The Somerset Leveller - Issue 161

Welcome to your new-look Leveller

HELLO, and welcome to your new-look Somerset Leveller.

Recently, your favourite read was acquired by Blackmore Vale Media, the independent publisher of titles across the south west including the New Blackmore Vale, the Salisbury & Avon Gazette in Wiltshire and the Purbeck Gazette in Dorset.

Here at Blackmore Vale Media, we believe in community news for the benefiit of our readers.

We want to be at the heart of all things Somerset - from providing breaking news on our website - somersetleveller.co.uk - to in-depth reports in the printed product, we aim to bring you everything you need to know.

From advertising solutions to news exclusives, your Somerset Leveller will be your one-stop-shop for news, features, interviews and information.

Director at Blackmore Vale Media, Lloyd Armishaw, pictured, said: “Since launching in 2020 after the closure of the Blackmore Vale magazine, we have built

a reputation for providing news and information to communities across the south west.

“As a growing, independent publisher, we care about the communities we cover - because we are the communities we

cover.

“This is something we want to continue with the new-look Leveller, bringing you all the news you can use in Somerset.”

Editor in chief, Paul Jones, added: “It’s a real thrill to be taking on the Leveller.

“We have some big plans for the paper, both in print and online, so we want you to get involved and help us stay on top of everything happening in the community.

“Somerset is my home, I care about the community and how it is covered. So please, feel free to get in touch with stories, thoughts, ideas and yes, even complaints.”

For editorial, you can get in touch with the Leveller via newsdesk@ somersetleveller.co.uk.

n For advertising enquiries, contact us via https://somersetleveller.co.uk/ advertise, or call Ruth on 07973 758728. or Juliet Barber on 07544737860

Advertising

Ruth White - Advertising Manager ruth@somersetleveller.co.uk tel: 07973 758728

Juliet Barber - Ad Sales Executive juliet@somersetleveller.co.uk tel: 07544 737860

Paul Jones - Editor in Chief newsdesk@somersetleveller.co.uk tel: 01963 401177

Debi Thorne - Sales Director debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net tel: 07714 289409

Publisher

Lloyd Armishaw - tel: 01963 401177

Lloyd Armishaw, publisher at Blackmore Vale Media

Burglary CCTV

POLICE have released CCTV images of a person they would like to trace after an attempted burglary in Wells.

The incident happened at a shop in Broad Street at between 8.45am and 9am on Thursday, February 15.

Avon & Somerset Police said the person was unsuccessful in gaining entry due to security measures at the store - and because they were disturbed.

Officer in the case, Jim Card, said: “We appreciate the CCTV images do not show the man’s face, but believe the distinctive bag and motorcycle – believed to be a Royal Enfield Hunter – may mean someone can help us identify him for us.

“We’d ask anyone who can help our efforts to please contact us online or call 101 providing the call-handler with reference number 5224040212.”

Non-stop at crash

A CAR involved in a crash in Weston super Mare failed to stop at the scene, police said.

The incident, at around 10.40pm on Friday, March 1, happened on Old Mill Way, near its junction with Worle Moor Road.

Police said a blue Ford with green writing on its side collided with a Ford Ka. Call 101, reference 5224054653.

£18 adult entrance fee set to start at Wells Cathedral

WELLS Cathedral is to charge entry to visitors for the first time.

The cathedral has announced changes to the entry policy, which will come into force on April 22.

However, it will remain free to enter for worship, prayer, and to light a candle, the cathedral said, as well as for those living within the parish boundaries.

“It is our responsibility to maintain and care for Wells Cathedral and all it offers to the community for future generations,” a spokesperson said.

“However, the cathedrals of the Church of England receive limited funding from the church and government and rely on donations, legacies and grants as well as the income they can generate for themselves.

“That means here at Wells we must raise £4,500 per day

through our own endeavours and with the vital help of our visitors, congregation and supporters.”

From April 22, adult tourists will be charged £8 for entry, with concessions (people aged 11 to 18, students and people over 65) costing £7. Under-10s go free and family tickets cost £20.

“There will never be a

charge for people who wish to come into the Cathedral to pray, attend a service or light a candle; everyone is welcome,” the spokesperson added.

For details of the new Residents’ Pass and Parish Pass, which both allow barrier free entry, are available at www.wellscathedral.org.uk/ your-visit/wells-passes.

Frome College staff member charged with attempted murder after stabbing in Bath

A MEMBER of staff at Frome CollegeMatthew Jones - has been charged with attempted murder.

The 29-year-old, of Ivy Avenue, Southdown, Bath, appeared before magistrates in the city today (February 29) charged in connection with the stabbing of a woman in her 20s on Monday, February 26.

She remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital following the incident, which happened at around 4.20pm in Dransfield Way, Bath, pictured right.

A spokesperson for Frome College said: “As you may be aware from the media, one of our members of staff, Matthew Jones, has been charged by police following a domestic incident in Bath on Monday, February 26.

“Please be assured this was not in any way related to Frome College nor our college community and there are no safeguarding concerns.

“We will write specifically to those students and families whose lessons are affected.

“These will be covered, especially exam classes, with specialist teachers where possible. We will continue to offer our support to any student affected by this news.

“As this is an ongoing police investigation, we cannot comment any further at this time.”

Fresh plans for 1,700 ‘sustainable’ homes on outskirts of Frome

by PAUL JONES paul@blackmorevale.net

A REVISED planning application for permission to build up to 1,700 new homes on the edge of Frome has been submitted.

The scheme, by Grass Roots Planning Ltd on behalf of Land Value Alliances and Landowners Consortium, would see s development called the Selwood Garden Community built on land south of Frome, off Marston Road.

Plans for the scheme were originally submitted in 2021, but have now been updated, to address “a range of comments that have been made by statutory consultees and the council”.

An outlines application, the plans do not include full details, but do outline an intention to build up to 1,700 homes, including an allocation of affordable dwellings, as well as a primary school, two care homes, shops and cafes.

The application outlines: “The vision is to deliver an innovative and sustainable community integrated with both the town and the countryside.

“Providing intimate neighbourhoods, community facilities and employment spaces set in the distinctive countryside of the River Frome Valley; it will help Frome’s wider transition to a low-carbon economy and will help enable the One Planet Living Agenda to be put into practice.”

It said privately-owned agricultural land would be transformed into community meadows, orchards, parks and allotments, alongside a “network of footpaths and cycleways” and employment premises.

Of the 1,700 homes, the application said 30% would be affordablearound 510 homes. In total, 67% would be for social rent (1,139), 25% first homes (425) and 8%

shared ownership (136).

The proposal indicates a split of 29 two-bed flats, 298 two-bed houses, 599 three-bed houses, 159 four-bed houses, 17 five-bed houses and 88 self-build plots.

“This housing mix is illustrative and may change, however it gives a general direction to future developers and will not be changed significantly unless updated housing evidence such as a new Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) or commercial assessment identifies that an alternative approach should be considered,” the application said.

Meanwhile, two care homes would provide up to 105 beds, with a first school providing two-form entry and a nursery.

Restaurants and cafes, as well as a convenience store and takeaways would also be developed on the site, as well as a dentist and premises for businesses.

Man freed from car on its side after crash near Frome

A CAR ended up on its side after a crash near Frome.

Fire crews were called to the Selwood area at around 8.13am on Saturday, March 2.

“Fire control received a call from the police, asking for Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service assistance with a single vehicle road traffic collision with reports of the vehicle being on its side on the outskirts of Frome,” a spokesperson

said. “A crew from Frome was mobilised alongside a crew from Warminster and an officer.

“After booking in attendance, crew confirmed that the vehicle had landed in a garden with a male still trapped within the vehicle. After ambulance carried out an assessment on the casualty, crews managed to assist them out of the vehicle.

“Crew was then able to make the vehicle safe.”

Impressions of how the development could look Pictures: Grass Roots Planning/Somerset Council

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Quick news...

Biker hurt in crash

A BIKER suffered leg injuries after a crash in Bridgwater.

Police are keen to hear from witnesses after the incident, in Ascot Drive, at around 5.30am on Thursday, February 8.

The crash involved a silver Renault Clio and a grey Kawasaki motorbike and the biker, a man in his 30s, needed to go to hospital due to leg injuries sustained but has since been discharged.

The Clio driver remained at the scene.

Anyone who has dashcam or witnessed the collision should contact police on 101 and give the reference number 5224033875.

Taunton cricket club in new car park plan

A TAUNTON cricket club wants to create a private car park on land in the town centre.

Taunton Deane Cricket Club has applied to Somerset Council to create the 56-space facility on land neighbouring the ground, at The Convent Field, behind Vivary Park.

The land was previously home to Taunton Deane Borough Council’s nursery, which has since closed, with the land becoming vacant.

“The site currently features a large section of concrete hardstanding and concrete access road, although these areas are now covered with detritus,” the application, submitted by Haygrove Building Design Ltd on behalf of the club, said.

“Vehicles can still access the land via gates on the north east boundary (old access to

by PAUL JONES paul@blackmorevale.net

the plant nursery) via a continued right of access through neighbouring Ellisfields Court Retirement Home.”

Though the Environment Agency classes the site as

high risk for long-term flooding, the application said the car park would only be used during matches, which are seasonal, and not in very wet weather.

“The existing gates along the north eastern boundary will remain in place for council maintenance vehicles to have continued unimpeded access through the car park and out to land situated to the south east,” it went on.

“It is not possible to install mains power to the car park, so lighting for the site will comprise individual solarpowered units, focused downwards and at a low level which is rated bat-friendly.”

The application said the car park was a “much-needed community facility”, with parking limited at the ground.

“The proposed car park will make good use of what is currently waste land and given the proposed use should not rpesent any risk from flooding or indeed make the flooding worse in other locations,” it added.

School reading efforts get top marks

PUPILS at a Somerset primary school has received praise from a government minister for their excellent reading skills - which put them in the top 5% in the country.

Huish Episcopi Primary School has been recognised for results in phonics tests in a letter from The Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP, Minister of State for Schools (Con, East Hampshire).

The letter, which was received earlier this month, recognises the significant number of children who passed their phonics test placing the school in the top 5% of the country.

Systematic phonics is the recommended strategy for teaching children to read and write.

Phonics testing takes place in all state schools in the country in Year 1, when children are five to six years old.

Tiffany Doughty Davis, headteacher, said: “We are delighted with the progress and results of our phonics.

“This means that children are in the

best place possible to progress with their learning in all subjects.

“We place great emphasis on children learning to read from the first day they start with us in Reception in September.

“Our children go on to receive fantastic results and show great progress across all statutory testing following a broad, fun and ambitious curriculum.

“There is no secret to our success, it’s

down to the efforts of our families, staff and children all working together.”

The school has previously received recognition for their results in KS2 which were also placed in the top 5% nationally.

Huish Episcopi Primary School, part of Preston Primary Academy Trust, came seventeenth in the county for their KS2 results this year out of around 300 schools.

Pair assisted Radstock killer after stabbing

TWO people have appeared in court for sentencing after admitting assisting a murderer who stabbed Charley Bates in a Radstock car park.

Charley, 16, pictured inset, died after being stabbed by Joshua Delbono in The Street on Sunday, July 31, 2022.

Delbono received a life sentence in April 2023, and will serve a minimum of 21 years, for Charley’s murder.

travelling in a Citroen to the car park in the centre of Radstock, with Delbono travelling with his thengirlfriend Lauren Ephgrave, 21, in the Seat behind.

Now, a man and woman who helped him in the aftermath of the crime have been sentenced.

CCTV footage showed 20-year-old Jack Seal

After Delbono had stabbed 16-year-old Charley, they fled the scene in the same two vehicles, eventually heading to Shearwater Lake, near Warminster. Delbono admitted during his trial that he threw the knife he used to murder Charley into the lake. While at the lake, Ephgrave took photos of clothes being burned in an attempt to dispose of

evidence.

Ephgrave, of Melksham, and Seal, of Frome, both pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and were sentenced by Judge William Hart at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, March 1.

Ephgrave received a 10-month custodial sentence suspended for 18 months and must engage in 20 days’ rehabilitation activity.

Seal was sentenced to 15 months in prison, again suspended for 18 months, and must engage in 140 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.

Sentencing, Judge Hart said both had chosen to help Delbono after he fatally wounded Charley, rather than the critically injured teenager.

He also recognised the dignity Charley’s family had shown throughout all the legal proceedings.

Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “(The) hearing brings to a conclusion a significant police investigation that has ensured not only a dangerous murderer is behind bars, but has seen two people who helped him receive criminal records too.”

Lauren Ephgrave and Luke Seal Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Somerton by-election candidates listed

A FORMER county council cabinet member and a junior doctor are among candidates in an upcoming by-election in Somerton.

Voters will head to the polls on March 28 to elect a representative on Somerset Council for the Somerton division after the sad passing of former councillor, Dean Ruddle, in January.

The full list of candidates confirmed by the council this week is:

n Gregory Chambers (Lab)

n Matthew Geen (Green Party)

n David Hall (Con)

n Stephen Page (Lib Dem)

Mr Hall is a former Conservative councillor and deputy leader of Somerset County Council.

He has been seeking a way to return to local government after he was ousted in the 2022 poll for the new Somerset Council, coming third in the Somerton ward.

Then, in August last year, he stood for election in the Castle Cary ward, but was beaten into second place by Lib Dem,

Kevin Messenger.

For Labour, Mr Chambers is a junior doctor working at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.

He has served two years as chair of Friends of Somerton Library and grew up on the town.

In 2022, he stood in the Martock ward for Labour, coming in seventh place.

The Lib Dems have nominated Stephen Page, who in 2022 stood in Castle Cary, coming fourth in the poll.

And the Green Party have nominated

Matthew Geen, who stood in Curry Rivel & Langport in 2022, coming in seventh place.

In order to vote on March 28, Somerton residents must be registered. The deadline for registration - at gov.uk - is midnight on Tuesday, March 12.

Postal vote applications must be lodged by 5pm on Wednesday, March 13, and can also be completed online.

In a change to previous elections, people planning to vote in person at a polling station must provide photo ID –this can include a passport, driving licence or older person’s bus pass.

The full list of acceptable ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

You can still use your photo ID if it is out of date, if it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

Those without the necessary ID can apply for the free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) – before 5pm on Wednesday, March 20.

Greg Chambers, left, and David Hall

Anger, frustration and sorrow on show as Somerset sets a ‘balanced’ budget...

“I AM angry. I am angry. I am angry.”

Those were the words of Somerset Council leader Bill Revans (Lib Dem, North Petherton) as the authority’s Full Council debated - and approved - the 2024/25 budget.

On February 20, our representatives gathered in Bridgwater to thrash out the council’s budget for the coming financial year.

After details of a possible reprieve for closure-threatened recycling centres was revealed - through the renegotiation of council contracts - discussion turned to the recommendations of Jason Vaughan, executive director of resources and corporate services.

Mr Vaughan laid out the finances of the council in pessimistic terms, telling members they could set a balanced budget for this coming financial year, using reserves to plug the funding gap.

However, he issued a stark warning that next year, the council could be faced with issuing a section 114 noticeeffectively declaring itself bankrupt.

“For 2025/26, there is a forecast budget gap of £103.9m - in excess of the forecast level of reserves,” he went on.

“If that postion turned out to be true, that would trigger a section 114, as the budget gap exceeds available resources.

“I am very concerned about the 2025/26 financial year and the ability to set the budget for that year, given the size of the budget gap.

“(Issuing a section 114 notice) is looking very likely, based on these figures, but there is still a lot of action left to take,” he added.

The council previously cited spiralling costs of social care, rising interest rates and a rise in the national living wage, combined with a cut in government grants, for soaring costs.

Cllr Liz Leyshon (Lib Dem, Street) told the meeting councils like Somerset “clearly need government support”, particularly after a requested council tax increase of 10% - which has to be granted by central government - was refused for the county.

“Government attention and support

will be needed to save a wholesale failure of local authorities as they deal with the financial situation we have experienced and dealt with since 2020, including a global pandemic, inflation on energy costs and food, increases in the national living wage, a hot labour market and more,” she said.

Increased interest rates following the Liz Truss/Kwasi Kwarteng mini budget, and “partly as a result of that”, an increase in homelessness and the reduced value of commercial long-term investments, all contributed to the shortfall, she added.

“Councils of all colours and sizes across the country have budget gaps and maximum council tax increases,” she said. “When government respodned with additional monies, the increased amount for Somerset - of approximately £5mhas countered the increase in the national living wage, but no more.”

She said savings outlined in the OneSomerset proposal - which saw the county’s four district councils merge to form Somerset Council - had “already been superceeded”.

“This council needs to go further and faster in transformation than envisaged in 2020,” she said.

Government funding, since 2013, had dropped from £80m per year to just over £8m, she told councillors.

“Underlying challenges for Somerset County Council then were the same as today, now magnified by the gobal pandemc and economic problems we have seen since,” she said. “The move to unitary has brought reeserves together but also brought together challenges of district and combined councils.”

She said government support for local authorities will be “critical”, but the “summary is bleak”.

Council tax in comparable counties, such as Wiltshire and Dorset, remains higher than in Somerset, she said.

“When you put all of that together, if we had Dorset’s council tax, there would be £53m a year more in our base budget,” Cllr Leyshon said.

“As the government agreed the move

to one, unitary authority (and) the inherent problems of low council tax, the secretary of state set up a council to fail.”

She added: “It is not the budget any of us would wish to present. It is a budget and it is a balanced budget.”

Cllr Mike Hewitson (Lib Dem, Coker) is chair of the council’s Audit Committee.

He said: “Without a change in circumstances, there can be no doubt the likelihood of this council having to issue a section 114 notice remains extremely high.

“Within five years, the council has to face a further £200m in pressures, many of which it has no control over.”

He said a “financial ticking timebomb has gone off”, with statutory costs - what the council is legally required to spendset to overtake income.

Cllr Gill Wren (Ind, Upper Tone) said the council was “on the brink” after the decision to refuse a 10% councl tax rise.

“The decision to refuse the council tax increase, to me, was perverse,” he said. “Raising council tax would have given us more secure income going forward, but that has now been denied.

“If we do go to a section 114, the government will install commissioners and they will raise the council tax anyway, so what are supposed to be doing? This boils down to political will and there is a lack of it in national government to support local authorities.”

Cllr David Fothergill (Con, Monkton & North Curry) said the budget was not balanced as it relied on assurances in letters from the DLUHC.

“This is not a balanced budget, as you cannot count a piece of paper, a wing and a prayer strategy, to set this budget,” he said. “There is a lot of question about how we can set a balanced budget on a piece of paper that has come from DLUHC and does not say what a lot of people want it to say.”

And Mr Vaughan had a stark message for councillors as they prepared to vote on one part of the budget.

“It is going to be absolutely critical that we deliver those savings (in the report),” he said. “If something goes

Facing a financial emergency, with a funding gap of some £100 million, Somerset Council gathered to debate plans to see the authority through the next financial year. PAUL JONES watched on...

wrong during the year, it could trigger a section 114.

“We are burning through our reserves. That is not sustainable.

“I can’t gve members any guarantee we won’t issue a 114 at some stage. Our position is precarious.”

Green councillor Martin Dimery (Green Party, Frome West) said: “Nothing convinces me the position of this council is sustainable.

“We’ve been to the government, to receive a derisory contribution. The government was only too willing to support the conversion to a unitary authority, and the cuts, but not prepared to support us.”

“These are not cuts. We are seeing the systematic dismantling of local government in Somerset,” he added.

And Cllr Revans, pictured, said before the vote: “This is not a local problem, this is a national problem. We are a case study of what is happening in councils up and down the country.

“That’s not an opinion of myself, but all the organisations that represent local government and the opinion of the cross-party committee for LUHC.

“We need to recognise that this is a broken model of local government and we need to be making sure there is a cross party concesus on the future of local government.

“I am angry. I am angry. I am angry. What has been done to local government across this country is appalling. What has been done to local services in Somerset - that we are having to do - is appalling. Yes, it is appalling.

“But as I learned from 22 years in the classroom, you don’t get angry. You look for the solutions, you look for how you can deliver outcomes.

“Unless you protect as many services locally as possible, we are not fulfilling our repsonsibility. (Issuing a) section 114 will bring in commissioners to this county to run things, abdicating responsibilities of councillors.”

The budget came as councils across the country face financial pressures.

The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) recently released its report, The State of Local Government Finance in England 2024.

Chief executive, Jonathan Carr-West, echoed many of the warnings from Somerset saying: “The balance has tipped. It is no longer possible to ignore or misunderstand the problems local government faces, they are undeniable.

“Up to now, reactions to bankruptcy have rightly scrutinised the individual councils’ finances. Poor governance and risky investments have certainly played a part. However this report, for the first time, demonstrates how widespread councils’ desperate funding situation is.

“That there is a structural funding issue is now impossible to deny.”

The report outlines a sector in “financial crisis”, with more than half of respondents telling the LGIU they were “likely to declare bankruptcy in the next five years”.

Social care, for children and adults, is the “most urgent short-term pressure”, it said, again echoing leaders in Somerset, with the “central-local government relationship in a critically poor state”.

“Only 8% of respondents were happy with central government’s performance in considering local government in wider policy decisions,” the report went on. “Only 1.4% were happy with the government’s performance in delivering a sustainable funding system.”

The calls for an improved funding mechanism from central government - which has faced severe cuts since 2010 - are not new.

In 2018, while leader of Somerset County Council, Cllr Fothergill himself said the system for funding services in the county was “broken”.

“The mechanism through which central Government funds local government is broken and putting all local authorities under enormous pressure,” he said. “We are managing those pressures, prioritising services for the vulnerable and making sure we have appropriate levels of reserves. We have savings plans and we are sustainable, but

it is extremely tough.

“The Government’s Fairer Funding Review has to help councils like ours meet the needs of vulnerable residents and a sustainable, nationwide approach to the funding of social care must be a top policy priority. We have lobbied hard for this with the support of all of Somerset’s MPs and we will continue to do so.”

And it goes back even further. In 2016, then-leader of the county council, John Osman, wrote to prime minister at the time Theresa May (Con, Maidenhead) detailing a “serious situation”.

“Over the last five years we have had to make savings of around £100m,” he said. “Together with other local authorities we need to exert strong and collective pressure on the Government, making it clear that this cannot continue without having an impact on what we are able to do for our residents.

“Sadly, we can no longer provider all the things that we would want to provide.”

This is not a partisan issue, no matter how those in power may try to present it.

However we got here, whatever the situation, councils are in crisis - and all parties agree. There is no doubt local government is facing extreme financial pressures, from all angles. The pandemic, soaring energy and care costs, combined with cuts in central government funding, have led to this point.

Parliament is aware, the council is aware - and has been for years - but we have still ended up here.

Bill Revans is angry. So was David Forthergill. So was John Osman.

And so are the people of Somerset.

Homes could be built on allotments

PEOPLE are being urged to have their say over possible sites for at least 505 new homes in Mendip.

Somerset Council has launched a formal consultation to review and reconsider housing sites following a High Court Order to make amendments to the Mendip Local Plan Part 2 (LPP2).

Local plans form a basis for deciding where new housing and employment developments will be built and includes sites in Frome, Street, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet and Wells.

Among the sites up for consultation are allotments off the A39 and Lowerside Lane in Glastonbury, pictured, and the creation of a “permanent and regularised site for Travellers” at the former Moorlands factory.

On the Lowerside allotments location, the plan said: “This site could deliver housing in a logical extension to the adjoining large site which already has planning permission and could

potentially offer additional options for access.

“However, it would result in the loss of well-used and mature allotment land. Ordinarily, allocations affecting designated recreation spaces would not be acceptable, but the constraints around Glastonbury are so significant that this site is one of few viable options to provide for the housing needs of the town. Alternative provision will be made to ensure the loss of allotments is

mitigated.”

And on the Morlands traveller site proposal, it added: “This location would not normally be considered appropriate for residential use. However, the council will seek to bring forward a permanent and regularised site for Travellers within the allocated area identified.”

The consultation will run until April 12 and the council is keen to hear from as many people as possible.

The consultation can be found at https://somersetcouncil. citizenspace.com/planning/mendip-localplan-part-ii-limited-update-reg-18. All consultation documents can be found online at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/ planning-buildings-and-land/adoptedlocal-plans/?district=Mendip.

Paper copies of the documents will also be available to view at the Shape Mendip offices in Shepton Mallet, while the council will also hold online briefings in March and April.

Farmer braves barefoot runs

A SOMERSET farmer is taking on three marathons on the Dorset coast to plant kitchen gardens in schoolsand doing it barefoot!

Matteo Grasso, of Higher Farm, Castle Cary, will take on the challenge in a bid to raise £8,000 for the project.

Matteo plans to lead the challenge on March 22, 23 and 24.

“We are Higher Farm in Somerset, and our project is focused on supporting a future for local, natural and accessible food,” he said.

“Our vision with this fundraiser is to set up a kitchen garden at Hazlegrove Prep to provide nutritious, organic and sustainable food, and to incorporate the students, offering an educational experience growing and learning about

food.

“We are contributing our team of farmers to manage and implement the gardens, and the fundraiser will fund the plants, tools, materials and any additional labour if needed.”

He said the farm was teaming up with Hazlegrove Prep and more, if funds can be raised.

“In a time where our unsustainable food system is causing dramatic problems for our health and our climate,

where we are further and further disconnected from our food and British childhood obesity is at its highest ever, we believe this is a very important cause to support future generations,” Matteo added.

“We are so grateful for your support in bringing this vision to life.”

For more information on the challenge - and to make a donation - see justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/ Foodforestbarefoottriple.

Quick news...

Body Shop stores staying open

THE Body Shop branches in Somerset are set to stay open – despite 75 stores closing across the UK.

A total of 116 shops are staying open after the firm announced earlier this month it had gone into administration.

In Somerset, branches in Taunton and at the Clarks Outlet Village in Street, will stay open.

A store in Poole, Dorset, and at Bristol’s Cabot Circus, will also remain open.

However in Wiltshire, branches in Trowbridge and Salisbury will close.

Body Shop was founded by Anita Roddick in 1976, but sold in 2006.

Quick news...

Biker killed

A MAN died after a crash in Weston super Mare in the early hours of March 1.

Avon & Somerset Police said the incident happened at around 4.30am, in Royal Sands, involving a motorcycle that hit a wall.

“Despite the best efforts of members of the public and emergency services, the victim, in his 20s, died at the scene,” a spokesperson said.

“The man’s family have been informed and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

Anyone who was in the area between 4.15am and 4.30am and remembers seeing the collision, or has relevant footage, should contact police on 101.

Pensioner jailed for killing his wife at their Brean home

PENSIONER Simon Steeves has been jailed for murdering his wife at their home in Brean.

The 71-year-old admitted killing his wife, 59-year-old Denise Steeves, at their home in Diamond Meadow Lodge Park, in Weston Road, on October 25 last year.

On February 29 at Bristol Crown Court, Steeves was jailed for 14 years and two months, reduced to 13 years and 300 days due to the time already served on remand.

The court heard how Steeves, pictured, had stabbed his wife and then called 999 and told police he had murdered her.

The first officers on the scene performed CPR on Denise until paramedics

arrived but, despite their best efforts, she tragically died at the scene.

Steeves was arrested and charged the following day.

Speaking after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Neil Meade from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “I want to express my heartfelt condolences to Denise’s family and loved ones after she was so suddenly taken away from them.

“Steeves admitted in

interview to fatally stabbing his wife, but said he had no recollection of picking up the knife.

“While no prison sentence will bring Denise back, I only hope this has given Denise’s loved ones some closure as they continue to navigate life without her.”

DI Meade added: “I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the brilliant work of the officers who supported this investigation, both within MCIT but also in response, Neighbourhood Policing and beyond.

“I would also like to thank witnesses and residents in the Diamond Meadow Lodge Park for their patience and support while we carried out our enquiries.”

Harriet set for Lviv trip

A SOMERSET woman grieving the loss of her husband is focussing on helping others.

Last year Harriet Ray, of West Compton, lost her husband.

As she mourned, a friend suggested a new project which may help her focus on the future.

“She suggested I might like to become involved with the Charity Medical Life Lines Ukraine, driving an ambulance in the spring as part of a convoy bringing medical aid to the town of Lviv,” Harriet, pictured, said.

“During the Bosnian conflict, I used to drive lorries every month from Croydon to central Bosnia taking food, clothes and medical supplies to beleaguered towns cut off from aid for months. My friend thought I would be well suited to drive to Ukraine and it would give me a purpose to focus on.”

However, before setting off, Harriet and her co-driver must both raise £7,500 to purchase and recondition an ex-NHS ambulance.

“So far, I have reached out to friends and family for funding and social media,” she said. “If you would like to donate to help me on my

way, I have a Gofundme account in the name of Harriet Ray. Please be sure to Gift Aid and put ‘referred by Harriet Ray’.”

She is also collecting donations to take to Lviv, including walking aids to help the elderly and wounded, as well as bandages, syringes and wound dressings.

“I have completed my ambulance driving training, which took place in London,” she added.

For more details, and to donate to Harriet’s appeal, log on to https://bit.ly/HarrietUkraine.

Man,

39, in

court after drug search

A MAN from Glastonbury has appeared in court charged with drug offences after officers carried out a positive stop and search.

Abdul Kadir, 39, of Boughton Road, appeared at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (March 6) charged with three counts of possession with intent to supply a class A drug (heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine), possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis), possession of criminal property, and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

Kadir was remanded in custody to appear at Taunton Crown Court on April 5.

near Bridgwater.

Agratas, part of the Tata Group, has started writing to residents to confirm plans to build a gigafactory producing EV batteries at the Gravity Smart Campus site in Puriton,

The move, which could create up to 4,000 new jobs, has been welcomed by leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans (Lib Dem, North Petherton).

He said: “This is momentous for the county, its economy and for future

generations.

“It’s about seizing an incredible opportunity to be at the heart of the UK’s green energy industry that will create thousands of highlyskilled, well-paid, green jobs.

“Agratas’ huge investment in the county has the potential to transform the local and

regional economy.”

Cllr Revans pointed to the Hinkley C project in West Somerset and the hosting of Leonardo in Yeovil as examples of the county leading the way in business growth.

“Together with Hinkley Point C and businesses like

How the new factory could look and over, Gravity chair, Martin Bellamy

Leonardo, it shows that modern Somerset is leading the way in exciting, high-tech industry and puts us firmly on the international trade map,” he said. “We know how to deliver significant projects and work with communities to maximise the benefits of investment into our county.”

The Puriton plant is earmarked to be operational before the end of the decade, eventually producing 40GWh of battery cells each year, enough to supply around 500,000 passenger vehicles.

Once fully operational, the factory is set to be Britain’s biggest battery factory, and one of the largest in Europe.

Meanwhile, to address the skills need, the council said over the next five years, it plans to invest in the infrastructure, skills, site access and connectivity needed to make sure Somerset

benefits as much as possible from Agratas’ investment.

This will be paid for by the Business Rates generated by the factory once it is operational.

The council and government are finalising an ‘in principle’ agreement for support, which will enable the scheme to happen without extra cost to the council.

The council’s Corporate and Resources Scrutiny committee will be asked to comment on the plans when it meets next month (March 7).

Cllr Ros Wyke, executive lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said: “This investment will create thousands of skilled

jobs in the green power industry that will bring a myriad of economic benefits to the county.

“Agratas and the council will be working with local colleges to deliver the comprehensive workforce and skills solution, including strategic links to other training and academic institutions, to help deliver the specialist skills needed for this project, and to maximise the opportunities for local people and businesses.”

Martin Bellamy, chair, and Tom Curtis, co–founders of Gravity, said: “It’s impossible to overstate how important this is for the UK. It is the catalyst to kick-start the electric vehicle

revolution in the UK. As the biggest battery gigafactory in the UK, and one of the largest in Europe, its transformational impact will be enormous.

“We look forward to working closely with Agratas, Somerset Council, Bridgwater & Taunton College and wider stakeholders to deliver this gigafactory as part of the Gravity Smart Campus.”

Andy Berry, principal at Bridgwater & Taunton College, said: “I’m delighted by this announcement and what it means for our community and the wider region. We’ve got a great deal of experience in workforce development,” he said.

“We can draw on that experience.

“We’ve been here and we’ve done this and Agratas can be tremendously confident in our community and in our workforce.”

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Analysis

Politics at the pump: How paying less to fill up has cost us all dear...

IN June 2012, headlines screamed of George Osborne’s “biggest U-turn yet”.

The newspaper sensationalism was in response to a reversal of the thenChancellor’s decision to increase fuel duty - the tax paid at the pump by drivers filling up - by 3p.

Sensible, you may say, when households were struggling with the aftermath of a global financial crisis which brought the international banking system to the brink of collapse.

But since then, the standard rate of fuel duty on petrol and diesel has been frozen.

Again, as we face a fresh cost-ofliving crisis, war in Ukraine and more, this may appear welcome.

However, the truth of the matter is, fuel duty is a big, big part of HMRC’s budget. It brings in a lot of money to pay for services such as the NHS.

In the financial year 1999/00, revenues from fuel duty made up 2.1% of the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP).

GDP, for the non-economically minded among us, is the main measure of economic growth, based on the value of goods and services produced.

But regardless of it’s technical definition, it is a vital tool showing the health of the economy; a growing GDP is a growing economy.

It’s no secret, due to numerous factors, the UK economy has not been in the best of places in recent times, stretching back to the global financial crisis.

Indeed, more recently, the UK entered a recession at the end of 2023, after negative GDP growth in the last two quarters of the year.

But why does fuel duty matter?

Well, let’s take another trip down

memory lane...

It is 1993, and the Conservative Government, led by John Major, introduced the fuel price escalator - a rather grandiose name for a formula that would control fuel duty rises in the coming years.

That year, 72.8% of the prices people paid for their petrol was made up of tax (for every £1 you spent at the pump, 72.8p went to the Treasury).

The fuel price escalator was designed to take the political sting out of increasing that rate, by laying out changes in advance.

When it was introduced, the government of the time dictated the escalator would gradually increase the rise in fuel duty above the rate of inflation - starting at 3% above, which rose to 5% above in the following years.

When Tony Blair’s Labour was elected in 1997, they increased the final rate rise to 6%.

So, fuel duty was always rising, year-on-year, bringing more money in to the Treasury.

Jump forward to the year 2000 and Tony Blair’s first-term saw one of its biggest crises.

Lorry owner-operators in the south east decided enough was enough - fuel prices had got too high.

By that point, for every £1 spent at the pump, 81.5p was now tax, for unleaded petrol. Too much for the hauliers to bear.

Independent haulage firms blockaded oil refineries, prompting panic buying at petrol pumps across the country, and a huge headache for the government.

They argued rises in the price of oil - and not higher taxes - had caused the spiralling costs of petrol. But people

were not happy.

In November 2000, to stave off protests and bad feeling among motorists, then-Chancellor Gordon Brown announced fuel duty would be frozen until at least April 2002. The fuel escalator was, effectively, binned.

Other taxes on fuels were also lowered, including for most lorries, easing tensions with hauliers.

As well effectively ending the fuel duty escalator, politically, it also ended the chance of raising fuel duty without all hell breaking loose.

But when the Coalition Government led by David Cameron came to power in 2010, Chancellor George Osborne decided it was time for an increase - and was set to raise it by 3p, returning to the previous starting point of the fuel duty escalator - before his “biggest U-turn yet”, amid fierce criticism of the rise from not only the Labour opposition, but his own backbenchers.

Then, in the 2011 Budget, Mr Osborne performed a full about-turn - a 1p cut in fuel duty - with Labour’s increase tool axed for the rest of the parliament.

He referred to the

decision in a recent podcast talking about the impact fuel duty freezes have had.

Mr Osborne said: “When I became chancellor in 2010, I tried to get off the essentially stuck position that Labour had been in since the fuel tanker dispute back in around 2000 (the petrol dispute).

“After that, the Blair/Brown governments never raised fuel duty.

“So I come in and I think, ‘that’s ridiculous we cant raise fuel duty, as it goes up with inflation’ and I proposed an increase.

“And then the shadow chancellor teams up with Tory backbenchers and basically defeats me. And as a result I have to freeze fuel duty, indeed cut fuel duty initially.

“After that, no Tory chancellor has ever dared raise fuel duty either, and the result is material.”

So, since 2011/12, fuel duty has been frozen.

Governments are, understandably, frightened of motorists, terrified of being blamed for raising taxes on something so fundamental to our lives as our cars - and the price of petrol.

The current Conservative Government, elected in 2019, has continued to freeze fuel duty, which they claim has saved motorists “a cumulative £1,000 by April 2020, compared with what they would have paid under the pre-2010 fuel duty escalator”.

And Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (Con, South West Surrey) continued that tradition in his Budget on March 7.

All well and good, you may say, one less thing we have to worry about.

But - and it’s a big ‘but’ - this does not come without consequences.

Going back to the UK’s GDP - that vital indicator of economic health...

A government report, published in April 2014, showed the steadily rising income from fuel duty up to the year 2000 - those protests - and the delining trend since.

In 1999/00, when those receipts hit their peak, the Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) says fuel duty made up 2.1% of the UK GDP (£22.5 billion).

Another graph, from the OBR, shows how that percentage has fallen ever since.

In 2022/23, fuel duty made up just 1% of UK GDP (£24.8bn), predicted to drop to 0.9% by 2027/28 (£25.9bn).

These may sound like small numbers, but until 2000, fuel duty had been an

increasing amount of money for decades, growing the UK economy.

Since then, it has not. While the amount may have risen, in real terms, and as a share of GDP, it has fallen relatively dramatically.

“In cash terms, both receipts and GDP will tend to rise over time because of economic growth and inflation,” the OBR explained.

“Receipts as a share of GDP is the most relevant metric when considering the sustainability of the public finances.”

When “considering the sustainability of public finances”, fuel duty has run out of gas.

And there is another little sting in the tail of this saga.

Though fuel duty increases have been frozen since 2011/12, every government since then has said it intends to increase them - before deciding not to, thus avoiding poitical fallout and having a ‘nice’ thing to announce, ‘saving’ households.

However, when a government is intending to increase income, such as through fuel duty, the extra money this would bring in features in future calculations.

So, the OBR - which publishes long-term economic forecasts on which governments can make policy decisions - assumes extra money is coming.

When it says the government has this amount of money to play with, it includes extra cash from the fuel duty increase

which, for the last 13 years, has later been whipped away by the Treasury.

This means many, many conversations on the UK economy going forward are based on, essentially, inaccurate figures.

This is handy when you are outlining spending - ‘we have this much money to play with’ - but not when reality bites and that money is not actually there.

So, while we all welcome cuts to the cost of filling up, it can be argued we are paying in myriad other ways, as falling income for the government is falling income for public services and in the ability to cut other taxes, or increase benefits.

It is a point former chancellor Mr Osborne agrees with, as mentioned on the podcast.

“Yes, of course you can say it’s helped motorists, but it’s led to a serious shortfall in tax revenues from this source,” he added.

“We are now around £60bn short of money we otherwise would have had, had the fuel duty escalator continued to rise, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. And that, today, would mean around £14bn, £15bn extra money in the budget this year. And when we talk about all the pressures on public services or indeed all the things youd like to do to cut other taxes, that would be very useful money to have.”

And going by their own figures, politics at the pumps has cost the Treasury - and us - dear.

How the receipts from fuel duty have decreasedover time, and left, how fuel duty, as a percentage of GDP, has decreased. Also left, George Osborne, who cut fuel duty after a backlash against a proposed increase

Food group marks a year of help

A YEOVIL food group is marking a year of helping those in need.

Westfield Local Pantry celebrated its first birthday on Sunday, March 3.

The group is part of the Somerset Local Pantry Network (SLPN), which buys and collects surplus food from supermarkets and other outlets, before making it available to members for a low weekly fee.

Each local pantry helps reduce food waste and makes food affordable for families, saving them money.

by PAUL JONES paul@blackmorevale.net

Over the past 12 months, Westfield has grown from having eight members to now supporting 28 households.

They have also launched a mini pantry which can support an additional 10 households on a temporary basis until they are able to get full membership.

The pantry now has a team of 18 volunteers to assist with the delivery and collection of food each week and has

employed a part-time project coordinator - a former member and volunteer.

One volunteer said: “Volunteering at the community pantry brings me a sense of joy. The people we are reaching within our local community each week is amazing.”

“I love volunteering, it’s got me out of my comfort zone, and I’ve met so many lovely people and made friendships I wouldn’t have made otherwise,” another added.

And Westfield members praised the

work of the pantry.

One said: “I don’t know what we would do for fresh food at weekends if it wasn’t for my pantry membership.”

And another said: “We love coming along after the school run to the community pantry. We are always greeted by the lovely volunteers and there’s even sometimes a cake.”

SLPN is a partnership between Somerset Council, community groups, food charity FareShare South West and housing provider, Abri.

Somerset Council provided initial grant money and support to help the launch of pantries, but each is independently run by voluntary sector groups.

For information, see www. somerset.gov.uk/localpantry.

somersetleveller.co.uk

County road deaths hit 10-year high

A TOTAL of 30 people were tragically killed on Somerset roads in 2023 - almost double the number the year before.

The figure - an increase of 43% on 2022 - is the highest number of deaths in the county since 2014, when 33 people died.

Of the 30 fatal casualties, 11 were car drivers, 12 motorcyclists, four were car passengers, and three were pedestrians.

Of those, 14 happened on the county’s A roads, five on trunk roads, five on B roads and six on unclassified roads.

In response, Somerset Council has launched a new campaign to raise awareness

of road safety.

The Fatal Five campaign, backed by Avon and Somerset Police and led by the council’s Road Safety Team, highlights key behaviours which can contribute to serious or fatal collisions.

distraction, or n Failing to wear a seatbelt.

A further factor is that nearly half of the fatal collisions were caused by a vehicle crossing into the path of another one.

The police said 76 per cent of the collisions involve one or more of the following five behaviours:

n Intoxicated driving, (drink or drugs)

n Careless or inconsiderate driving

n Excessive Speed

n Mobile phone use or

Councillor Richard Wilkins, the council’s lead member for transport and digital, said: “The rise in fatalities is deeply disturbing so it is vital we try to save lives and encourage people to avoid these ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours as road users.

“With the Fatal Five campaign we want to raise

awareness and influence behaviour. In addition, our Road Safety Team has increased their activities significantly in response to these figures, with 41,000 face-to-face interventions with people in Somerset in 2023, more than ever before – from school children and young, inexperienced drivers, to older drivers looking to refresh their skills.

“We might understand that drink or drug driving is unacceptable, but how aware are we that just being distracted for a split second or not being aware of our speed can have such terrible consequences?”

Murder charges after Yeovil baby death

TWO people have been charged following the death of a baby in Yeovil earlier this week.

Daniel Gunter, 25, and Sophie Staddon, 20, both of no fixed address, were charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child yesterday evening (March 7).

The charge follows the death of two-week-old Brendon Staddon, who

Quick news...

Forklift fire call

A CASTLE Cary premises was evacuated after a battery-powered forklift caught fire.

Firefighters from Cary, Yeovil, Shepton Mallet and Wincanton, were called to the property at around 3.25am on March 11.

A Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “The machine was a flexi forklift which was battery powered.”

Once the fire was put out, crews continued to cool the battery.

died at Yeovil District Hospital at around 5am on Tuesday, March 5.

Officers were called by staff at the hospital where the baby was an inpatient. An investigation was launched by the Major Crime Investigation Team shortly after.

Senior Investigating Officer, DI Mark Newbury, said: “This is a particularly tragic case in which a very young baby

has died, and our thoughts are with Brendon’s loved ones during this time.

“We have been carrying out enquiries at the hospital this week, and we’re grateful to the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and their staff for their assistance in enabling us to do this.”

Gunter and Staddon remain in police custody and were due to appear at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Politics

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the final Budget of this parliament recently.

But what did the speech contain for Somerset?

With a council in the midst of a ‘financial emergency’ and households struggling - could the county welcome any big changes?

To get a view from across the political spectrum, we asked county politicians for their response to the question: ‘Did the pre-election Budget do anything to help Somerset – particularly our struggling local authority?’

Forgive us for the lack of some responses - deadline issues that were our fault.

‘Nothing the Chancellor said changed the position for individuals, councils or public services’

GREAT question for Somerset. With our current financial position, the easy answer is ‘NO’.

Let me try to explain why I think this budget did nothing for any of the services that needed it.

This was clearly a last-ditch attempt by this failing government to make themselves look good, a pre-election giveaway budget, prioritising tax cuts before addressing the essential issues like public services and the cost-of-living crisis that are impacting the people of Somerset every day.

I think the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS)

by LEIGH REDMAN

Somerset Council and Bridgwater Town Council member for the Labour Party

highlighted an important point. It said, “that while the budget included tax cuts benefiting workers, it did not effectively address the underlying issues of high living costs and economic challenges faced by households”.

The Chancellor’s Budget has lifted the lid on 14 years of Tory economic failure; taxes are still rising, prices are still going up in the shops and mortgages are higher.

the Eric Pickles finance rational to the extreme.

Six years of council tax freezes and Somerset services cut to the bone.

There is an out-of-control financial crisis in all colours of local councils across England.

Councils are hit by a double harm of increased demands for services while experiencing a significant hit to their real-terms spending power in recent years.

In February, one of the Government’s own select committees, the cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee, said the Government must address the £4 billion funding gap for 2024/25 using the local government financial settlement to prevent council services from being stretched to breaking point.

Long-term reform is needed, as the current funding model for local councils is broken, with the business rates system overly complex and council tax becoming regressive.

Relying on raising council tax to fill budget gaps is unsustainable and unfair to local residents.

After that really important and timely advice, the Chancellor chose to totally ignore it!

As I have said previously, Somerset is way ahead of other councils after 11 years of an administration that took

Here in Somerset, we can clearly see that increasing demands on council services such as adult and children’s social care along with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision has resulted in rocketing costs but the levels of funding available to councils has failed to keep track.

What the Chancellor did, to the person in the street, was forget to remind us he took £10 from our pocket over the past few months, then gave you back £5 in a slight of hand, to hope you feel grateful!

Nothing the Chancellor has said in his spring budget has changed the position for individuals, councils or our in-crisis public services.

Every corner of Somerset is still struggling because of this Government.

Your question is right, this was a ‘pre-election’ bribe that I hope you will all see through when an election is called.

Politics

‘It’s time to end these tax loopholes’

WHEN watching Jeremy Hunt deliver the budget, I was reminded of Shakespeare’s famous Macbeth analogy of “a tale – ‘…..Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/ Signifying nothing’”.

A bit harsh, you might think, but for all the Chancellor’s bluster, what real hope did the budget offer?

Take the National Insurance cut for example: A 2% cut in NI for someone earning around £300 per week will give them and extra £6 to lavish on a pint and a half in Wetherspoon’s, which is a cheaper option than staying at home and keeping the lights on.

For those on £900 per week, an extra £18 will go nicely towards a bottle of Bollinger. If you’re lucky enough to be earning over a

by MARTIN DIMERY Green Party leader on Somerset Council

grand a week, you’ll only pay 2% on all earnings over that threshold, anyway.

The brave thing to do would be to abolish National Insurance altogether and create a new sliding scale of income tax.

Over the last 14 years or more, we’ve seen the gap between rich and poor grow exponentially year by year. The extremely wealthy are always able to squirrel away cash off-shore and avoid income tax altogether. It’s time, surely, that we put an end to all these tax loopholes?

The Chancellor did, however, steal some of Labour’s thunder by abolishing Non-Dom status.

Liz Truss, whose own grasp of economics is about as convincing as her ability to execute an overhead bicycle kick, suggested it would be a shame if all those foreign footballers now gracing our Premiership on millions of pounds a month, were forced to go home rather than stay and pay their tax in the UK. “Pay up or go home,” say I. But then I support Luton Town, so I would, wouldn’t I?

I could go on - but to cut to the question: Did the budget do anything for Somerset? Short answer - no.

I waited with bated breath as Mr Hunt listed the areas being favoured with a few quid to develop their

infrastructure. The “trailblazing” 100 million dished out to Tyneside, however, doesn’t make up for the £400m lost in EU funding for the area.

Poor Somerset got nothing. How Yeovil’s empty Octagon Theatre would have loved a fraction of the £26.4 million being lavished on an upgrade for the National Theatre in London. How our hospitals would welcome a few more nurses rather than seeing funding squandered on IT updates. I imagine Fujitsu are already preparing their bids following their sterling work for the Post Office.

One consolation: If this is the best the Tories can do prior to an election, this particular Green Party candidate won’t be losing much sleep.

When is the general election comingand who could win where I live?

Speculation is riife over a possible May poll - PAUL JONES ponders the prospect and takes a look at what the forecasters say about Somerset seats...

2024 is the year of elections.

The UK is poised to head to the polls when the urge takes Rishi Sunak – but we are not alone. The US, South Africa, Mexico, Pakistan, South Korea, Iceland, Venezuela, Uruguay and many more are also selecting new leaders and parliamentarians this year – or already have.

So we should all prepare ourselves for an ever-growing barrage of that dreaded forecaster – the opinion poll.

It’s already underway, with stories of the Conservatives facing electoral Armageddon, Labour losing support amid the Rochdale byelection

controversy, Lee Anderson defecting from the Tories to Reform UK, and more.

First things first, it’s worthwhile saying we should not get too excited about any particular poll.

Polling is a difficult business – and we should know by now how wrong they can be (think Brexit, Trump’s first election, Theresa May’s catastrophe in 2017 etc). So they are not as well trusted as they once were.

However, methodology is improving all the time, and some polls have proved scarily accurate, so if nothing else, looking at the latest

numbers is fun, unless your party is shown as doing particularly badly.

So, let’s have a look at what’s going on?

As speculation abounds on the possibility of a May election, let’s begin with the national picture.

One way many people advise looking at polls is not to focus on any particular one, in isolation, instead looking at the overall data – the poll of polls.

One excellent poll of polls is run by political news site, Politico, which gathers data from a raft of surveys and uses very clever calculations

to give an overall picture.

Currently, the Politico Poll of Polls for the UK (last updated on March 4) puts Labour on 44%, the Conservatives on 24% and the Lib Dems on 9% – behind Reform, on 12%.

Scary indeed for Rishi Sunak’s hopes of remaining in Number 10 if a poll were held today.

So, the Conservative Government is looking at a big deficit – between around 19 and 21 points – in the polls.

But what we really want is to get down to a constituency level, isn’t it? What’s going to

happen where we are?

Well, again, it’s really very difficult to predict when we’re not even sure when the general election will come.

But that won’t stop us, and it doesn’t stop polling site Electoral Calculus (EC), which has very clever tools for predicting what might happen on a constituency-byconstituency basis.

The EC predictor, using data from past elections, current polling, demographics and more, comes up with a probable outcome if a general election were taking place today. It has even updated predictions to take the new electoral boundaries into account, so it’s really very clever.

While it is a prediction, subject to all the usual caveats, it is still an intriguing game, looking up our areas.

EC gives a percentage chance of a win for each party, so Conservative 95% would mean the Tories have a 95% chance of winning that seat.

There are some real surprises here in Somerset, with - according to the model - some previously safe seats up for grabs.

In Yeovil, Marcus Fysh (Conservative) could see his large majority – of more than 16,000 – wiped out. EC shows the Lib Dems with a 74% chance of winning the new-look seat, with the Conservatives on just 24%.

That would be some result.

The new Glastonbury & Somerton seat is also predicted to be an easy victory for the Liberal Democrats.

Currently, Somerton & Frome is represented by Sarah Dyke (Lib Dems), who will be contesting the new seat – and EC thinks she will win. The Lib Dems show an 85% chance of victory, the Conservatives in second place on just 14%.

The same is true of two other new seats – Frome & East Somerset and Taunton & Wellington – where the Tories are under real threat, according to EC.

In Frome & East Somerset it shows a 51% chance of a Labour win (Conservatives 40%, Lib Dems 9%).

Taunton & Wellington too, makes for grim reading for the Conservatives, with the Lib Dems predicted to have a 71% chance of taking the seat.

The seat is being fought for the Tories by current MP Rebecca Pow (Taunton Deane), who has a majority of more than 11,500 where she is. But the Conservatives have a 23% chance in the new constituency.

Another new seat, Wells & Mendip Hills – which replaces Wells – is also up for grabs, according to EC.

Conservative James Heappey is the current MP for Wells, with a majority of almost 10,000. However, EC

says the Lib Dems are favourites for the new seat, with a 56% chance of victory. The Tories sit on 38%.

Meanwhile in Bridgwater, yet another new seat, Labour is once again predicted to be in the driving seat, with a 61% chance of victory, followed by the Tories on 37%.

And another new Somerset seat, Tiverton and Minehead, is being fought by current Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger (Conservatives), who faces a battle to return to parliament.

The Conservatives have a 42% chance of taking Tiverton and Minehead, with Labour on 41% - a tight race indeed.

So Somerset really could be a bellweather on how any general election goes. If any, or the majority of these seats is lost by the Conservatives, they are set for a very, very bad night.

But it is only a forecast, a

Politics

lot can happen.

If you were Rishi Sunak, would you go in May?

I have long forecast a possible May election. My thinking was that there may be some positive economic news (falling mortgage rates anyone?), a strong Budget, on which the PM could build a campaign.

The outlook for the economy is not that strong for the rest of the year, so my reasoning was that, in short, things can only get worse, so why not go now?

I’m wavering on that slightly, despite the Labour party seemingly convinced it is going to be May.

As with the polling numbers themselves, it is all speculation at this point, but we won’t have to wait too long to find out. If the PM wants to go on May 2, it would have to be announced in the next couple of weeks.

International Women’s Day: MP urges women to step forward and get involved in decision-making process

A SOMERSET venue marked International Women’s Day with a special event - including the opportunity for locals to quiz their MP.

Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Somerton & Frome) was at the SEED Hub for an ‘in conversation’ event with founder and women’s empowerment guru, Lynne Franks, as well as around 40 women entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Lynne led the talk on Sarah’s history in local politics, what it means to be a woman in Westminster today, her experience in business and what she sees as the support government could offer to self-employed women.

Questions from the audience included how finance and training

could be made more available to women from all backgrounds and how women can have more of a voice in the local decisions that affect their lives.

Lynne pointed out that the retailers in Wincanton High Street were, like many independent businesses, owned and run by women.

“It is the high streets everywhere who are suffering most in the current economy and this often falls on the women owners, who have invested their savings in starting a small local business.”

Sarah agreed women entrepreneurs could add a tremendous amount to the economy if supported more, and that it would be women taking leadership roles in grassroots communities who

could really make a difference to many current social issues.

“It’s vitally important that we encourage more women to put themselves forward in politics at all levels, whether that be on parish or town councils, district or county councils and of course, as members of parliament,” Sarah said.

“We need women in every room of power to help make decisions that truly benefit the whole population.

“Women make significant contributions to their communities, and I encourage more women to be part of the decision-making process to ensure our voices are heard and needs addressed.”

She added: “By empowering women, we can help create more inclusive and equitable societies where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.”

Politics

Dunball improvements

A CONTRACTOR is being sought to carry out improvement works at the Dunball roundabout in Bridgwater.

The busy route, next to junction 23 of the M5, is set to get an upgraded roundabout with traffic lights after a successful bid for Levelling Up Funds from the Government.

The council has now started the process of identifying a contractor to carry out the work, which is expected to start later this year.

Once complete, the council hopes it will help manage peak time traffic flow, enable growth and development in the area and reduce the likelihood of traffic blocking back on to the motorway in future.

Above and left, MP Sarah Dyke and SEED founder Lynne Franks at the event in Wincanton

Former Sea Cadet volunteer jailed over historic sex abuse

A FORMER Sea Cadets volunteer in Taunton who sexually abused children has been jailed for 22 years.

Phillip Grove, from Sheffield but who lived in Taunton at the time of the incidents, was jailed at Taunton Crown Court on Friday, February 23, after being found guilty of 15 charges linked to non-recent sexual offences, including rape.

During a trial at the same court, a jury found Grove, pictured, guilty of two counts of rape, 10 counts of indecency with a child and three counts of indecent assault.

They heard how, in the 1990s while in the volunteer position of Chief Petty Officer at a Sea Cadet group, he raped one of the victims, sexually assaulted another and was indecent in front of two other victims in incidents spanning six years.

In September 2020, one of the victims reported what had happened to her and the other children to police and an investigation into Grove was launched.

The 70-year-old was jailed for 22 years, one year of which will be spent on extended licence.

The judge also granted a life-long Sexual Harm Prevention Order and instructed Grove to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

He was also barred from working with children.

In a statement read out in court, one of the victims said: “For almost 30 years, I

have lived in constant shame. Shame which I have owned but it was never actually mine to own.

“The whole of my adult life has been overcast in shadow, which I have never been able to shake off… A part of me, who I am, was taken away from me by Phillip Grove.

“My days are plagued by the memories of what happened and the nights I manage to get sleep, I am haunted by nightmares of both the incidents and Phillip himself.”

In a letter to the judge, one victim said she felt “worthless” after what Grove had done to her and described Grove as a “sick, sick man”.

Grove was arrested in March 2021 for the offences and, on December 8 last year, was found guilty for 15 of the 16 charges put to him.

Presiding, Judge Cullum referred to Grove as a “dangerous individual”.

He added: “You are a self-centred, dishonest and callous individual who has shown no remorse.”

Speaking following the sentencing, investigating officer DC Becky Norton, said: “All four victims have been incredibly brave throughout the process and have exhibited exceptional courage. Without them, we would not have been able to put an incredibly dangerous man in prison and seek the justice they so rightly deserve.

“Even though the offences were back in the 1990s, when the victims were children, we were still able to build a case and charges were brought against the defendant which has led to this lengthy conviction being achieved.

“The Sea Cadets have been very supportive of our investigation and, upon being contacted in October 2020, their safeguarding team conducted an internal investigation to gather necessary information to support our enquiries.

“I hope this result reassures other victims of non-recent sexual offences that it is never too late to report a crime to police. I would like to thank the victims once again for showing incredible strength in coming forward.”

Victims of rape or sexual assault, whether recent or not, could self-refer to The Bridge, a sexual assault referral centre available 24/7 all year round, by visiting the website here or by calling 0117 342 6999.

Jail for man after sex assault in Wellington

A MAN has been jailed after sexually assaulting a young woman in Wellington.

Mirzabek Toshpulatov, attacked and sexually assaulted the woman in the White Hart Lane area of the town during the early hours of February 26 last year.

She managed to get free of him and call the police and Toshpulatov, pictured, was soon identified as the person who attacked her – but he had

fled the area before being arrested in Essex in October 2023.

The 21-year-old, previously of North Street in Wellington, was sentenced on February 16 at Taunton Crown Court to an extended sentence of 11 years and three months, of which the final three years will be served on licence having

previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching.

Toshpulatov has also been ordered to register as a sex offender for life, and must inform police of where he is living.

In a statement for the court, the woman said the sexual

assault had made her feel “unsafe when walking anywhere”.

“The day after it happened, I felt so overwhelmed in trying to understand what had happened to me,” she added.

“Not only has this left life-long lasting effects on me, but also my family. They worry about me wherever I go, and fear this could happen again to me, themselves or anyone else.”

Events

Talk on bloody elections

THE sometimes-bloody history of electing parliamentary representatives in Taunton will be the subject of a talk in the town.

Booze, Blood and Baskets: electing Taunton’s MPs is the title of talk, by Mary Siraut, at Wyndham Hall, at the Museum of Somerset, in Castle Green, from 7.30pm on March 20.

“Mary Siraut will talk about potwallopers, voting, bribery and violence at the Taunton

parlimentary elections, leading to Reform and town becoming the model of the secret ballot,” a spokesperson for the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society (SANHS), which is staging the talk, said.

Refreshments will be available and entry is free, although donations are appreciated.

For more on the society, and to make a donation, log on to sanhs.org and use the donate button.

Chard date for county choral group

THE South Somerset Choral Society will perform Brahm’s Requiem in Chard on March 16.

Starting at 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church will be the venue.

“This does not follow the usual conventions of a Requiem Mass but is a series of meditations on death and salvation in music that ranges from lyrical to the intensely dramatic,” a spokesperson said. “As light starters to this powerful composition, we offer two short pieces, Haydn’s Little Organ Mass, and Mozart’s Misericordias Domini, cheerful fragments from incorrigibly cheerful composers.”

Tickets, priced £22 and £16 for those 16 and under, from tickets@ southsomersetchoralsociety.org.uk.

More events for Somerton festival

MORE events have been confirmed ahead of the 2024 Somerton Music and Arts Festival.

Following the announcement that Somerstock 2024, part of the festival that runs on July 12 and 13, will be headlined by jazz-funk legends Shakatak, the festival team has been lining up events in the town.

During the run up to Somerstock, the festival opens with a Live Music Weekender, including music in Somerton’s hostelries on July 5 and 6.

There will also be a classical concert by Bow & Strings, a quiz, history walk, a talk by David Parker, a festival church service and ukulele band, including the famous Fleetwood Bac playing in St Michael and All Angels church on July 4.

The band were the world’s first and are regarded as the UK’s most authentic Fleetwood Mac Tribute act, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, raved about by Peter Green’s biographer, and were the first Fleetwood Mac tribute band to fully replicate the classic Stevie, Lindsey,

Somerstock runs on July 12 and 13 this year

Christine, John and Mick, Rumours line-up.

“This promises to be a very special event,” said festival chair, Cliff Bassett.

“We have tickets on sale for Somerstock at advance prices and you can find information about all our events on our website.”

19th SEASON — 2024

• 16-17 FEBRUARY THE PERKS ENSEMBLE

• 15-16 MARCH

• 19-21 APRIL

• 17-18 MAY

• 21-22 JUNE

• 19-21 JULY

• 6-8 SEPTEMBER

• 4-5 OCTOBER

ALEXANDER ULLMAN PIANO

SARA TRICKEY VIOLIN

IVANA GAVRIĆ PIANO

GILDAS QUARTET

POCKET SINFONIA

LARA MELDA PIANO

LUMAS WINDS

MĒLA GUITAR QUARTET

HILARY CRONIN SOPRANO

ASAKO OGAWA PIANO

• 15-16 NOVEMBER THE BERKELEY ENSEMBLE

Somerstock was a sell-out in 2023 and organisers recommend buying tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Visit www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk for details of the full festival programme and tickets.

For more on Somerstock, including the line-up, go to www.somerstock.co.uk.

Tasty cheeses on offer at food festival

THE best in UK cheese will be on offer at an event in Somerset this month.

On March 22, hundreds of varieties will be on show at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, during the British Cheese Awards.

Among entries for the cheese awards, the 28th installment of the event, are 25 new cheeses, set to be judged by a 63-strong panel including cheesemakers, cheesemongers, cheese experts, buyers

and commentators.

The awards are part of the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival, which will welcome foodies on Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24.

Visitors will be able to sample some of the winning cheeses over the weekend.

Meanwhile, ticketts are also on sale for the upcoming Royal Bath & West Show.

Jess Chiplen, head of shows, said:

“We are delighted to start announcing our plans for this year’s Royal Bath & West Show, which will be jam packed with action for all the family.

“With a mixture of old favourites and new delights, there is sure to be an abundance of agriculture, food and drink and entertainment to appeal to all ages.”

For more details of both events, and to book tickets, visit www.bathandwest. com.

Young thespians in Taunton taking on play as part of national challenge

BUDDING stars of the stage will perform a special play in Taunton - and further afield - starting this month.

Members of the Taunton Brewhouse Youth Theatre are taking part in the 2024 National Theatre Connections, an annual, nationwide youth theatre festival.

Each year, Connections commissions new plays for young people to perform, bringing together some of the UK’s most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow.

This year, the National Theatre is working with nearly 270 youth companies to share compelling tales exploring the breadth of the human experience.

At Taunton Brewhouse, the 14-strong youth theatre, led by director Abbie Riddell, will be performing Siân Owen’s radical new play, The Periodicals.

Set in the near future, a group of young people start a life as a feral group of techno-savvy fugitives living off-the land.

They stay out of sight of the authorities – particularly the education authorities who are desperate to get them back into school because the optics are not good.

However, school has lost its allure. When the young people are in school, they are overlooked and underestimated – seen as being more trouble than they are worth. So now, for this group, school’s out forever.

Abbie said: “NT Connections is such a special opportunity for young people to participate in, so for our youth theatre to be selected is hugely exciting.

“Our current youth theatre has only recently turned a year old, so being able to work on The Periodicals as a Main House production is a joy.

“Today’s young people involved in the arts are the future generation of theatre professionals; I’m so thrilled to be working with each and every one of our wonderful company.”

Playwright Siân was born and raised in Newport, South Wales, and is a graduate of the MA Writing for Performance Programme at Goldsmiths College. Her play Restoration won the Oxford Playhouse New Writing Competition, and she is currently on

TEXTILE FAIR

LONG SUTTON VILLAGE HALL, Martock Road, Long Sutton, LANGPORT, TA10 9NT

SUNDAY APRIL 14th 10am to 2.30pm

To include:

• Fabric remnants & Haberdashery

• Yarns, Leather and Lace

• Household linens

• Locally made textile crafts and much more…

Customer entry fee of £1 will go to the Alzheimer’s Society

Refreshments available in the Hall. Plenty of free parking, level access.

For more details or to book a stall, please contact

JOSLYN on 07889 731973

attachment at the National Theatre.

Her previous theatre credits include additional material for Under Milk Wood (National Theatre), How to Be Brave (Dirty Protest), and This Land (Pentabus).

The Periodicals opens at Taunton Brewhouse on Monday, March 25, before moving to Worcester Theatres for a special NT Connections Festival performance on Tuesday, April 2.

Members of the Taunton Brewhouse Youth Theatre performing The Periodicals

The Langport Saturday Markets

Local Food - 6 th April and the first Saturday of every month until Dec

Vintage - 13 th April and the second Saturday of every month until Dec

Artisans (New) - 20 th April and the third Saturday of every month until Dec

Sometimes, it pays to dress up in Langport

IT has long been said you don’t have to dress up to go to Langport. Where you might see jodhpurs in Somerton, or red corduroy (fabric of the Gods) in Curry Rivel, in Langport, we let things hang.

I’m not saying bailer twine for belts. I’m not suggesting colour combinations that are any more scandalous than, say, Martock. It’s just that ours is a more relaxed couture in which mud plays its part.

It was then doubly surprising to see the immaculately turned-out Veronica waiting, with the usual suspects, to speak in the public access part of our last council meeting. Hair set as if just from the salon, and in a scarlet two-piece, I called on her to speak first.

She explained in a delicate voice, with traces of a Belfast lilt, how she had travelled far and wide, and lived in many places, but never been as happy anywhere as she had been since arriving in Langport.

Our council was now in the palm of her hand. We glanced at each other and beamed.

There was, however, a black cloud on this otherwise sunlit upland. It was our bus. Our 54. Our connection to Yeovil at one end, and Taunton at the other. Our

VIEW FROM LANGPORT by SEAN DROMGOOLE

bus was in danger of cancellation. And then Veronica said very simply and powerfully…

“I need that bus. I need it to shop. I need it to get to the surgery or a hospital appointment. I need it for friends to visit. My life will be harder and more limited without that bus. I need that bus.”

Now, as it happened, sitting right next to her in the public gallery was our own Somerset Councillor, Richard Wilkins (Lib Dem, Curry Rivel & Langport). Richard has recently taken on the role of executive lead for transport at Somerset Council. He is Boss Wheels. It was on Richard’s desk to negotiate with the bus companies to sustain our routes.

Richard explained that he was in the midst of this negotiation and appealed for patience. The details couldn’t be revealed. Richard has been a hardworking local councillor since being elected, but his demeanour has darkened since his promotion.

Not wishing to prod, but wanting to know, I asked if we might know in months or weeks. “Weeks, or

Easter bin changes and church services

BIN collections in Langport will change over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Collections scheduled for Good Friday, March 29, will instead be picked up on Saturday, March 30.

There will also be no collections on Monday, April 1, with all pick-ups

being a day later, including on Saturday, April 6 for those with a Friday collection.

Meanwhile, an Easter Day Holy Communion service will take place at St Mary’s in Langport on March 31, with a Good Friday Meditation taking place at 2pm on March 29.

sooner,” he said archly.

I asked if Veronica had any more to say, perhaps more nice things about Langport, but she felt she had been heard. We got on with the business of the meeting.

The following evening Richard called me. His tone was lighter than it had been for months. “It’s done. The routes are safe. Some changes to some, but they have all been maintained. The 54 is unchanged.”

To what extent had Veronica’s testimony contributed to this important outcome we cannot know, but perhaps we should note, that every now and again, on certain special occasions, it does pay to dress up when you come to Langport.

Gym and pool plan for Langport farm

A FITNESS business on a Langport farm has applied for retrospective planning permission for a gym area, pool and beauty salon.

The developments have taken place at Thornside, in Wagg Drove, and include the conversion of former agricultural buildings to house the gym space and an indoor pool, used by the Martin family and for personal training.

“From around 2014 onwards, Robert has coached personal training and group fitness sessions

at Thornside and was joined in doing so around one year later by his eldest daughter, Adele,” the application said.

“Originally operated on a very small scale, this diversified arm of the business has since grown to provide a labour demand equivalent to that of three full-time employees; offering personal training and group fitness sessions, swimming lessons and beauty treatments.”

See somerset.gov.uk, application ref 23/01595/FUL.

Business, legal & finance

Why Purely Probate is now part of Pardoes

PURELY Probate was started by me, Judith Derbyshire, in 2011 and has grown into a thriving small business.

I am a solicitor, I qualified in 1983 and worked in Bristol for the first few years of my career. Then in 1989 I went to Clarks (the shoe company), where I had a fabulous 20 years as company secretary and head of legal.

I decided I needed a change and founded Purely Probate following the death of my brother-in-law. My husband was the executor, and the service he received from the solicitor handling the estate in Manchester, was terrible.

In classic form, I started the business from my home in West Bradley, and after a few years moved 400 yards down the road to some beautiful, converted farm buildings. Gradually the business grew as word spread.

Now, I am reaching (well, actually passed) retirement age and wanted the future of the business, clients and the team, secured. It was therefore great to join forces with Pardoes Solicitors, which shares our culture and care for clients. We both put our clients first and are not

by JUDITH DERBYSHIRE Purely Probate

stuffy and old fashioned in how we run our businesses and interact with clients.

Purely Probate is going to stay as a separate entity, but is a subsidiary of Pardoes, doing “private client” work.solicitor shorthand for wills, trust work, inheritance tax advice, powers of attorney and dealing with applications for grants of probate. In other words, dealing with the estates of people after they die.

Purely Probate aims to make things easy for our clients to understand, taking away the technical legal jargon and explaining it in simple English. We understand it isn’t an easy area to discuss so act with sympathy and kindness.

We created a very helpful handbook, called After I Have Gone, to make things run smoothly for your executors and ensure your wishes are carried out on your passing. We give a copy to all will clients to fill out in their lifetimes. For example, you can indicate who you

would like to receive your personal belongings on your death and what you want to happen to pets. The idea is if you fill it in you will save your executors lots of time.

Purely Probate will not only write your legal documents for you but go above and beyond to give useful legal advice on things you may not have considered. For example, inheritance tax, and what you can do to mitigate what could be payable by your heirs.

I will leave you with one question: if you were to have an accident right now are your affairs in order to ensure your loved ones are provided for, and nothing left with a question of where it would go?

I know this may not be a positive thought but unfortunately, anything can happen. If you answered the above question with a no and think you may need a will, or advice on tax, please contact us, we are happy to help.

Contact us on 01458 850146 or and email my email is jd@purelyprobate.co. uk .Alternatively, you can contact Pardoes Solicitors on 0800 862 0442, or visit www.pardoes.co.uk.

‘Same old chestnut’ merger plan...’

ONCE again, the persisting saga of the amalgamation between Huish Episcopi and Langport has raised its ugly head.

This was first mooted in 1978 when my father was a Langport Town Councillor and as far back as that it was ‘thrown into the wind’.

Three times since then it has been rejected and now we are faced with the same dilemma.

There had been a suggestion of a merger in October 2007, when Huish Episcopi Parish Council had not been informed and it was brought to the council’s attention by way of an article in the Western Gazette, rather than being officially informed as a matter of courtesy.

In November 2009, Huish Episcopi Parish Council was informed that Langport Town Council had requested a Local

Governance Review but this was rejected by South Somerset District Council because the petition did not meet the specified legal requirements.

Another attempt was made in 2010, which was carried out initially without the knowledge of Huish Episcopi Parish Council and subsequently comprehensively rejected by parishioners.

Now, to 2024, reading Sean Dromgoole’s article in the February Leveller, he yet again quotes: ‘Many souls in Huish Episcopi and Langport (82% at the last count) recognise the wisdom of our two councils becoming one’, inferring that 82% of the electorate are in favour of amalgamation - however the HELP Survey shows 403 from 522 participants in favour of the two parishes joining together, representing only

Sky Diary with Paul Adamson

MOON PHASES

First Qtr: March 17 / Full: March 25 / Last Qtr: April 2 / New Moon: April 8

PLANETS

At the moment there is only one planet visible to the naked eye - the gas giant Jupiter in the early evening sky.

Setting well before midnight at the moment, try observing Jupiter with binoculars to spot its four largest moons changing position each night as they circle the Planet.

CONSTELLATION

Looking south in the late evening sky, Leo the lion rules the night.

To identify, look for a backward-facing question mark asterism of stars with the blue/ white star Regulus at the bottom the brightest star in the

about 14% of the total electorate of 2924.

Past Huish Episcopi Parish Councillors, and some present, as well as many parishioners, are proud of the parish’s heritage and even more concerned how easily its individual identity could be lost forever.

How long after rechristening the area jointly would there be a move to rationalise and rename it Greater Langport or just Langport?

As local residents are being approached to sign a petition endorsing a merger, it is hard to see any advantage to be gained for Huish Episcopi parishioners from this proposal, compared to the present arrangements of mutual support for the area as a whole.

I have to believe that Huish Episcopi parishioners will not

endorse the so-called “wisdom” of the proposed merger, resulting in higher rates for them and far less financial control for their village.

SHIRLEY NICHOLAS

Bald step to raise funds for Sue

MANY readers who live in and around Langport will know Sue Applegate.

Sue and her partner, Pat Nicks, have been engaged in propagating and selling peonies and irises, and more recently producing and selling wine, from a vineyard they have rented on the South slopes of the Polden hills.

Sadly, a few months ago, Sue was diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

Sue has faced this with remarkable bravery, and in spite of everything, remains

very positive.

constellation. This area forms the lions head and mane. Leo is one of the few constellations that actually look like its name, looking like one of the lions at the foot of Nelson’s Column.

CELESTIAL EVENTS

The Spring Equinox falls on March 20, when day and night are of equal length.

On the evening of March 25

the full moon will be slightly dimmed as its passes through the outer edge of the Earth’s shadow.

SOMERSET LEVELS STARGAZERS

Meet on the last Wednesday of each month, except December. Contact somersetlevelsstargazers@ hotmail.com for details.

She is currently part way through a course of chemotherapy, and thankfully seems to be responding well.

Without the great strides that have been made in cancer research over the last 40 years or so, Sue would have stood no chance at all.

Sue has been my very dear friend now for more than 44 years, and I determined to try and raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Together with my friend David White, we settled on a sponsored head shave.

David and I both play in Kingsbury Episcopi Band, along with Sue.

We had our heads shaved at the Wyndham Arms just before new year. The money David and I raised was from collecting at the

Wyndham Arms, donations to a giving page, sponsorship from Kingsbury Band members and others, plus two very generous donations from Kingsbury Band funds and David’s employers, Prenax. The grand total came to £2,754.43.

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated. This is not yet the end of the story.

On September 22, we will be staging an open day at School Farm, Muchelney.

This will include cream teas, Kingsbury Band playing, and a classic vehicle display, with all funds raised going to Cancer Research UK.

GRAHAM WALKER

RNLI appeal in special year

DURING the early 1820s Sir William Hillary, a Yorkshire man born in 1771 moved to the Isle of Man, where he witnessed several shipwrecks.

He drew up plans for a lifeboat service crewed by trained people for all the British coast and appealed to the Royal Navy and prominent citizens for the formation of The National Institution for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck.

This fell on deaf ears.

Sir William then rebranded his appeal which gathered momentum and gained the royal patronage of George IV.

Thus, on March 4, 1824, Royal was added to the already lengthy title.

Thankfully, on October 5, 1854, the name was changed to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

This year is our 200th anniversary; since it was founded lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 144,000 lives and performed countless rescues, all by volunteers.

The Somerton & Langport Area branch strives to raise money for the RNLI and this year we are hoping to put on some extra events.

We would be most grateful if anyone had some spare time to help with our fundraisng for this vital life-saving institution.

MARY MULLINEUX

Secretary to Somerton & Langport Area branch RNLI

What about us OAPs Mr Chancellor?

THE chancellor, while cracking jokes and revelling

FACT OF THE MONTH

WE’VE had some stormy weather recently, with many of us no doubt swatting up on our rules when lightning is around. Don’t stand under trees, get off the golf course, that sort of thing.

But another way of avoiding being struck by lightning is just by being human.

Letters

Yes, happily, we don’t get struck very often.

For example, if you compare people to giraffes, then people being struck by lightning is extremely rare.

For giraffes, there have been five documented cases of fatal lightning strikes (between 1996 and 2010).

That may be a low number, but there are only 140,000 giraffes, so it equates to around 0.003 deaths each year due to lightning. That’s 30 times the number of human fatalities.

So next time you’re worried about being out in the storm, be thankful you’re not a giraffe...

in the adoration of his MPs, completely failed to mention some very important things in his Budget.

It might just have been an oversight, but I failed to hear pensioners mentioned?

In these tough times, those of us who have worked all our lives and paid into the system

didn’t even get warrant a mention.

Also, our council, struggling to make ends meet, also received nothing.

I’m not sure it was a laughing matter, Mr Chancellor.

Send your letters to The Somerset Leveller by email to newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Useful news

n Selected council meetings

March 18

10am: Licensing Sub-CommitteeNorth, Licensing Sub-Committee

7pm: Local Community NetworkDowsborough

March 19

2pm: Planning Committee - West

March 20

10am: Scrutiny Committee - Climate and Place

10.30am: Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel

March 21

10am: Strategic Planning Committee

6.30pm: Local Community NetworkCrewkerne and Ilminster

March 25

6pm: Tenants’ Strategic Group

6.30pm: Local Community NetworkLevels and Moors

March 26

2pm: Human Resources Committee

2pm: Planning Committee - North

2pm: Planning Committee - South

6.30pm: Local Community NetworkTaunton

March 27

2pm: Standards Committee

7pm: Local Community Network -

Avalon and The Poldens

March 28

10am: Audit Committee

April 2

2pm: Planning Committee - East

April 4

10am: Scrutiny Committee - Adults and Health

April 8

10am: Executive

April 9

2pm: Planning Committee - North

April 10

10am: Scrutiny CommitteeCommunities

Home & Garden

Plant your pants this spring to reveal soil health

PEOPLE in Somerset are being urged to plant their pants – yes, pants – this spring, to reveal how healthy their soil is.

The Plant Your Pants campaign, run by education charity The Country Trust, launches on the first day of spring –March 20.

The scheme invites everyone to take part in a journey of soil discovery to find out what really is going on ‘down there’.

Along the way, partici-pants will be encouraged to look, touch, listen to and smell their soil.

Healthy soil will break down or degrade cotton more quickly than soil with low levels of microbial life, so if you’re left with just the elastic of your planted pants, it’s a good sign that your soil is active and healthy.

The Country Trust is an education charity that connects disadvantaged children with the land that sustains us all through hands-on, sensory experiences of food and farming.

The national Plant Your Pants campaign is simple – just plant a pair of (ideally pre-loved) cotton pants in soil on or around the first day of spring in March, and then dig them up eight weeks later to see what has happened to them.

Jill Attenborough, the Trust CEO, said: “We all depend on soil for our existence but as Leonardo Da Vinci said 500 years ago, ‘We know more about the movement of celestial bodies than about the soil underfoot’.

“The response to Plant Your Pants last year exceeded all our expectations, and we can’t wait to get the nation planting pants again.

“It’s our mission as a charity to enable tens of thousands of disadvantaged children every year to discover that what we eat and grow affects our own health and the health of our planet, through inspiring, transformative visits and activities.

“Plant Your Pants is a way of sharing that experience with everyone – young and old, gardeners, non-gardeners, whether you have a window box, a flowerbed or a veg patch.

“Gardeners, like farmers, have a big responsibility as stewards of this amazing world beneath our feet, and we hope that through participation in Plant Your Pants, we can all experience the excitement of discovery and find out more about how small changes can make a big difference.”

Tom Fairfax, a regenerative organic farmer based in Northumberland who hosts Country Trust Farm Discovery school visits and is a Plant Your Pants campaign champion, encouraged people to join the scheme.

“Healthy soil is teeming with life, much of which can’t be seen by the naked eye, so getting our hands in the soil and seeing the way it acts on a pair of cotton pants is a brilliant way to experience its magic,” he said.

“We have ignored the soil for too long and this has had a negative impact, not only on the environment, but also the quality of the food grown in it and our health.

“We all have a role to play in improving our soil, all we have to do is open our senses to the ground around us and listen to what it has to tell us.”

It is free to register to take part in Plant Your Pants and add yours to the interactive map.

n Find out more about the Plant Your Pants scheme – and register to take part – at www.countrytrust.org.uk/ plantyourpants

Home & Garden

Somerset gardens to see this month

NYNEHEAD COURT

Nynehead Court was the home of the Sandford family from 1590-1902. The 14 acres of gardens are noted for specimen trees, and there will be a garden tour with the head gardener at 2pm (please wear suitable footwear).

Now a private residential care home, the garden combines Victorian formality with natural style further into the parkland inc spring bulbs in managed grassland.

A Historic England garden of national importance, Nynehead won a landscape heritage award in 2007.

Address: Nynehead, Wellington TA21 0BN.

Contact: Nynehead Care Ltd 01823 662481 nyneheadcare@aol.com, www. nyneheadcourt.co.uk.

Facilities: Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits available, dogs welcome, picnics, coaches.

Disabled Information: Partial wheelchair access: cobbled yards, gentle slopes, chipped paths, Liable to puddle during or after rain.

Opening Dates and Time: March 17, June 23, 2pm to 4.30pm.

Admission: £6.50, children free. Cash only.

Open by arrangement: January 8 to December 16 for groups of 10 to 30. Email garden@nyneheadcourt.co.uk.

Admission: £8.50, chd free.

Directions: 1½m N of Wellington. M5 J26 B3187 towards Wellington. R on r’about marked Nynehead & Poole, follow lane for 1m, take Milverton turning at fork, turning into Chipley Road.

FOREST LODGE (Joint opening with Lower Shalford Farm)

Three-acre mature garden with beautiful lake, full of bulbs and flowering trees. Many camellias and rhododendrons from March till May. Lovely views

towards Blackmore Vale.

Part formal with pleached hornbeam allée and rill, part water garden. Wonderful roses in June.

Unusual spring flowering trees such as paulownia, davidia involucrata and many beautiful cornus. Interesting garden sculpture.

Beautiful in all seasons and good structure which underpins the planting.

Address: Pen Selwood, BA9 8LL

Contact: James & Lucy Nelson, https:// forestlodgegardens.co.uk.

Facilities: Home-made teas

Afmission: Donation to Heads Up Wells, Balsam Centre Wincanton. Dogs welcome.

Disabled Information: Wheelchair access to front garden only, however much of garden viewable from there.

Opening Dates and Time: March 23, May 18, 11am to 4pm.

Joint Admission: £10, children free. Cashless payment available.

Directions: 1½m N of A303, 3m E of Wincanton. Leave A303 at B3081 (Wincanton to Gillingham rd), up hill to Pen Selwood, L towards church. ½m, garden on L - low curved wall and sign

saying Forest Lodge Stud.

LOWER SHALFORD FARM (Joint opening with Forest Lodge)

Fairly large open garden with extensive lawns and wooded surroundings with drifts of daffodils in spring.

Small winterbourne stream running through with several stone bridges.

Walled rose/parterre garden, hedged herbaceous garden and several ornamental ponds.

Address: Shalford Lane, Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton BA9 8HE

Contact: Mr & Mrs David Posnett.

Facilities: Light refreshments, Dogs welcome.

Disabled Information: Partial wheelchair access.

Opening Dates and Time: March 23 (10am to 3pm), May 18 (10am to 4pm).

Joint Admission: £10, children free. Cashless payment available.

Directions: Lower Shalford is 2m NE of Wincanton. Leave A303 at Wincanton, go N on B3081 towards Bruton. Just beyond Otter Garden Centre turn R Shalford Lane, garden is ½m on L. Parking opp house.

Home & Garden

The blue door that leads to a special place...

THE blue door marked 57c on Shepton High Street was not there when the nuns were coming and going decades earlier.

Worshiping in what is now Mind in Somerset’s meeting room has left a faint peaceful feeling, perfect for this wellbeing hub, which opened to the community on September 8, 2021.

If you follow the blue flagstones from that door, straight though the fullyequipped kitchen (provided by generous donations from local business), you will open a back door ont.o an enclosed walled garden. A place hidden from the high street.

You are probably aware that Mind in Somerset is a mental health charity.

The project ‘Well Grounded’ has been set up by Mind to work with a small group of people once a week with the intent to provide a safe, supportive space where we can gain some level of peace and recovery from whatever troubles us.

Horticultural therapy is not new, Mind has been offering it in one form or another for over 15 years. Historically it

GARDENING FOR THE MIND

by ALISON HAYWARD

goes back a couple of centuries. We will be growing a small amount of vegetables and herbs which we can use in the fortnightly Wednesday cooking sessions.

When we started over two years ago, the garden had lain undisturbed for many years, and a feeling of peace enveloped it, years of wonderful leaf mould covered the Victorian gothic rockery stones.

Steps were revealed, pathways and the original ideas showed themselves. Toads found a new home in the small dug pond. We cleared the meters of ivy and deep moss that further evoked the gothic feel.

It did feel intrusive to disturb the garden from years of silence and crack open the light into edges, but we had come to garden.

We now have a newly-rebuilt shed and raised beds using stone dug out of the ground.

Nestling flowers and vegetables will hopefully spring forth together in a

potager-style garden as spring strengthens. Nursery beds on stilts are being painted to defeat the slugs and snails, to bring on the seeds waiting to be sown.

So, March is an exciting time in the garden. Until 1752 in Britain, the legal new year began not on January 1 but March 25.

This reflects the agrarian society, when it made sense to follow the sun and the rhythm of plant growth.

The Roman year began on the Ides of March (15). The Equinox which falls on March 19 this year (a leap year) indicates equal hours of day and night, considered by many traditions to be the dawn of new life.

We will now tip over into lengthening days and light, hence it was linked to a goddess of spring, Saxon goddess, Eostre, after whom we have named east, the direction of the rising sun and Easter.

If you want to visit us in Shepton or find out more about all the projects Mind delivers visit mindinsomerset.org.uk.

Get ready for a grow-your-own year

THE‘veg patch’ really gets going this month, as the soil warms and seeds can be sown.

If you are a keen or seasoned vegetable grower, you will have your seed potatoes ‘chitting’ (growing sturdy sprouts) in a cool light spot indoors, with early varieties ready to be planted now, with onions shallots and garlic already well established.

However, there is still plenty of time for you to plant these for worthwhile crops, so don’t panic!

I begin sowing salad crops now, by starting them off in modules and seed trays in an unheated greenhouse, planting them into prepared raised beds when they are big enough with a good root system.

Beetroot, spring onions, salad leaves and lettuces can all be treated this way, and the process lends itself to successional sowing, so that fresh crops are always following on.

Parsnips will be sown this month outdoors; they need a long growing season to produce Sunday roast-worthy

IN THE GARDEN

by JANE EARTHY

roots!

Tender vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, and fresh beans can be sown now, in pots, however they will need heat to germinate and grow well.

If you only need a few of each it might be easier to buy young plants from the garden centre next month, then plant out in May after the last frost.

It’s very tempting to start everything off early, but once temperatures start to rise young plants grow very quickly and often catch up

and even overtake earlier sowings. Have a great ‘Grow Your Own’ year!

n For information and questions about everything in the garden, email info@monkton-elm.co.uk

somersetleveller.co.uk

SCAN ME

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SLEEP WELL FOR LESS

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Based in Sparkford. All prices are delivered prices, nothing hidden.

SINGLE DOUBLE KING

£175 £225 £250

IF YOU LIVE WITHIN 15 MILES OF SPARKFORD YOU WILL RECEIVE A PAIR OF QUALITY PILLOWS FREE WORTH £25. SALES@GO2SLEEP.UK

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Home & Garden

Sutton Upholsterers are a family run business which has been established since 1978. We operate from modern well equipped offices and workshops in Langport.

Reupholstery & Repair - Traditional & Modern

Curtains Made to Measure

Curtain Poles & Tracks

Loose Covers

Venetian & Roman Blinds

Replacement Sofa Cushions

DIY Supplies & Foam Cut to Size

With more than thirty years of experience, Suttons are happy to advise on all upholstery & soft furnishings - from re-covering a much loved sofa to making loose covers, cushions and curtains.

We have a wide range of contemporary and traditional fabrics to choose from, to suit all styles and budgets.

Pets

Why a genetic mutation might be the reason your dog is overweight

HOUSEHOLDS who think they have a greedy Labrador might, in fact, have a pet with a genuine genetic disorder.

New research from Cambridge University found around a quarter of Labrador retriever dogs face feeling hungry all the time and burning fewer calories due to a genetic mutation.

The research showed Labs with the mutation are looking for food all the time, trying to increase their energy intake, making it very difficult to keep them slim.The mutation is in a gene called POMC, which plays a critical role in hunger and energy use.

Around 25% of Labradors and 66% of flatcoated retriever dogs have the POMC

mutation, which researchers previously showed causes increased interest in food and risk of obesity.

The new study reveals how the mutation profoundly changes the way Labradors and flatcoated retrievers behave around food. It found that although they don’t need to eat more to feel full, they are hungrier in between meals.

In addition, dogs with the POMC mutation were found to use around 25% less energy at rest than dogs without it, meaning they don’t need to consume as many calories to maintain a healthy weight.

“We found that a mutation

in the POMC gene seems to make dogs hungrier. Affected dogs tend to overeat because they get hungry between meals more quickly than dogs without the mutation,” said Dr Eleanor Raffan, a researcher in the

University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, who led the study.

“All owners of Labradors and flatcoated retrievers need to watch what they’re feeding these highly food-motivated dogs, to keep them a healthy weight,” she added.

Brunel Pet Centre

5a Brunel Shopping Precinct, Somerton

Tel: 01458 274980

Email: info@brunel-pets.com

Website: www.brunel-pets.com

Many brands of dog & cat food stocked

Dog & Cat treats, toys and beds

Small animal foods, treats, hay & straw

Wide selection of wild bird food & feeders

Orders Welcome - If there is something you require which we don’t stock we will endeavour to order for you

Sudoku

Brain chain

Brain chain (hard version)

114

÷3 +7 ×15 +13 -50%

Crossword

AVIATION

PORTABLE

FREE SUPPORT FOR FARMERS & LAND OWNERS is available through the DEFRA funded Future Farming Resilience Programme. Visit www.sbacic.org/future-farmingresilience, call 01458 254331 or email natasha@sbacic.org for more information.

Classified Adverts

1 ad per contact number. Please limit to: 15 words or less

Across

1 Soap for washing your hair (7)

5 Nuisance (4)

10 Entirely (7)

11 Prolonged pain (5)

12 Swiss grated potatoes dish (5)

13 Magical potion (6)

15 Additions (6)

17 From the top, in music (2,4)

19 Respectable (6)

20 Unmoving (5)

23 Coffee-shop order, perhaps (5)

24 Mutt (7)

25 Stair (4)

26 Australian currency (7)

Down

2 Loathes (5)

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4 Key gas required for life (6)

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14

9 Relating to the movement of ships (12)

14 Human beings (7)

18

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18 Back to the original speed, in music (1,5)

21 Computer bug (5)

22 Small devils (4)

Having a This is Your Life moment...

IHAVEjust had a bit of a “This is your Life” moment as I have found the file that we keep with a copy of all The Leveller articles that we have written for Over the Farm Gate.

It isn’t a splendid red, as was Eammon Andrew’s book, but a rather faded blue. However, it is interesting to look back on what has been written with reference to the changing seasons, what was going on at School Farm at different times, the animals that are now long gone, the politics and people that have commented or sent helpful suggestions over the years.

In January 2016, the article was a particularly scathing one when the Single Farm Payment was being replaced by the Basic Payment Scheme and it had all gone horribly wrong as the online system didn’t work.

What was really annoying to me was that a letter was sent to us saying that they had paid the majority of the claims on time, just not ours.

Recently the Prime Minister sent a letter, via email, setting out what the plan was and maybe politically things will change for the better. The bit about being able to build a farm shop from April is

Farmer deals on offer at car dealer

FARMERS can get extra support in buying new trucks thanks to an initiative by a Wincanton dealer.

FJ Chalke is marking its 35th Isuzu anniversary by offering additional support to farmers.

The family-owned Isuzu dealership, established in 1929, has been an Isuzu specialist in Wincanton since 1989.

Now, to celebrate the anniversary and continue the firm’s commitment to the farming community, it has revealed it is furthering National Farmers Union support by doubling the savings

OVER THE FARM GATE

by Helen Walker

not a lot of good for us as our present shop came into being in 1997 and before that produce was sold from the house since the 1920s.

On the more positive side, Dave from Wedmore shared a tip about getting a bullock out of a ditch which was

extremely helpful and stopped me having to hang on to said bullock while Graham went for the tractor.

So now back to the present.

Spring, meteorologically speaking, is with us from March 1 and the Spring Equinox is this year on March 19.

The snowdrops have all finished flowering and the daffodils are now in their element. Unfortunately, quite a bit

of land is still underwater but hopefully by the time that you read this, the fields will be dry.

Our ewes should start to lamb about mid-March.

Last year we couldn’t get hold of the Heptavac vaccine that we needed to vaccinate our ewes before they lambed. This year it is available again which has been really helpful.

Another sheep worry for this year is the Schmallenberg virus, which is carried by midges that bite the ewes while in the early stages of pregnancy, causing stillborn or malformed lambs.

We will have to wait to see if any of ours are affected, apparently the cases have been increasing nationwide.

Easter is at the end of March this year and cream teas will be served at School Farm starting from Good Friday.

The farm shop will be open throughout the Easter period including Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday.

n Helen Walker and husband Graham own School Farm and the farm shop at Muchelney, and you can get in touch on 01458 251127

Budget ‘missed opportunity’, says NFU president

available.

For every £1,000 NFU Discount, FJ Chalke is adding an extra £1,000, resulting in £2,000 in savings for National Farming Union members.

Ean Jones, Isuzu gold brand specialist, said:

“At FJ Chalke, we recognise the tireless efforts of our local farmers and truly believe in rewarding their hard work.

“We really do hope this helps.”

For more information on the deal, speak to the Isuzu team in Wincanton on 01963 31056, or visit www.isuzudmax.co.uk.

THE NFU has welcomed some of the announcements in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget - but warned it falls short of providing the stability the farming sector needs.

A a change to the taxation of FHLs (Furnished Holiday Lettings) will impact an important element of many diversified businesses, the body said.

so again.

“Agricultural businesses are facing a challenging economic backdrop, with input costs at persistently high levels and at least a 50% reduction in direct farm payment support due this year,” said NFU president, Tom Bradshaw, pictured.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that tax reliefs for FHLs would be abolished in a bid to increase the properties available for more permanent rental.

The NFU strongly opposed similar plans in 2009 and will do

“The announcement on the abolition of the Furnished Housing Letting regime is a significant concern as it’s an important source of diversification for farm businesses which underpins resilience. We will be looking to engage further with Treasury on this announcement.”

Food & Drink

GUY THE GRAPE with Guy Smith

LESSbut better. Around half of the UK population drink wine which is remarkable testament to the popularity of fermented grape juice.

The more sobering thought (forgive the pun) for people in the wine business is that this has gone down from 60% less than 10 years ago.

What’s happening is that loyal wine drinkers tend to be in the older generation and younger people just aren’t drinking as much wine or indeed alcohol overall.

Given that alcohol consumption in the UK rocketed from the middle of the twentieth century to the end, this is probably a good thing.

Another significant difference is that younger people prize things like authenticity, sustainability and organic credentials.

This could all be summed up by less but better. This will see changes in what we see on the shelves of our supermarkets.

The producers suffering are the huge-volume brand owners making cheap wine. If somebody says to me that they are proud to have found a “surprisingly drinkable” cheap wine, you can pretty much guarantee that it will be an older chap!

Personally I try to aim higher than just drinkable but, as they say, you pays your money and takes your choice. I think that those that will benefit are smaller producers with a story to tell and wines to match.

I believe I’ve said this before but, something that is going to really change

things is the proposal to tax wine more for every extra 0.5% alcohol.

At the moment, any wine from 9% to 15% pays the same duty. With the new proposals, I would guess that wines at the upper end would be priced at least £5 or more above those below.

Mass wine producers will respond by making diluted products which at the moment are illegal but, the law will be changing here too.

At the top of this article I talked about the popularity of fermented grape juice, which is all wine is.

Welcome to the brave new world of the “wine-based drink”.

Perhaps a new government might look at whether this is a good idea. We’ll see.

n If you’d like to look back at my many and various articles for The Leveller, I am posting them bit by bit on our website at www.smithandevans. co.uk/new-blog-1

Brothers in bars at Glastonbury 2024

DRINKERS at this year’s Glastonbury Festival will be able to enjoy a pint of cider produced just three miles down the road.

The event, which runs from June 26 to 30 at Worthy Farm, Pilton, has announced Brothers Cider will once again be the official cider of the festival.

It comes 29 years on from their first appearance at the festival.

The locally-produced cider – from the Showerings Mill in Shepton Mallet – is made with Somerset apples and has no artificial flavours or ingredients, making it gluten free and vegan accredited.

Festival founder, Sir Michael Eavis, said: “Supporting local businesses and showcasing the best the county of Somerset has to offer is central to what we do and there are few businesses more local than our close neighbour, Brothers Cider.

“We’re delighted to once again welcome Brothers as our Official Cider partner.

“The brand has successfully refreshed thirsty festival-goers since 1995 and

Brothers has become a very popular beverage at the festival through the years.”

Brothers will be served at more than 100 bars across the site at Glastonbury 2024 and in selected stores around the

Restaurant of the year!

A GLASTONBURY fish and chip shop has scooped a top national award.

Knight’s Fish Restaurant, in Northload Street, was crowned fish and chip restaurant of the year at the 2024 National Fish and Chip Awards.

The result was revealed at a glittering ceremony held at the Park Plaza in London this week.

“We honestly can’t thank our wonderful team and you, our long-serving, fish and chip-loving customers enough,” a spokesperson said. “From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. We look forward to serving you you in the fish and chip restaurant of the year 2024.”

country, including at supermarkets across Somerset.

Until May 31, promotional cans and multi-packs of Brothers Cider will offer the chance to win prizes – including 10 pairs of Glastonbury tickets.

Sir Michael Eavis welcomes Brothers to Worthy Farm

Health & Wellbeing Council condemns Yeovil Hospital stroke unit closure plan

THE loss of emergency care at Yeovil District Hospital for people who have suffered a stroke has been condemned by a parish council.

Last month, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) voted to approve plans for a single stoke unit at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital.

The ICB said it would lead to “better outcomes” for patients but the move has been met with opposition in the community.

Now, at a special meeting on February 16, Thornhackett Parish Council resolved to condemn the decision.

“The hospital is used by many villagers of both Thornford and Beer Hackett, the villages served by the council,” a spokesperson said.

“Some 30 members of the public heard from local councillors and patient and community groups about the background to the closure decision and the likely effects on those unfortunate enough to suffer a stroke requiring urgent medical attention, including longer travel times to Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

“It was explained that the financial justification for the closure had not been made out, neither was there agreement from clinicians that this was the best option.

“Further, although a similar Unit was planned for Dorset County Hospital (in Dorchester), this was not going to be onstream until 2025 at the earliest, and there were already recruitment issues.”

Thornackett Council decided that it would join with others – including Somerset Council – in asking the Secretary of State to

review the closure decision using new ‘call in’ powers.

The Motion said:

“Thornhackett

Parish Council:

1. Condemns the decision of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to close the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (‘HASU’) at Yeovil Hospital and transfer the Unit to Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton,recognising the detrimental effect that this decision will have on the safety, health and well-being of the people of Thornford and Beer Hackett;

“The changes will mean better emergency treatment, resulting in fewer deaths and better recovery for stroke patients in Somerset.”

2. Calls upon the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to call in and review the said HASU closure decision, and instructs the Clerk to write to the Secretary of State to this effect;

3. Instructs the Clerk to write to Chris Loder Esq., MP asking for his support in this matter generally, and specifically with regard to the call in request, and similarly to seek the support of all Prospective Parliamentary Candidates for the West Dorset Constituency;

4. Asks that appropriate steps are taken by the Clerk and Councillors to disseminate and publicise this Resolution, including in the press and on social media.

Motion proposed by Councillor Nicholas WhitsunJones. Seconded by Councillor Roger Baxter.”

After the plans were approved, NHS Somerset chief medical officer Bernie Marden, said: “The proposals agreed today are a significant step forward for emergency stroke care in Somerset.

And Dr Rob Whiting, consultant stroke physician and clinical director for neuroscience and stroke at the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, added: “The review of

urgent stroke services in Somerset has always been about improving the quality of care and outcomes for patients.

“All patients, no matter where they live in Somerset, will benefit from being admitted to a unit that is able to provide excellent stroke care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These changes will see a significant investment in local stroke services.

“We will see improvements to patients’ diagnostic and treatment times, with quicker CT scans and thrombolysis, meaning patients will recover better and have an improved experience.”

Health & Wellbeing

Cottage could become children’s home

A SOMERSET cottage could become a registered children’s home if plans are approved.

Care firm Inspire Together has applied to Somerset Council for permission to change the use of Wheelwright Cottage, in Top Street, Kingsdon, near Somerton, to that of a children’s home.

The application said the three-bedroom cottage, pictured, would be used to provide accommodation for children in care.

In a covering letter for the planning application, Jo Allen, head of operations at Inspire Together, said a recent report by Ofsted revealed a lack of registered placements for young people.

“By opening Wheelwright Cottage as a registered children’s home, we aim to contribute towards solving this issue by providing a safe and suitable environment for children requiring residential care,” he said.

Inspire Together, established in 2022, was “dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs”, he went on.

“Opening Wheelwright Cottage as a registered children’s home aligns perfectly with our mission, as it allows us to offer specialised care and support to vulnerable children, ensuring their

wellbeing and development are prioritised,” the application added.

He said the cottage would have a “positive and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children”.

The application also noted how North Somerset Council and Devon Council had expressed a “particular requirement” for homes in the region – though Kingsdon is in the Somerset Council area.

“By aligning with the goals and recommendations of Ofsted, fulfilling the mission of Inspire Together, and meeting the expressed need of local councils, we are confident this project will make a substantial positive impact on the lives of the children it cares for,” the letter added.

For more details on the plan, and to comment, log on to www.somerset.gov. uk and search for application reference 24/00296/COL.

Health help now online

A NEW-LOOK website aims to boost the health of people in Somerset.

The site - www. healthysomerset.co.uk - has been launched by the Public Health team at Somerset Council, offering a raft of help and advice.

Free resources on offer range from nutrition tips to

mental health support and information on maintaining good health.

The refreshed site breaks down services and support to represent the ages and stages of life from the ‘best start in life’ (0-5 yrs), through to ‘starting well’ (5-18 yrs), to ‘living well’ (18-65 yrs) and ‘ageing well’ (65+).

New tech, new look, new options - meet the new Dacia Duster

YOU don’t have to dig too deeply through the sands of time to find when nobody had heard of a Dacia Duster.

In just 13-years, it’s gone from a complete unknown to a car that’s won more than 40 awards and become Europe’s best-selling SUV.

I think it’s safe to call that a success story. And that success looks all set to continue with the official unveiling of the all-new Dacia Duster.

The next chapter of the Duster story features new looks, new tech, improved off-road capability, new engine options and new trim-levels, wrapped in the same value-formoney packaging.

The all-new Dacia Duster boasts a more rugged and assertive design with sharp, vertical faces, chamfered wheel-arch guards, large tailgate, and side windows stretching the length of the cabin. It has also been built on Dacia’s latest CMF-B platform, making it a little bigger than the outgoing models, so more cabin and luggage space come as an added bonus.

With the addition of moulded underbody shields, wheel arches, and chunky front and rear bumpers, the new Duster very much has the look of a rugged off-roader.

The front and rear skid plates are even made with dyed plastic rather than painted so any scrapes won’t leave those horrible black scuffs showing through the colour.

The new ‘Y-shaped signature’ is reflected in the design of the headlights, taillights, and alloy wheels, as well as interior details.

Dacia wanted a consistent design inside and out, so as well as Y-shape vents the interior also reflects the

BEHIND THE WHEEL

by David Young

external looks with a new vertical dashboard and the logo on the steering wheel.

All the essentials are packed into the Duster’s practical interior too. The thirdgeneration Duster is the first to feature Dacia’s new 7-inch customisable colour digital dashboard, where the driver can display the information they find most useful.

There’s also a new infotainment system with a 10.1-inch screen, USB-C sockets front and rear, and wireless phone chargers.

the new digital dashboard and infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and reversing camera.

Once you get to the rangetopping models the trim levels split to give you that extra bit of choice. There are two top-of-the-range models available, ‘Extreme’ and ‘Journey’. Both begin life as the better-equipped ‘Expression’ variant before diverging - one heading off-road while the other cruises comfortably into the sunset.

The exact specification you can expect will depend on the trim level you choose.

The entry-level ‘Essential’ lives up to its name by missing out on a lot of the new technology. It’s hardly a barren wasteland though. Even entry-level models still include media controls on the steering wheel, cruise control, roof bars, and rear parking sensors, but the step up to the mid-range ‘Expression’ is where equipment levels rise.

On top of everything you get in the ‘Essential’ variant you can also add 17-inch wheels,

‘Extreme’ versions are aimed at those who prefer the rugged outdoor feel so as well as climate control, navigation system, and keyless operation you also get rubber floor and boot mats and washable upholstery.

‘Journey’ variants are for those who prefer a little more comfort and refinement, adding 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and upgraded speaker system alongside the air con, keyless operation, and sat nav.

Both will carry similar price tags so it’s down to which look you prefer.

When it comes to power, the new Duster range has embraced hybrid technology. Dacia will start the range with the TCe 130, a mild-hybrid combining a

1.2-litre petrol engine with a 48v electrical system to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. It produces a healthy 130bhp, comes with a sixspeed manual gearbox, and can be specified as 4x2 or 4x4.

There’s also a full hybrid option that combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors. The total power output is around 140bhp and, thanks to the clutchless automatic gearbox and a regenerative braking system, Dacia claims it can run in all-electric mode for around 80% of the time when you’re driving around town.

Obviously, the all-new Dacia Duster will offer the same great value for money as it’s done for the last 13 years.

The latest generation will give you more space, an updated design, and more equipment for your money too. I just can’t say exactly how much money yet because UK pricing and specification won’t actually be announced until the new models hit the showrooms in the second quarter of the year.

That being said, Dacia has confirmed that the European market will see prices for the new range start at less than €20,000. A rough currency conversion and a bit of common sense suggests the Duster is likely to be every bit as affordable as it is attractive, capable, and well-equipped.

Motoring

Drink-driving lorry driver jailed

A LORRY driver has been jailed after being found to be more than three times the legal limit for alcohol on the M5 in Somerset.

Ihar Shynkevich was pulled over by Special Constable Danny Hopkins and Special Constable Kalvin Mackenzie on the afternoon of February 5 after a member of the public called 999 when they saw his vehicle being driven erratically on the motorway.

Police dashcam footage showed the lorry, which was carrying cargo weighing more than 21 tonnes, veering between lanes and narrowly avoiding a vehicle joining the northbound carriageway at junction 22 (Burnham).

The 35-year-old was arrested at Sedgemoor service station after failing a roadside breath test and was subsequently charged with driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed alcohol limit.

He appeared in court the next day and was sentenced to 19 weeks imprisonment, in addition to being disqualified from driving for 1,163 days.

Roads Policing A/Insp Stephen Whatley said: “Considering the size of Shynkevich’s vehicle, the weight of the load he was carrying and the manner of his driving on a busy stretch of carriageway, there could easily have been a major collision on the M5 that afternoon.

“Fortunately, this was avoided and a dangerous driver has now been taken off the roads thanks to a report from a member of the public.

“Given the seriousness of the circumstances, a custodial sentence is appropriate and welcomed.”

So far in 2024, there have been 255

arrests for drink driving and 153 arrests for drug driving in the Avon and Somerset police area, a total of 408 arrests in just over eight weeks.

A total of 324 drivers were arrested during the force’s annual winter operation to target drink and drug drivers, which ran during the month of December.

Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman, head of Roads Policing, said: “The arrest data for the first eight weeks of 2024 shows that drink and drug driving remains a major problem on our roads, despite the well known risks.

“It should also dispel the misconception that enforcement activity only goes on during the Christmas period when media attention peaks. To be clear: those who make the reckless choice to drink or drug drive, day or night, should expect to get caught.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work of our teams – including the Special Constabulary, who volunteer their time – who are all working tirelessly to keep our roads safe.”

Motoring

Cameras\ pick up phone users behind the wheel

NEW cameras that can detect whether drivers are wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone are being trialled on Wiltshire roads.

National Highways has revealed Wiltshire Police is among 10 forces set to trial the technology, which can automatically identify motorists not wearing a seatbelt or using mobile phones while driving.

The new kit is mounted to a vehicle or trailer and has multiple cameras giving differing views of the driver

and their passengers.

The National Highways trial first launched in 2021, when motorists spotted driving without seatbelts or on the phone by police using the technology were sent warning letters informing them of the dangers of their behaviour.

Research shows that you are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone while driving and twice as likely to die in a crash if you don’t wear a seatbelt.

In partnership with AECOM, the research is now

being extended to work with more police forces to help learn more about how the technology could work on National Highways roads and inform a possible future roll-out nationwide.

The latest trial began on February 19 and will run until March 2025.

There are plans for the technology to be fixed to gantries for the first time giving an unobscured view of all lanes.

The new technology captures footage of passing

motorists. The images are processed using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse whether the motorists could be using a handheld mobile phone or drivers may be without a seat belt.

The images are then passed to police for consideration on any action to be taken.

Drivers can be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seatbelt in addition to penalty points. While using a mobile phone while driving can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and six penalty points.

Recruitment

Dr Martin appointed as new head of ambulance service in south west

THE ambulance service in Somerset has a new chief executive.

Dr John Martin has been appointed chief executive of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Martin joined the Trust at the end of December last year as interim chief executive on secondment from the London Ambulance Service, where he held the positions of chief paramedic officer and deputy chief executive.

His career with the NHS began at the age of 18, where his first job was testing infectious diseases in a microbiology lab.

He has since been a consultant paramedic and continues to practice clinically

as well as teach as a visiting Professor of Paramedic Science at the University of Hertfordshire.

An experienced executive board member with a wealth of clinical and operational experience across ambulance, acute, community and mental health NHS services, Dr Martin was awarded the King’s Ambulance Service Medal in 2023.

And he said he was keen to continue his work.

“I am delighted to be appointed as the chief executive for the Trust and I have enjoyed my first few months as interim chief executive,” he said. “It feels like a lot has happened in that time, and I have particularly enjoyed visiting stations and,

on occasion, having the opportunity to see patients on clinical shifts.

“Everyone has made me feel hugely welcome and I have seen the professionalism and compassion this organisation brings in a highly challenging environment.

“I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to continue my journey with SWASFT, and I very much look forward to working with colleagues, volunteers and our partner organisations to ensure we deliver the best possible care for our patients when they need us most.”

Stephen Otter, chair at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to congratulate John on his appointment and look forward to continuing our work together.

“John’s appointment follows a robust recruitment and interview process including a challenging and inclusive assessment where candidates met with a number of panels involving our people, colleague networks, the board and key NHS partners in the South West.”

Dr John Martin is the new chief executive of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

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adverts@somersetleveller.co.uk

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your

Probe launched into housebuilders over info sharing

AN investigation has been launched into eight housebuilders over “evidence” they shared commercially-sensitive information.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it had found evidence during a study into the provision of homes in the UK that indicated “some housebuilders may be sharing commercially sensitive information with their competitors, which could be influencing the build-out of sites and the prices of new homes”.

“While the CMA does not consider such sharing of information to be one of the main factors in the persistent under-delivery of homes, the CMA is concerned that it may

weaken competition in the market,” the CMA said.

It went on to confirm it launched an investigation, under the Competition Act 1998, into eight companies: Barratt, Bellway, Berkeley, Bloor Homes, Persimmon, Redrow, Taylor Wimpey, and Vistry.

“The CMA has not reached any conclusions at this stage as to whether or not competition law has been infringed,” a spokesperson said.

Positive start to 2024

THERE has been ‘positive’ movement in the property market in the opening months of 2024, according to one marketer.

Property website Rightmove said buyer activity is busier than this time last year, while January was a record-breaking month for people requesting home valuations.

What happens in the first couple of months of the year is often a good indicator for the year ahead, according to property expert, Tim Bannister, pictured above.

“There continues to be reasons for cautious optimism as we settle into 2024, with encouraging activity levels from home-movers and a more stable housing market,” he said.

“While some would-be buyers will continue to be affected by elevated mortgage

rates and major affordability constraints, many other prospective buyers who can afford to do so, have acted fast and demonstrated their belief that 2024 is their year to get moving.”

A year ago, Rightmove said it was seeing a much cooler market than usual, with many movers waiting amid mortgage rates at historically high levels.

However, by the end of 2023, mortgage rates were edging down, and a record number of homes were listed for sale on Boxing Day.

“We’re able to see what’s happening in the property market in real time, and can see that this increased level of demand has remained, with lots of people determined to make 2024 the year they move into a new home,” a Rightmove spokesperson said.