round.

In its response to the three consultations, NALC has underlined some key principles of its own which should be enshrined into every unitarisation process, including creating new local councils in all un-parished areas during a community governance review, with early and full engagement between a new unitary authority with its local councils and county association of local councils. NALC also argued for the abolition of all remaining charter trustee bodies when new unitary authorities are created, and that a charter should always be framed between the new unitary authority and its local councils so that resources, services and assets are properly agreed and drawn down between both local government tiers from the start.

Please find full NALC response attached

All the best
Simon

Simon Pritchard
Assistant CEO
Somerset Association of Local Councils

My Normal Working Days are: Monday & Friday
Email: simon@somerset-alc.org.uk

Website: www.somerset-alc.org.uk
Training: www.somerset-alc.org.uk/training/
Members Area: www.somerset-alc.org.uk/members-area/

NALC update

4th May 2021

Broadband Consultation

Please find below a document regarding Rural Broadband.

Rural Broadband

4th May 2021

Avon and Somerset Police update

Dear Colleagues

Together with our communities, we breathed a collective sigh of relief this week as lockdown restrictions continued to ease. It's been a difficult year for so many people but with non-essential shops, hair salons, and pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating opening their doors again, we're finally getting back to some kind of normality.
As people increasingly get back to the way of living that they experienced 13 months ago, we expect to see our demand return to more familiar levels. The nationwide drop in recorded crime at the start of the pandemic is well documented and, while we've seen rates steadily increase, we know that as the weather becomes warmer and summer rolls in, we'll be busier than we have been for some time.
We are pleased to inform you then, in light of this expected increase in demand, that we have recruited an additional 241 police officers since the Police Uplift Programme began in 2020. The national target set for Avon & Somerset was to have 2,972 officers by 31st March 2021 and we currently have 3,076 – which is 104 above our target. What's more, by March next year, we're forecasting a growth of another 136 officers. The majority of these new officers will be deployed straight to the frontline, improving our ability to respond more quickly to call-outs and increasing our visibility to the public. This uplift and the pace at which it has been achieved is very positive news, but it is important to recognise that new officers will take three years to fully train. Their arrival, and development as professionals, will also help us in the coming years to increase our capability across other directorates, such as investigations, offender management and operational planning, ultimately improving the level of service we can provide our communities.
The easing of lockdown restrictions will see the return of a particular type of demand we haven't seen for some time – the night time economy. Nightclubs may not yet be open but with pubs and restaurants serving alcohol once more, we know that our towns and cities will be buzzing and this may lead to calls for service. We continue to work closely with our local authority partners who lead on licensing matters but we'd like to reassure you that we will be increasing patrols during peak times to ensure that the public enjoy their new freedoms safely.
We also continue to call on our communities to act responsibly while reminding them that restrictions are still in place to stop the spread of COVID-19. As we have done throughout the health crisis, we will follow our 4 Es approach of Engaging, Explaining, Encouraging and Enforcing the regulations, although with the number of reported breaches continuing to drop, officers are increasingly having fewer breach-related interactions. That said, we are fully aware of the risk that the easing of restrictions could present to falling virus rates and so we will continue to focus on preventing large gatherings which remain a breach of the regulations, such as house parties and unlicensed music events. We've increased the number of officers working on our dedicated COVID-19 response team this weekend and they will be ready to deal with any significant breaches brought to our attention.
Like many of the past weekends, we are expecting a number of protests to take place across our force area again this weekend, including another in Bristol on Saturday. We are working hard to identify organisers for these events so that we can help facilitate peaceful demonstrations and limit the disruption caused to the rest of our communities. We are committed to being open and transparent about how we police public order events, including protests, and we've recently invited local media
into Police Headquarters so that they can see how decisions are made. We also invited the chair of the local branch of the National Union of Journalists to take part in briefing officers prior to a number of the recent demonstrations that took place. And, looking at the bigger picture, we've been speaking with the National Police Chiefs' Council and the College of Policing to discuss ways that they can help to improve the public's understanding about some of the tactics used. We want to be as transparent as possible about the way in which we police protests to help build trust, confidence and cooperation with the community going forward.
Media interest in the recent protests has been constant, particularly in the subsequent violent disorder which took place in Bristol on Sunday 21st March. More than 100 officers and staff continue to work on the investigation and, following a number of public appeals, so far we've arrested 40 people suspected of being involved. Next week, we are planning to provide a comprehensive update on the investigation which will include new images of people we want to speak to, an update on arrests, as well as previously unreleased helicopter footage from the night, and details of some of the costs incurred as result of the disorder. The financial cost to the public purse will be significant and we appreciate your support in sharing our appeals to bring those responsible to justice.
Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all those marking Ramadan a blessed, month. As always, we will be supporting our officers and staff observing this holy occasion and discussing any individual needs that they may have. We also want to ensure that everyone within our organisation has access to information which will enable better understanding of Ramadan, and as part of this our Outreach Team will be hosting a series of virtual discussion sessions to build knowledge among colleagues. Ramadan will, of course again, be a very different experience for many due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Muslim Council of Britain has lots of resources & advice available to help make the most of Ramadan while staying safe, and we have shared links to this on our social media.

Yours sincerely
Sue Mountstevens Andy Marsh QPM
Police & Crime Commissioner Chief Constable

Sharon Baker
Chief Inspector
Local Policing Area Commander
East Somerset (South Somerset & Mendip)
Yeovil Police Station, The Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2HT

Mobile 07342985812
E-mail: Sharon.baker2@avonandsomerset.police.uk

19th April 2021

Constitution and Standards Committee

Dear Parish,

I am hoping you will be able to offer some help with regard to the promoting the attached press release to your website or noticeboards.

We have three vacancies for co-opted members to our Constitution and Standards Committee and are eager to encourage as many applicants as possible.

We will of course be using our recruitment team to also assist but it would be great if you could assist us in getting this out to as many media outlets as possible.

Any assistance would be gratefully received.

Kind regards

Laura Rose
Democratic Service Officer
Democratic Services
B3E
County Hall
Taunton
TA1 4DY

My Work Mobile: 07790577336
Directline: 01823 356151 or 01823 357628/01823 359500
Other Team Work Mobile: 07811313837 or 07790577232
Email the team: democraticservices@somerset.gov.uk

Standards Committee

8th April 2021

Proposal for referendum

Proposal for referendum on local government reform

We wanted to let you know as soon as we could that each of our district councils will next week decide on a proposal to hold a local referendum on local government reform.

We are bringing forward this proposal because we want to ensure that Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has all the information they will need to determine which of the two options on the table local people support.

Concerns have been expressed about the consultation process and the lack of prominence given to the voice of the most important stakeholders – the city, town and parish councils of Somerset and the actual residents of Somerset – within the current Government consultation.

There have been calls from Somerset residents for the councils to take steps to ensure residents' views on the potential changes and their preference for the future of local government can be expressed in a clear and open manner.

A local referendum would provide invaluable additional information on top of the evidence that the current Government consultation.

This vote would be held after the current consultation closes, but before the Local Government Secretary is due to announce his decision. So, the information the vote will provide can be added to that gleaned from the consultation.

The poll would open on 7 May and close on 28 May. Voting would be by post or online and the poll would be run independent of the local councils by Civica Electoral Services (formerly Electoral Reform Services).

Should our councils back the proposal, I hope you will encourage your members and communities to take part. This is a once-in-a-generation chance to make a fresh start, to shape our local services and develop local solutions to the challenges we face.

Yours,

Cllr Val Keitch, Leader of South Somerset District Council

Cllr Ros Wyke, Leader of Mendip District Council

Cllr Duncan McGinty, Leader of Sedgemoor District Council

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Leader of Somerset West & Taunton Council

6th April 2021

From the desk of David Fothergill

Please find attached the April briefing sheet from David Fothergill, Leader of Somerset County Council

Briefing Sheet

6th April 2021

Update on Highway Works in South Somerset Area, Week Commencing 05 April 2021.

I am writing to update you on the latest progress of SCC highway works in the South Somerset Area, for the week commencing the 05th of April 2021.
For your information, I
attach the planned programme of works. Works highlighted in red indicate that this is a new scheme introduced into the works programme. Dates highlighted in red indicate a change to the original dates that have previously been detailed.
Additional 'live' information can be found on our webpage by following the link, www.travelsomerset.co.uk.
Should you wish to discuss any particular scheme in more detail, please contact this office at your earliest convenience.
Regards

Neil McWilliams
Highway Service Manager
Somerset County Council
South Somerset Area Highways Office
Mead Avenue
Houndstone Business Park
Yeovil
Somerset
BA22 8RT

Highways Update

6th April 2021

Update on Highway Works in South Somerset Area, Week Commencing 29 March 2021.

Good afternoon all.
Update on Highway Works in South Somerset Area, Week Commencing the 29th of March 2021.
I am writing to update you on the latest progress of SCC highway works in the South Somerset Area, for the week commencing the 29th of March 2021.
For your information, I attach the planned programme of works. Works highlighted in red indicate that this is a new scheme introduced into the works programme. Dates highlighted in red indicate a change to the original dates that have previously been detailed.
Additional 'live' information can be found on our webpage by following the link, www.travelsomerset.co.uk.
Should you wish to discuss any particular scheme in more detail, please contact this office at your earliest convenience.
Regards

Neil McWilliams
Highway Service Manager
Somerset County Council
South Somerset Area Highways Office
Mead Avenue
Houndstone Business Park
Yeovil
Somerset
BA22 8RT

Highways Update

29th March 2021

Police and Crime Commissioner Election

Please find attached the Notices for the Police and Crime Commissioner election.

Kind Regards

Michelle Mainwaring
Case Officer (Democratic Services)
Strategy and Commissioning
South Somerset District Council 

PCC Election

22nd March 2021

Wessex Internet

I am writing with some exciting news about ultrafast internet connectivity coming to your area, and to introduce myself.

I am the Community Engagement Manager for Wessex Internet - a rural internet provider. We are delighted to have been awarded a contract by Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) to deliver ultrafast full fibre broadband to selected properties and businesses in parts of rural South Somerset. I am pleased to be able to share our map of coverage areas which we are releasing today which can be viewed on our website here cds.wessexinternet.com .

This is a fantastic opportunity that will bring many benefits to communities like yours that have been overlooked when it comes to high quality and high speed connections. As more of us are working, schooling, running businesses and spending leisure time at home, an ultrafast reliable internet connection is a necessity rather than a luxury.

I’d love to arrange a meeting with you to discuss this further, and to answer any questions that you or parishioners may have. We are more than happy to come along and talk to you first, or at a forthcoming Parish Council meeting. Depending on lockdown restrictions, this could be done via an online forum. Please let me know by contacting me by email or phone – if I don’t hear from you, I will follow up in a couple of weeks. I would be grateful if you could pass this email on to anybody else that is relevant.

In the meantime, you will see that our website has some FAQs and more detailed information that may be helpful.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Christine O’Grady

Wessex Internet

SUPERFAST FIBRE & WIRELESS INTERNET

Office: 0333 240 7997

Mobile: 07956 333782

Email: christine.o’grady@wessexinternet.com

Address: The Old Laundry, Ranston, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8PU

Web: www.wessexinternet.com




12th March 2021

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Farming

Dear All,

Please find attached details of our next Mental Health and Wellbeing webinar being held on Tuesday 23rd February 2021 at 6pm.

We have another great line up of speakers from CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably, Gay Farmer Helpline, an Accredited CBT Therapist, Market Chaplin, FCN-Farming Community Network and a very brave young lady from Kingsbridge Young Farmers.
To register for the event please following the link below:
www.mhwinfarming2.eventbrite.co.uk
If you register for the event but are unable to make it on the night we will still forward you a recording of the event.

Please circulate to any contacts or groups who may find it useful.

Many thanks

Nikki Rattenbury
Trading Standards Officer
Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service
A Joint Service Commissioned by Devon, Somerset and Torbay Councils

01392 383000
01392 382159 (Fax)

Trading Standards, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD

www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk

For clear practical Consumer Advice - call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506

For Business Advice - call 01392 381381 from Devon, 0300 123 2224 from Somerset or 01803 208025 from Torbay

For Approved Local Traders, to recommend a business for the scheme, or to apply to join Buy with Confidence visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Email Disclaimer - https://www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk/privacy-notice/

19th January 2021

Step Up Somerset

Dear colleague
Step Up Somerset is a multi-agency one-stop-shop launched to provide support for those individuals who are job hunting, seeking training in new industries or working to strengthen their skills by providing details of employment and skills services and resources. For anyone without internet access, further one-to-one help can also be provided by phoning the Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275.

Best wishes

Debbie Rundle
Communications Officer
Somerset County Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset TA1 4DY
01823 356197
drundle@somerset.gov.uk

10th November 2020

The Covid Community Champions Network: Helping people to stay happy and healthy.

Hello,

I hope this email find you safe and well?

I’m writing to tell you about an exciting new opportunity. Spark Somerset is working in partnership with SASP (Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership) to set up the Covid Community Champions Network. The network will give local people a role in helping their community to get up to date information and make the right choices to stay healthy.

After attending a short online training course, Covid Community Champions will be able to help their family, friends and the wider community to understand the latest guidance around Covid-19, and signpost to other health and wellbeing support. This can done informally as the Champions go about their day to day lives. Whether they chat to someone while queuing outside the shop, talk to work colleagues, or challenge something they see online, they will play a vital part in helping keep local people informed, happy, and healthy.

Champions will have the opportunity to attend regular meetings, where they’ll get to know the other Champions, keep up to date, and feedback about how things are going where they live and work.

We’re particularly keen to involve people living or working with communities that might find it hard to get the right information about how to stay happy and healthy at the moment, and areas where Covid infections rates are highest in Somerset.

If you, or someone you know who might be interested in a becoming a Covid Champion, you can find more information and sign up here

The first induction/training session will be via Zoom on Tuesday 17th November at 7pm. Sign up details will be sent to people who have registered on the link above.

If you’d like to discuss how your organisation might support the network, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

I look forward to working with you.

Best wishes,
Helen

Helen Fielden
Volunteer Development Officer
Please note: I am part time and work mainly 9.30-2.30, Monday-Friday

4th November 2020

Local Government Association Model Member Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

21st June 2020