Somerset has once again been underwater. As hundreds deal with the aftermath of devastating storms, what is being done about it? And can we adapt our lives as the effects of climate change worsen?
One thing seems clear, there is...
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AMAN from Yeovil has been celebrating his first paid job that allows him to share his lived experience as an autistic person with others.
George Buxton has been supported by members of the specialist learning disabilities support team from Realise, part of the not-for-profit Somerset Care Group, since leaving college in 2017.
His handpicked support team has been helping him to build the skills and confidence he needs to live more independently.
With their help and encouragement, George has successfully secured volunteer roles in both his local library and a nearby charity shop.
He has also built up a routine of going swimming at the local leisure centre, and meeting a friend for lunch.
When it became a requirement for all staff in health and social care settings to receive the Oliver McGowan mandatory training in learning disabilities and autism, as a result of the sad and avoidable death of an 18-year-old autistic
man, the Realise team spotted an opportunity for George to share his lived experience as an autistic person with others, and further his own personal development and skillset in the process.
An important aspect of this training is that it is both produced and co-delivered by autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
After talking through what this would involve, George decided to go ahead with the formal training to become a formal co-trainer, understanding more about how sharing his lived experience could educate and inform others about seeing the world from the perspective of an autistic person with learning disabilities.
A spokesperson for Realise said: “Despite having never spoken in front of a group of people before, George proved to be a natural at presenting.
“When a paid job opportunity arose at Somerset Care to be an expert with lived experience co-trainer for the
Oliver McGowan training, George applied – and got the job!”
Not only does George now share his lived experience as part of regular training sessions for colleagues across the not-for-profit Somerset Care Group, but he wears his staff badge with pride as he also delivers and develops sections of the training course, and hosts the question and answer sessions.
He also manages an unaided bus journey of more than an hour to and from the training centre for each presentation, something that he would previously have felt was beyond
his reach.
As well as using the benefit of his lived experience to further the understanding of autism, completing the training and starting out in the world of employment has been of great benefit to George. His Realise team has observed how much of a boost this has been to his confidence, and how his skills and independence have developed as a result.
Amanda Kingsley-Templar, who was one of the original members of George’s Realise support team, and now delivers training sessions alongside him, said: “The feedback George receives from the delegates has been highly positive.
“He really has become the star of the show. He has learned so much since starting this journey, and is now a confident and skilled presenter.
“We are incredibly proud of how far he has come – and see even more great things ahead.”
PLANS for the final 90 homes of a huge housing development on the outskirts of Taunton have been given the green light.
Somerset Council planners have approved the final phase of Persimmon Homes South West’s 320-home Hartnells Farm scheme, at the northern edge of the Monkton Heathfield urban extension.
Persimmon and sister company, Charles Church, will now start the development.
The developer said all homes will feature an electric-vehicle charging point, while 22, powered by solar panels, will be allocated as social housing, including three accessible bungalows.
They said the scheme was built on an “environmentallyfriendly vision”, with a buffer of retained and new trees lining the north and eastern boundaries, with an existing large oak tree also retained.
Meanwhile, tree-lined streets and attenuation ponds will line the spine road, supporting natural flood runoff alongside basins in the south, Persimmon said, while each home will also be accompanied by bird and bat boxes.
The 90 new homes mark the final phase of Persimmon’s presence at Hartnells Farm.
Persimmon Homes South West managing director, Dan Heathcote, said: “Persimmon is very proud of the work we have
done so far at Hartnells Farm and we are delighted to have finally secured permission to complete our vision for the new community we have helped build there.
“This latest planning permission means we are now one step closer to bringing more new, high-quality homes to the area, opening up the dream of home-ownership to even more local people, addressing housing need in the
Taunton area.
“I’d like to thank the officers at Somerset Council for working pro-actively with us at Persimmon and look forward to carrying on that constructive relationship going forward.”
BURNHAM-on-Sea may seem a million miles from a packed Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
But the two have something in common – they have hosted Wales football star Gareth Bale.
The former Tottenham and Real Madrid star was in Somerset with friends for a round at Burnham and Berrow Golf Club on January 18.
Bale, 35, who scored 81 goals in 176 appearances for the Spanish giants, is a well-known golf lover, reportedly boasting a recreation of the
17th hole at US course Sawgrass in his back garden and playing in a number of pro-am competitions.
The Championship Course at Berrow & Burnham has hosted many of the leading amateur golf tournaments in Britain, including the Brabazon Trophy and English Amateur contests.
Last year, Burnham welcomed another A-list celebrity, when Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams popped into the Quick Bite Cafe for a spot of breakfast.
SOMERSET mother Emma Webber has called for a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer after a report over the care of the man who killed her son revealed numerous failings.
Findings of an independent report into NHS care of Valdo Calocane - who killed three people in Nottingham in June 2003included how 33-year-old Calocane - who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia - being allowed to avoid taking long-lasting antipsychotic medication because he did not like needles, as well as revealing how he punched a police officer and held his flatmates "hostage".
In June 2023, he attacked and killed 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates, before attempting to kill three other people.
Calocane will be detained in a highsecurity hospital for treatment, with a judge at Nottingham Crown Court saying he will likely never be released when sentencing him for manslaughter in January last year.
The manslaughter charge was accepted after experts agreed his schizophrenia
meant he was not fully responsible for his actions.
After the report was issued, Taunton-based Emma, whose son Barnaby died in the attacks, Calocane had "got away with murder" and the hospital order was an "enormous miscarriage of justice".
"This has to be addressed. So enough is enough," she said. "It's shameful we've had to fight so hard against the public agencies and institutions that should be there to protect us. Have the respect to admit failure, accept the consequences but, most importantly, make the change now. It's desperately needed to keep the public safe."
take their arguments to the Prime Minister.
"To the prime minister, and the rest of the government, make this trauma stop and make our fight stop," she added.
"None of us should be here today. Anything and everything that could go wrong did," she added.
"Barnaby, Ian and Grace would be here today if those concerned across these agencies had just done their job properly."
"He knew what he was doing," she said. "He serves no punishment for his crimes."
Now, she said, the families wanted to
"You have confirmed there will be a public inquiry, but agree the terms that we've been pleading for, make it statutory so all of the agencies, organisations, institutions and, vitally, individuals must and will be compelled to attend, give evidence and tell the truth.
"I do think it's time now that we get the opportunity to meet with the prime minister."
LANDMARK Somerton hardware store Overt Locke is “facing an uncertain future” and has been put up for sale.
The West Street store has been serving customers in the town for 100 years – but could shut if not bought as a ‘going concern’.
Neil Taylor, grandson of founder Overt Locke, said it was “heartbreaking” to think the store might close.
“Overt Locke has been a labour of love for our family and our team,” he said. “We’ve explored every avenue to keep it running, and while we’re actively seeking a buyer to continue its operation, the reality of the current retail environment makes that outcome uncertain.”
He said the site could be redeveloped if a buyer wishing
to continue the business cannot be found.
“It’s a tough time for small, independent businesses like our,” Mr Taylor said. “Market conditions are challenging and buying habits have changed, but we’re committed
to doing everything we can to secure a future for the site that honours its history and supports the town in some way.”
Meanwhile, he said, the shop remains open and customers are being encouraged to visit and share their memories of what
has been an iconic name in the town for 100 years.
The news comes as a number of other prominent sites in Somerton are on the market, including The Courtyard, another landmark building in the town centre.
TAUNTON man Tom Kember has been jailed for 21 years over “explosive” assaults which left a baby with severe disabilities.
Kember denied assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm but was found guilty by a jury in October last year following a five-week trial.
On Friday (January 24) he was sentenced to 25 years, with 21 years behind bars four years on an extended licence period.
Sentencing, His Honour Judge Julian Lambert said: “Rage and dangerous loss of control is evidenced in your antecedents … You show no remorse. This was an extreme explosive rage, exerting forces far beyond rough handling and similar to the force of a car crash, or a fall from a height.”
He went on: “The victim of your crime was extremely vulnerable at only eight weeks old, after a premature birth.
“The consequences where utterly catastrophic, traumatic brain injury. You have robbed a child of most quality of life. This was an attack of monstrous evil with the worst possible consequences."
At the same trial Katherine Reilly, 25, also of Taunton, was found guilty of child cruelty, a charge she too had denied.
She was handed a six-month jail term suspended for two years, with a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and an unpaid work requirement of 200 hours.
HHJ Lambert told her: “You … built a wall of silence … and hid behind this … You betrayed [a] helpless injured baby … by shielding the wicked monster who had so grievously injured her. You were convicted of a single count of criminal ill-treatment by neglect. This was failing to secure timely medical attention … The time frame of neglect was very limited but your conduct in
failing to secure medical attention was wicked and spineless.”
The baby girl, now five, was born prematurely in 2019. She was discharged from hospital in January 2020 and just 10 days later an ambulance was called to an address in Taunton as she was unresponsive.
Ambulance staff spotted bruising on her temples and raised their concerns with hospital staff on their arrival.
The jury was told that on January 12, 2020, Kember had searched online for “what happend aif u (sic) hit a baby’s face” and “can a baby be sick if it gets hit”.
At 10.45pm the next day, while at a fast-food restaurant with Reilly and the baby, Kember searched online for terms such as “if baby hits its head does the baby sleep a lot”.
Video footage showed the pair in the restaurant with the baby in her buggy behind them.
Then, at about 1.20am on January 14, they called 111, 80 minutes after the prosecution said the assault causing the brain injury happened. At 6.10am that day Kember searched for “can I get dosent for abiseing (sic) … baby”. The prosecution case was that this was a mis-typed search for “can I get done for abusing … baby”.
The consequences of the child’s traumatic brain injury are life-long and life-limiting. She is registered blind and is non-verbal, with complex needs including daily seizures.
She has been adopted by the foster family who have been caring for her since she was four months old and in hospital.
In a powerful impact statement read to the court, the child’s adoptive mother described the pain and frustration her daughter experiences daily as a result of Kember’s actions.
“Our daughter sustained unimaginable, horrific injuries as a tiny, vulnerable, innocent little baby,” she said. “There is not one part of [her] body that has not been affected by the injuries she has sustained.
“She is in pain day and night; a type of pain you cannot just ‘kiss away’ as every parent does, or make better with a cuddle. A pain that wakes her through the night and frustrates her through the day.
“I am angry and heartbroken by the situation. Those responsible for her injury have stolen a future from her that she deserved, in a very real way.
“Despite the hard times we’ve already gone through and the hard times yet to come, our love for [her] and her love for
us leads us through. [She] has a growing community of people who love and care for her deeply. She brings joy to our world, light to our eyes and gratitude to our hearts.
“Despite all the difficulties and pain [she] has, she is such a happy little girl who lights up the room with her smile. She has the most infectious laugh that makes everyone who meets her melt. The odds were stacked against her, which makes every moment with her even more precious. We are so proud of [her]. She has beaten the odds and survived the unthinkable but now she isn’t on her own, she has us, her family, and we will support her, love and care for her and give her the best possible life – the life that she always deserved.
“[She] will never experience the same things that other children get to experience. She will never be able to run around the park and play with her friends, enjoy the magic of Christmas or understand birthday celebrations. She will never have the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike, or read a book. All the little things that we take for granted have been snatched from her.”
Detective Superintendent Roger Doxsey, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly I must pay tribute to all the medical staff involved in this little girl’s care, and especially to the family who are giving her the unconditional love and care she needs and deserves.
“A helpless baby has been left with terrible injuries because the people who were supposed to be looking after her were more concerned with avoiding the consequences of their actions than getting her the urgent medical care she needed.”
The judge awarded the officers involved in the case a Crown Court Commendation.
ASCHOOL that has undergone “rapid growth” over the past few years is looking to expand.
Critchill School, in Nunney Road, Frome, has submitted a planning application to erect a side extension to an existing classroom which would provide space for an additional classroom.
The school provides education for pupils who have complex and severe learning needs.
Headteacher Emma West said the extension would allow for
smaller class sizes.
“The school has undergone rapid growth in its roll over the last few years and submitted a ‘significant changes’ to the Department of Education increasing its pupil numbers from 66 to 80 [in] November 2020,” she said.
“Growth has continued to rise, due to demand in special school spaces. Our published admission number for 2024 is 85. We currently have 97 students on roll.
“Our projected number at present for September 2025 will
be 96 students.
“The addition of an additional classroom will allow for those students already on roll to have a more appropriate learning space and smaller class sizes.”
Agent Your Design Bristol, who submitted plans on behalf of the school, said smaller class sizes are “imperative” to higher standards of education.
They said: “Given the increase and requirement to accommodate children who need additional support and benefit from the much-needed
professional care supplied by the teachers at Critchill School, additional open space classrooms appear to work well, and new facilities are welcomed by the teachers, all of the staff and the pupils.
“The style of teaching requires less children in each room and larger open areas, this is imperative to higher standards of education.”
n To view and comment on the plans, visit somerset.gov.uk and search reference 2025/0156/FUL.
DICK and Dom star Richard McCourt is going to prison in Somerset.
However, far from doing anything wrong, the TV personality will to become a jailbird at Shepton Mallet Prison to raise money for people living with dementia.
Richard is taking part in a charity jailbreak on May 21, during Dementia Awareness Week, and members of the public can join him.
The actor is an ambassador for Somerset charity, Reminiscence Learning, who are organising the jailbreak and volunteered for the challenge as soon as he heard about it, as someone who has experienced the impact of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) first hand after losing his mother.
Another Ambassador for the charity, former BBC
correspondent Clinton Rogers – now a Deputy Lieutenant in Somerset – will also be a jailbird for the day.
Fiona Mahoney, CEO of Reminiscence Learning, said: “We are very excited about this event. We have never done anything like it before.
“I visited Shepton Mallet Prison and it’s going to be an incredible place to hold this event. People will have a fun day, and the funds raised will be a huge help to our charity and make a real difference.”
Shepton Mallet is the world’s oldest prison, and during its history it has housed many criminals, including the notorious Kray Twins.
On May 21, charity jailbreak convicts will step into the shoes of prisoners for a day, take on an Escape Room challenge, and work to raise their bail to secure their release.
Participants are promised the “full prisoner experience”, with challenges set in the eerie and iconic prison.
After completing their tasks, they will be given lunch in order to refuel, to start raising their bail by contacting friends, family and colleagues.
Every penny raised will directly help individuals living with dementia and their families.
For more details, and to sign up to be a prisoner for the day, contact Debbie on 07795 683598, or email office@ reminiscencelearning.co.uk.
JANUARY 2014 will stick in the memory of many Somerset residents, sending a shiver down the spine.
For that month saw an estimated 10% of the Levels underwater as the most widespread flooding in living memory struck the county.
Sleepy Somerset was suddenly catapulted to the front pages of national newspapers, and the lead item on TV news.
More than 600 homes and 16 farms were evacuated, with many forced out of their homes for months.
The floods caused damage estimated at £10 million, with some 14,000 hectares of grazing land said to be underwater for three to four weeks, with tourism taking a hit of around £200m, according to estimates.
Roads were hit, including the A361 between Taunton and Street, while train services connecting Taunton and Bridgwater to Bristol were also closed.
In response, Prime Minister David Cameron said "money is no object in this relief effort".
Ah, but what about after the immediate need for relief had passed?
"It will take time, but together we will deal with these floods, we’ll get our country back on its feet and we will build a more resilient country for the future," Mr Cameron
said at the time.
However, then, it seemed money was actually an object.
In the aftermath of the 2014 floods a new body was set upthe Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) - to reduce the "risks and impacts of flooding across Somerset".
However, despite Mr Cameron's earnest claims, it eventually fell to the people of
across Somerset once again embark on a clean-up operation following heavy rain, they are asking what they have to show for that money.
The SRA has done things. Since 2014, it points to initiatives including:
n launching phase one of a River Sowy – King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD) enhancements scheme
Somerset to pay for their "more resilient country", with an additional sum added to the council tax bill of every home in the area.
That money hands the SRA £3m a year, with the Axe Brue and Parrett Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) also giving a combined £20,000 annually.
So, we give the SRA just over £3m a year to reduce the possibility and the impact of flooding.
But, as towns and villages
n dredging activities on the River Parrett
n aiding development work on the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier
n overseeing natural flood management works to slow the flow of water as part of the Hills to Levels project
n implementing the Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation Improvements Scheme
n launching a new Highbridge surface water pumping station
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier
is a massive scheme that could bring tangible benefits across the county, reducing flood risk for more than 11,000 homes and 1,500 businesses.
But it won't be operational until 2027.
An SRA spokesperson said the barrier was just one of a raft of initiatives it was involved with to tackle flooding.
"(The SRA) has funded a large number of measures to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding across Somerset, and many improvements can be seen throughout the county," a spokesperson said.
"Every year the SRA gives grants totalling around £3m for works that reduce the risks and impacts of flooding.
"Schemes and activities are largely carried out by members of the SRA partnership, such as Somerset Council, the Internal Drainage Boards, and the Environment Agency, as they have the powers and operational resources to deliver works on behalf of the SRA.
"Associated bodies such as Exmoor National Park Authority, the National Trust and Somerset Wildlife Trust may also get grants, while the SRA’s new Community Flood Action Fund has created opportunities for many smaller organisations such as town and parish councils to take simple, effective local action."
The Environment Agency (EA), which has worked with Somerset Council in developing the barrier plans, said it was still carrying out work as the scheme progresses.
A spokesperson said: "The EA works tirelessly to better protect Somerset communities from the risks and impacts of flooding. We operate several hundred assets 24/7, spending £8-9m each year on their inspection, operation and maintenance, while also carrying out 120km of machine channel clearance annually and responding to incidents all year round.
"Alongside our other important work as part of the Somerset Rivers Authority partnership, this helps reduce flood risk for thousands of homes and businesses across the region."
To ensure the tidal barrier project is delivered, earlier this month the Government announced it was giving the scheme £43m in the latest round of Plan for Change funding.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, said: "The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods.
"The role of any Government is to protect its citizens.
"Under our Plan for Change, we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and maintenance flood defences to protect lives, homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding."
So the scheme is coming.
And it should be said, many of the complaints from residents following 2014 have been acted on; There has been dredging, there are more pumps, drainage has been improved and, despite record amounts of rainfall, we haven't seen the apocalyptic scenes of a decade ago.
None of this, of course, is of much comfort to people in Chard, in Ilton, or anywhere seriously hit by flooding in recent months.
But to be fair to the SRA and
partners, there is no way for us to accurately predict what might have happened had these things not been done.
Somerset is always going to be prone to flooding. The Levels are a low-lying area of some 160,000 acres, with efforts to control water levels taking place for thousands of years - and we are constantly changing the landscape.
For example, the recent upgrade of the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester has prompted concerns over the impact on surrounding areas during heavy rainfall.
Siân Hopkins, senior project manager for the scheme, said:
"We are aware of increased flooding across the Somerset and surrounding area and, while
attenuation ponds, drainage ditches, pipes and gullies to drain surface water quickly and safely, protecting the surrounding land from flooding.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and look for further collaborative opportunities to reduce the risk of flooding where possible."
Obviously, theories abound in conversation about the causes of flooding in various parts of the county, something a Somerset Council spokesperson addressed.
They said: "The causes of flooding are complicated and vary from place to place.
"There are all sorts of contributing factors, not least land use and the finite capacity of the highway surface drainage
confident our scheme has not increased the risk of flooding in the area, we have worked with the Environment Agency and Somerset Council to identify opportunities to improve the situation.
"Drainage has been designed so that surface water can run off the extra area of the road surface we’ve put down, along with other mitigation.
"This includes five
systems that cannot deal with the intensity of rainfall.
"Underlying all of this are the increasingly severe weather events we are experiencing and are likely to see more of in the future.
"There will be an investigation to fully understand the circumstances of the latest flooding incident.
"The highways drainage system and gullies are there to
get water off the highways as soon as possible and keep transport links open.
"The flooding we have seen recently is not a problem that can be solved by gulley clearance.
"We know from previous events that run-off from land is a major factor and this tends to overwhelm all drainage systems, including highways systems.
"The fact that the maintenance regime of gullies was significantly increased following flooding in Chard in 2021 for example, or that the SRA has made funding available to increase maintenance frequency across the county, yet flooding was still a problem in some of these areas on Sunday, underlines the fact that highways drainage issues is simply not the root cause of the problem.
"Coping with flood incidents needs a partnership approach in terms of identifying potential ways to reduce the harms, and that is what we are engaged in.
"It is also about adapting as communities and building resilience."
EA chair Alan Lovell said climate change would lead to more flooding in the futurewith money from the Plan for Change pot helping alleviate it as much as possible - something we look at on page 28.
"The impact of flooding on our communities will only become greater as climate change brings more extreme weather like Storms Bert, Conall and Éowyn," he said.
"With this new funding, we will work closely with the Government to deliver the vital projects that are needed across the country, ensuring our investment goes to those communities who need it the most."
Somerset needs investment. And we can only hope the efforts our money pay for will not take too long to have an impact.
ADECISION over a huge housing plan in Frome has been taken out of the hands of councillors at the last minute.
Members of Somerset Council's planning board east were due to debate plans for up to 1,700 homes, a school and two care homes on the edge of Frome – known as the Selwood Garden Community Project – on February 4.
However, less than 24 hours before the meeting, members were told the application had been ‘called in’ by the government.
This means the decision will now fall to Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner following a public inquiry - with the council being able to make representations.
Rayner has set a target of 1.5 million new homes built in the country over the next five years.
The Frome plans were recommended for approval by planning officers, but the planning committee said it was
Government
in' plan for 1,700 homes, shops, school and care home in Frome
minded to refuse the application in December, pending sufficient evidence to support the decision.
Cllr Martin Dimery (Green, Frome West), who sits on the planning board, shared his dismay that the final decision on the plans was taken out of the hands of democratically elected councillors.
"Most of us didn’t know what this meant, as it has not happened in recent times," he said. "In effect, the decision has been taken out of our hands as democratically elected councillors and placed in the remit of a regional planning inspector.
"We will be consulted, only. Somerset will be represented by officers who initially recommended the plan for approval."
Cllr Dimery has suggested the plans were called in due to pressure from central government as it looks to "get Britain building".
“What is even more galling is that the enormous costs of these
hearings will be born, in part, by the local authority," he added.
"I have no idea how this application ended up being re-routed by government intervention. Speculating is fruitless.
"Some think it may be a good thing. My own view is that, with huge pressure being applied by the Labour government to local authorities to ‘build, build, build’ for ‘growth, growth, growth’ we may be thoroughly stitched up.
"After all the work that has gone into this I cannot help but feel cheated at not being a real part of the decision process."
Land Value Alliances is looking to build the 1,700 home Selwood Garden Community between the southern edge of Frome and the A361.
More than 500 homes - 30% of the total - will be affordable through a mix of social rented and shared ownership schemes.
The plans, which included a commercial space for shops, restaurants, and offices, a
riverside park, two care homes, a 420-place primary school as well as an employment space, faced fierce opposition from hundreds of residents, Frome Town Council and MP for nearby West Wiltshire, Dr Andrew Murrison.
More than 500 objections to the scheme were received, including from CPRE Somerset, Friends of the River Frome, Stop SGC group, Frome Town Council, Frome Civic Society and Selwood Parish Council.
Campaign group Stop SGC has said the plans would "destroy Frome’s natural habitats and hundreds of acres of productive farmland".
It added the development would put pressure on the "already overwhelmed infrastructure of Frome and the surrounding area" and that the proposals exceed the number of houses the town needs.
HOUSEHOLDS in Somerset could be faced with a hike in their council tax above the national cap.
Cash-strapped Somerset Council has been granted permission by the government to raise its share of council tax by up to 7.5% - above the national cap of 5%.
The authority has been scrambling to reduce its operating costs to avoid bankruptcy since it declared a financial emergency in November 2023, blaming the rising cost pressures in children’s and adult social care, which continue to soar nationally.
Despite implementing cost-cutting measures – such as selling off £71 million of buildings and offices in the county as well as further plans to save £34m by reducing the number of staff and managers by April – the council is still facing a £54m gap in its budget for the next financial year.
This spurred council leader, Councillor Bill Revans (Lib Dem, North Petherton),
pictured, to write to Angela Rayner (Lab, Ashton-underLyne), Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), to highlight the challenge and request Exceptional Financial Support.
MHCLG has now confirmed Somerset Council will be allowed to increase council tax by up to 7.5%.
In the coming weeks, the council will meet to decide whether to agree any increase.
"Today’s announcement gives us clarity and we will need to consider the implications before we finalise our budget proposals for debate and decision at full council later this month," Cllr Revans said.
As the increase will not raise enough money to fill the gap, the council will again be reliant on a Capitalisation Direction, which allows them to use money raised by selling assets, or borrowing, to fund the budget gap and day-to-day running costs.
Somerset Council’s budget will be discussed at the
following meetings:
n Extraordinary meeting of Scrutiny Corporate & Resources – February 17
n Extraordinary meeting of the Executive – February 19
n Revised Full Council meeting date for Budget proposals – February 26
n Reserve Full Council meeting date – March 5
The move comes after Taunton Town Council announced an 8.77% increase in its share of the council tax, while Bridgwater Town Council approved a larger 39.18% increase.
In Wellington, the town council has approved an increase of 27.41%.
Elsewhere, a recommendation for a £14 rise for Band D properties to pay for policing from Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody was approved by the Police and Crime Panel earlier this month.
PCC Moody said the increase will generate an extra £8.5m for the force.
“I am grateful to the Police and Crime Panel for their
careful consideration of this year’s precept proposal and to everyone who shared their views during the consultation.
“I know the cost of living is a concern for many, and I did not take this decision lightly.
"It is my responsibility to ensure our police service has the resources to continue tackling crime, keeping communities safe, and improving trust and confidence in policing.
"The additional funding raised will support Avon and Somerset Police in maintaining front-line services, progressing work on priority areas like tackling serious violence and violence against women and girls, and investing in initiatives to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour."
The Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has not yet confirmed any increase, however, a consultation last year outlined how £1.8m in savings would be required with a 1.99% increase.
Overall, council tax in Somerset is going to increase - by quite a lot - so be ready when your bill arrives.
IT’S that time of year again, where our pages – online and print – are full of news about council tax increases.
This can get confusing, as one story will say %8, another %3, leaving us normal folks struggling to work out just how much more we are going to pay.
So, we thought it might be helpful to provide a guide on what exactly is being decided in these stories, and how it all ties together to land in one place –on your doormat in the form of a bill.
What does council tax pay for?
Your council tax bill, usually paid each month, is surmised in a nice simple statement, sent out in February or March.
However, the amount is a sum total of several different parts – the things it pays for.
In the Somerset Council area, they are: Somerset Council; Somerset Rivers Authority;
Adult Social Care; Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner; Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service; Parish, town or city councils.
Why are there different council tax rises mentioned in stories?
Ahead of the final council tax bills being sent out, each of the areas outlined above has to decide how much they need for the coming year.
Once they’ve settled on an amount - called a precept - they can put that forward for inclusion in your single council tax bill.
Because the bill is made up of charges from a number of areas, with each setting its own precept, it means you will see stories ahead of the final bill.
You may see a story saying, for example, ‘Taunton households to see council tax to rise by 5% after budget meeting’
– yet your actual bill only rises by 4%.
This is because one part of your bill has been decided, and is rising by 5%. For example, Taunton Town Council sets a ‘precept’ (how much it wants) for the year – that may have risen by 5%.
Confusing indeed, but these things are all decided at different times, so you will see stories detailing them as and when they happen. When do I find out what my actual bill will be?
Final council tax bills for every household in Somerset can only be decided once all parts of that bill have set their precepts.
Once they have been set, Somerset Council will hold a full council budget meeting at which its precept is set and the final bill becomes clear and the bills – as detailed at the start –are sent out.
Are there limits on how much my council tax can rise?
To an extent, yes. However, this only applies to some parts of your bill.
The government sets limits on how much some people can increase their precept.
For example, local authorities are limited to increases of 2.99% for general expenditure. However, they can also add an additional 2% to pay for adult social care, due to the funding crisis in that sector. And in Somerset, the amount for the Somerset Rivers Authority too.
The police meanwhile, for 2025/26, were limited to a £14 increase.
Parish, city and town councils had no limit.
FIGHTING crime, moving from Germany to the UK, and meeting the future King – it’s all been in a lifetime’s work for one Frome resident.
Erna, born in Germany, is now living at Frome Nursing Home, where she continues to inspire those around her with her sharp mind, sense of humour, and a treasure trove of unforgettable stories garnered through a life full of adventure.
Here, manager of the nursing home, Sherin Anup, talks about Erna’s amazing journey…
“Born the youngest of seven children, Erna grew up in a close-knit family with fond memories of her parents, Magdala and Andreas, and her siblings Maria, Truda, Clara, Lana, Max, and Franz.
Her childhood, shaped by strong family bonds, instilled a deep sense of purpose and determination that would guide her throughout her life.
After World War II, Erna’s life took a new turn when she met George, an English soldier. Their marriage marked the start of a fresh chapter, as Erna became a British citizen in 1950 and built a life full of love and purpose in the UK.
Embracing every opportunity, Erna served as a Police Special in Somerset while living in Coleford, a role that highlighted her sharp observation and no-nonsense personality.
Alongside this, she had a long career as a Store Detective all over Somerset, serving between 15 and 20 years in the role.
Known for her unwavering sense of duty, Erna took great pride in her service, recalling it as one of the most fulfilling periods of her life.
One of her cherished memories from this time was meeting King Charles (then Prince Charles) while serving in the police.
Mollie, a team member at Frome Nursing Home, fondly shared: “I can picture Erna as policewoman, as she still has that stern side to her. But she wouldn’t be Erna if she didn’t have that.”
Erna and George became an integral part of the Coleford community. Together, they organised the village’s annual flower show and were active
supporters of the Royal British Legion Club, donating prizes and helping with events.
Erna was particularly devoted to volunteering, tirelessly collecting for the Poppy Appeal and assisting her friend Rene, the Legion’s standard bearer.
Their generosity extended to their faith, as the couple supported the Catholic church in Holcombe village and Downside Abbey.
They hosted garden fetes in their garden to raise funds, creating a warm space for neighbours and friends to gather.
Their dedication to the church also included close friendships with the clergy, particularly Father Gervaise.
In her later years, Erna has moved to Frome Nursing Home, and while it took time for her to settle in to her new home, her
Erna enjoying life at Frome Nursing Home and below, pictured with her family, including her six siblings
resilient spirit soon shone through, and over time, she has built strong relationships with team members and fellow residents, fondly referred to as family members.
Known for her keen memory, Erna continues to surprise the team by remembering everyone’s names and personal details, creating connections with those around her. Mollie added: “As the years have gone on, she still memorises all of our names. She knows all of them.”
Erna has embraced life at Frome Nursing Home with her strong character. She takes pride in maintaining her room exactly the way she likes it and has found joy in meaningful moments, including spending more time exploring and engaging with the world outside her room.
Now, she spends her days playing her harmonica, a skill she has maintained with impressive talent, watching her favourite sports on television, and reminiscing about her ballroom dancing days in Frome.
Her life, filled with stories of service, community, and adventure, continues to inspire all who have the pleasure of knowing her.”
n For more information about Frome Nursing Home, visit fromenursinghome.com.
A22-YEAR-OLD from Weston-super-Mare has been jailed after police caught him with £11,000 worth of Class A drugs.
Joshua Michael Mitchell, of Stanley Road, was found to have run and controlled the BIZ drugs line in Weston.
Police arrested him on November 17, after he was found to be in possession of 48 grams of heroin and 66 grams of crack cocaine, worth a combined total of £11,000.
Mitchell was also found with more than £13,000 in cash, as well as a Mercedes and a Sur-Ron bike, which were also seized as proceeds of crime.
He was sentenced to five years and 10 months behind bars at Bristol Crown Court on January 30 after admitting charges of being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, possession of the same two drugs with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property.
After the sentencing, PC Leon Brueford said: “Cocaine, heroin and other illegal substances cause an immense amount of harm in our communities, and we’re constantly gathering information and intelligence to carry out proactive operations so we can catch those who profit from the misery they cause.
“We want this conviction and jail sentence to act as a warning to others – the police and the courts take the supply of drugs seriously and if you commit offences, you can expect to get caught and face a custodial sentence.
"Reports from members of the public are crucial in helping us build an accurate and up-to-date picture of what’s happening in our communities and we’d encourage people to share any concerns with us.”
THE Lloyds bank branch in Chard is set to close in November.
Lloyds Banking Group, which also includes Halifax and Bank of Scotland, announced plans to shut 136 more high street branches across the UK as part of cost-cutting measures.
It will close 61 Lloyds, 61 Halifax and 14 Bank of Scotland branches between May this year and March 2026.
Unfortunately for residents in Chard, this includes the bank on 27 Fore Street, which is set to close its doors on November 11.
A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group said the town will instead receive a ‘community banker’ who will provide face-to-face services to customers, including making
Picture: Google payments, account enquiries and online banking support. The move comes as more people have transitioned to doing their banking online rather than in person.
A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said: “Over 20 million customers are using our apps for on-demand access to
their money and customers have more choice and flexibility than ever for their day-to-day banking.
“Alongside our apps, customers can also use telephone banking, visit a community banker, or use any Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland branch, giving access
to many more branches.
"Customers can also do their everyday banking at over 11,000 branches of the Post Office or in a banking hub.”
All staff at the affected branches will be offered a role at another branch or in another part of their business, according to Lloyds.
banknotes & tokens.
Home visits undertaken
AFORMER bank building in Cheddar could be turned into flats under new plans.
A planning application has been submitted to see if prior approval is required to change the use of the Lloyds bank on Bath Street from commercial to four flats.
The building has been vacant since the closure of the Lloyds bank in January 2023.
Under the plans, the ground floor will remain a commercial use and it will be used to access the proposed flats.
Agent Hill Reading Architects said: “The development makes great use of the current existing situation at the site, and provides highquality living opportunities within Cheddar.”
They added: “The proposal
makes great use of the redundant building and provides a great living opportunity in a popular area.
“There is plenty of amenity in close proximity, including shops and public transport.”
The same applicant was granted permission in August last year to create 20 new parking spaces behind the property.
To view and comment on the plans, visit somerset.gov.uk and search reference 17/25/00004 on the planning section.
FROME man Joseph Dix high-fived his friend after the pair beat a man to death after a row at a Swansea hotel.
Dix has been jailed for life after being found guilty of murder of 33-year-old Andrew Main in July last year.
The 26-year-old, along with friend Macauley Ruddock, 28, of Bath, had been visiting the area for work and were staying at the same hotel in the city centre, meeting Andrew and colleague Michael Bell for the first time at a bar.
However, Dix and Ruddock took exception to Andrew and Michael speaking to woman at the hotel and a fight broke out which saw them chase Andrew down and knock him to the ground.
Dad-of-two Andrew, from Falkirk, went to help his friend before Dix and Ruddock turned on him, beating him unconscious, the court was told. He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, with catastrophic brain injuries and complex facial
fractures, before being moved to Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh where he died on August 14 having never regained consciousness.
Last week, following a trial at Swansea Crown Court, Dix and Ruddock were found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 13 years, 176 days.
The court heard Ruddock and Dix were the aggressors in the incident after they “took exception” to Andrew and Michael speaking to the female guest.
Andrew swung punches toward Dix during a confrontation before he ran away, the court heard, but the pair chased him
down, with Dix punching him in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground, likely unconscious.
He received another blow to the head as he lay on the ground motionless and bleeding.
Prosecutors said Dix and Ruddock were seen “laughing, high-fiving and showing off” after the incident.
Speaking after the trial, Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton, of South Wales Police, said: "We are pleased to hear of the murder conviction for both Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock.
"Both men were visiting Swansea for work, as was Andrew Main.
"All three were staying at the same city centre hotel, and met for the first time at a nearby bar.
"Later that night, an argument broke out back at the hotel between Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock and Andrew Main and his friend Michael Bell.
"This argument moved onto
the street, before Dix and Ruddock chased after Andrew Main, ultimately striking him unconscious before carrying out a sustained attack.
"While the parties had all consumed alcohol that night, that does not provide an excuse for the level of violence displayed by Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock.
"They clearly set out to cause serious injury to their victim, and now will face significant prison sentences for their actions.
"Our thoughts remain with Andrew’s family and friends, who have been devastated by what has happened and continue to grieve his loss.
"This case highlights how the effects of intoxicants can negatively affect behaviour and decision-making.
"Had Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers."
ANEW pharmacy was promised for Wincanton - but movement on the project appears to have stalled.
The Wincanton Patient Participation Group (PPG) was informed permission was granted for a new pharmacy to open on Wincanton High Street back in August 2023.
But fast forward to January 2025 and the pharmacy is nowhere to be seen.
According to the PPG, the applicant - which has not yet been revealed - has Boots, in Wincanton High Street, has closed down
For more information about how to join the PPG, contact Wincanton Health Centre. until August this year to find suitable premises and then open to customers.
“We’d love to know what progress has been made,” said Nigel Engert, chair of Wincanton PPG.
“We know how important our High Street is to local people who shop there and used to rely on the old Boots.
“Having a new pharmacy will be a godsend for them as well as for the attractiveness of the centre of town.”
Councillor Tom Power (Conservative, Wincanton & Bruton) said he will continue to work with the applicant to make sure a pharmacy is delivered for Wincanton.
The PPG, which represents the 9,000 patients of Wincanton Health Centre, said they were concerned how elderly customers and those without a car would access regular
prescriptions after the Boots on the High Street closed in February last year, meaning customers have to travel to the remaining Boots pharmacy next door to the Health Centre.
The High Street branch also stocked a wide range of non-prescription products and cosmetics, few of which are available at the other branch, which now has to cope with a much increased demand for prescriptions.
When we reported on the planned closure of the Boots on the High Street, many residents got in touch to express their concern.
One resident said: “If you don’t have a car, getting to doctors if you are disabled and live on the other side of town is hard now.
“We [now] have to sort out having our meds delivered. I,
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for one, enjoy my trips to Wincanton High Street on my scooter.
“Soon there will be no shops left. Sad days for Wincanton.”
Dog bit child
POLICE are looking to identify a woman after a child was reportedly bitten by a dog in Wincanton.
A child was playing in the Wincanton Recreation Ground, in Cemetery Lane at around 2.50pm on Wednesday, August 7 last year, when he ran past another child and a woman, police said.
APLAN to create a Heart of Wessex region –including a mayor for the area – has missed out on inclusion in the first round of the rollout.
The Ministry of Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, led by Deputy PM Angela Raynor, has confirmed the Wessex plan – which involved Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and BCP Councils – has not been included within the Devolution Priority Programme.
Councils – Cllr Millie Earl, Cllr Nick Ireland, Cllr Bill Revans, and Cllr Richard Clewer – said: “Despite the fact that we felt Government were moving too quickly to deliver
“A dog, described as a German pointer-type, reportedly lunged at the running child and bit them, causing minor injuries that required hospital treatment,” a spokesperson added. She is described as white, of medium build, aged between 35-40 years old, with long, blonde hair.
Call 101 with information.
The four authorities submitted a proposal outlining the “transformative benefits devolution could bring, including greater local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development”.
But the bid has not been included.
In a joint statement, the leaders of BCP, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire
devolution, and our discussion about the format of Mayoral Strategic Authority as the most appropriate solution for our region, we worked collaboratively with ministers throughout to deliver a strong proposal.
“Therefore, the decision not to include Wessex within the Devolution Priority Programme is extremely disappointing.
“We feel the Wessex proposal aligned with the aims of the White Paper, encompassing a population of approximately 1.9
The three core values of The Leveller are and have always been:
● Questioning
● Investigating
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million, with the region well-placed to support the Government’s growth priorities, particularly in clean energy, defence, digital technologies, life sciences, and tourism.
“The area could now miss out on essential funding, and combined with the likely defunding of pan-regional partnerships and the substantial reduction in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the fact that this will now be delayed when we are ready to go is deeply regrettable.”
Andrew Lee and James Garrett the core of the team that set up and grew The Leveller are back!
Those same three core values underpin the work of Somerset Confidential®. Yes you’ve read about it in these pages before. Exclusively online and working with a small team of journalists the service is growing rapidly.
Somerset Confidential works using a subscription model. Subscriptions are £30 a year but we have free subscriptions too. Why not a free subscription first and see what you think? Here’s how:
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REECE McKinven has been jailed for the careless driving that killed Beryl Howard in a crash in Street in 2023.
Beryl, 83, sadly died after being hit by a van driven by McKinven in Green Lane Avenue, Street, at around 5.20pm on March 16, 2023.
After the incident McKinven, of Pearmain Road, Street, was arrested and found to have cannabis in his system – though below the legal limit – with more found in the van.
The 31-year-old was charged with causing death by careless driving, causing death by driving a vehicle without a licence, causing death by driving a vehicle without insurance, and possession of a class B drug (cannabis).
He admitted the offences and was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday (January 28) to 13 months in prison. He’s also been banned from driving for two-and-a-half years.
The court was told McKinven ran over Beryl several times as he was attempting to reverse the vehicle, leaving her with unsurvivable injuries and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sentencing, Judge Cook,
said: “I accept that you genuinely failed to realise Beryl Howard was behind you, but your van had wing mirrors with an enhanced blind spot and she was there to be seen.
“You have a history of offences and it shows a cavalier attitude to driving.”
Beryl’s son, Ray Howard, said in a statement: “Beryl was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who brought immense joy and love to all who knew her.
“Her sudden and brutal death has left our family shattered. Knowing that McKinven was
driving without a licence, without insurance, and after consuming illegal drugs only deepens our heartbreak and anger at the entirely preventable nature of this tragedy.
“McKinven was fully aware that he was on the road illegally and showed complete disregard for the law and the safety of others; despite knowing he had struck something, he continued to drive his vehicle over Beryl a further three times.
“We are grateful that someone sat with her whilst she died, otherwise she would have been on her own in her last few
minutes of life.
“We would like to thank all those who have supported us through this difficult time and ask for privacy as we continue to grieve and remember Beryl for the wonderful person she was.”
Beryl’s daughter, Sharon Perry, said her family were “devastated” by the loss.
She added: “It has been so much harder as she suffered such a horrific death. It is so hard to bear thinking of the pain and terror she must have felt.
"We are very grateful to the members of the public who comforted her at the scene.
“We are a close family and saw Beryl almost every day. She is greatly missed.
"We will never get over what happened to her.”
After the sentencing, investigating officer Dai Nicholas, said: “This has been an extremely distressing case for Beryl’s family and our thoughts and sympathies are very much with them.
“We want to thank those who helped at the scene of this incident, as well as the witnesses who provided statements, which ultimately helped in our efforts to achieve a successful conviction in this case.”
THE Glastonbury and Street Sea Cadets will have some shiny new boots thanks to a donation by a Bristol-based consultancy company.
Nick Dunsby, the director of Naval Solutions Ltd presented a £950 cheque to the cadets so they can purchase 20 new pairs of boots for their training.
The company said this reflects their strong commitment to the Armed Forces community and its ongoing efforts to improve the experiences and outcomes for cadets.
The donation will ensure that cadets have the proper equipment to participate in training activities, further enhancing their skills and ability to access training.
Elaine Dearling, chair of Glastonbury and Street Sea Cadets, said she was “incredibly grateful” to Naval Solutions as
the cheque will enable them to kick-start their Boots Bursary Scheme.
“This scheme will initially provide 20 pairs of parade boots to our young people, giving them all equal access to a standard pair of parade boots for their duration of their time at sea cadets,” she said. “Our cadets wear their uniform with pride, and so it is extremely important for them to have access to the correct footwear.
This becomes even more important to the cadets when attending courses, competitions and events, and where families may struggle to pay for expensive new boots and the children grow.
“The boots complete their smart naval uniform and will be an invaluable asset to our unit.”
Nick Dunsby said: “On behalf of Naval Solutions Ltd I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Glastonbury
and Street Sea Cadets for warmly hosting me and giving me the opportunity to meet the dedicated staff, volunteers and cadets. Your commitment and dedication is admirable.”
n For more about how you could offer support as a business, contact regional employer engagement directors, Emily Kadoch wx-reed2@rfca. mod.uk or Jon Beake wx-reed@ rfca.mod.uk.
MORE than £2.5 million has been secured to redevelop Weston’s iconic Tropicana.
North Somerset Council has been awarded £2.7m from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Cultural Development Fund, delivered by Arts Council England.
The council said the cash will pay for additional work as part of a project to transform the iconic seafront building.
The £2.7m funding for the Tropicana in Weston will be used to: improve and fit out interior spaces for culture and entertainment, increasing accessibility, and enabling greater flexibility of use through the ability to hold events and activities of a greater range of sizes install equipment such as for lighting and sound to accelerate a future venue operator’s delivery deliver a cultural programme in a partnership between the council, the venue operator and local cultural organisations boomsatsuma and Super Culture.
The council, which recently unveiled plans for the Tropicana, is also working on the procurement of an
“experienced operator” to run the venue for at least 20 years. Decisions on exactly how the funding will be spent will be discussed and agreed once the venue operator has been appointed, due to be announced this summer.
Cllr Mike Solomon, executive member for culture and leisure, said: “I’m delighted that our bid has been approved – well done to council officers for all their hard work in making this happen.
“This funding will enable us to work with a venue operator to further secure the long-term viability of the site as a culture and entertainment venue.
“The much-loved Tropicana is a key destination at the heart of Weston’s seafront.
Reinventing this iconic landmark building will create new jobs, support local businesses and deliver a year-round experience-led economy for the future.
“We want to attract higher profile acts, culture and entertainment events to elevate Weston’s place within the regional, national and international scene.”
The Tropicana shot to international fame in 2015, when it housed the Dismaland art installation by renowned graffiti artist, Banksy.
And Phil Gibby, south west area director for Arts Council England, said the new funding would help develop a “yearround cultural programme” in Weston.
“This is a landmark moment for cultural development in North Somerset, a designated Arts Council England Priority Place,” he said. “The redevelopment of the Tropicana will benefit both residents and visitors through a dynamic, year-round cultural programme.
“We’re proud to be investing on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport alongside North Somerset Council and other key partners in support of culture-led regeneration, building on the legacies of initiatives like SEE Monster and Dismaland, and Arts Council-funded organisations such as boomsatsuma and Super Culture.
“We know the power of cultural investment goes far beyond the stage – it creates jobs, nurtures skills, improves health and wellbeing, boosts tourism, revitalises public spaces, and inspires the next generation to reach their full potential. This is a big moment for the future of Weston-superMare.”
Mark Curtis, CEO at
boomsatsuma, said: “We are looking forward to bringing our unique approach to creative industries training to the town and contributing to its future.”
And Fiona Matthews, creative director at Super Culture, added: “This award from Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund presents a momentous opportunity for culture and creativity in Weston and at the Tropicana, one of Weston’s landmark destinations.
“From freelancers to internationally renowned companies, the local and regional cultural sector brims with an innovation and vibrancy that will hallmark future plans.
“A heritage building that straddles land and sea, the Tropicana is beloved as a site for the whole community to play."
Plans for the Tropicana, submitted last week by North Somerset Council, aim to bring the venue up to date. The Tropicana closed at the start of this month (January), although the Bay Café and the Makers Market concessions will be open until after the Easter school holidays.
Subject to planning, work is due to complete by March 2026, when an appointed venue operator will move in.
MOTORISTS in Bridgwater will be faced with a fivemonth road closure - starting next week.
Clare Street will be closed to all vehicles – for up to five months - from Monday, February 17.
Access for pedestrians and shoppers will be maintained throughout the closure, according to Somerset Council.
The council says shops, businesses and residents have already been visited by a representative from contractors Taylor Woodrow to make sure they are kept informed and have a point of contact for any concerns.
It said the road closure is being brought forward to minimise summer disruption for traders, shoppers and residents.
The closure is needed to facilitate the next phase of the
£23.2 million Bridgwater Town Deal project, the Celebration Mile, which is being brought about to regenerate the town.
This project will see new pedestrian and cyclefriendly routes created through the town, including from the railway station to the Northgate Docks.
Somerset Council says Clare Street is an important part of this scheme and it is set to be transformed over the coming months.
The area will see the renewing, diverting and maintaining of underground utilities, improving drainage, installing new kerbs and paving, as well as street furnishings and soft landscaping.
Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said he
wants to see the work completed as quickly as possible to enable businesses to start to feel the benefit.
“This work was due to start in the spring, but we are now introducing a full road closure a bit earlier to get everything complete by the summer,” he said.
“Work on the scale of the Celebration Mile does involve
some disruption but we are trying to keep this to the minimum.
“We will make sure that pedestrians and shoppers, businesses and residents, will continue to have access throughout.
“We will also be installing extra signs to make people aware that Clare Street remains open for business.”
Somerset starting to see the effects of climate change? And what should we be doing about it?
LET'S start with a question, a little teaser, before we get into it...
Who do you think said this – and when?:
“First of all, these energy resources will run short as we use more and more of the fossil fuels … Carbon dioxide transmits visible light but it absorbs the infrared radiation which is emitted from the earth. Its presence in the atmosphere causes a greenhouse effect. It has been calculated that a temperature rise corresponding to a 10% increase in carbon dioxide will be sufficient to melt the icecap and submerge New York.”
Who sprang to mind for you; Greta Thunberg? Ed Miliband? Dale Vince?
Well, you may be surprised to learn the comments were made by a nuclear physicist called Edward Teller. And he made them in 1959 – almost 70 years ago.
Perhaps more surprisingly, the remarks - an incredibly accurate summation of what did in fact happen/is happeningcame at an event held in New York to mark the centenary of the oil industry in America, Energy and Man, organised by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the
Columbia Graduate School of Business.
In short, this was hardly an event where you’d expect ‘climate hysteria’.
Asked at the same event what he thought the impact of rising levels of carbon dioxide might be, Mr Teller said, “when the temperature does rise by a few degrees over the whole globe, there is a possibility that the icecaps will start melting and the level of the oceans will begin to rise”.
You can hear many of the same statements today – only scientists in the 21st century are now aware how many of Mr Teller’s predictions have indeed come to pass.
Indeed, across Somerset in the past couple of months, we have seen severe weather warnings for snow, rain and strong winds.
Much of our county has been flooded, with fields resembling inland seas, causing havoc for commuters and farmers.
Back in 1959, Mr Teller urged those at the event to seek out new sources of energy to avoid climate catastrophe.
Yet he wasn’t the only person to warn of dire consequences should we persist in the constant, mass emission of carbon dioxide into our
atmosphere.
Again, the API – the American oil industry body, don’t forget – is involved.
In 1968, not a decade after Mr Teller’s speech dampened the oil industry’s birthday party, a report was released on the impact emissions could have on the environment.
Commissioned by the API, it was written by Stanford Research Institute scientists Elmer Robinson and RC Robbins.
In a section entitled ‘Summary of Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere’, they concluded how “man is now engaged in a vast geophysical experiment with his environment, the earth”.
And a positive outcome did not look good, they concluded, adding: “Significant temperature changes are almost certain to occur by the year 2000 and these could bring about climate changes.”
For the avoidance of doubt, dear reader, they really hammered the point home, saying: “It is clear that we are unsure as to what our long-lived pollutants are doing to our environment; however, there seems to be no doubt that the potential damage to our environment could be severe.”
They said “the prospect for the future must be of serious concern”, as carbon dioxide emissions “may be the cause of serious world-wide environmental changes”.
So, in 1959 and 1968 (and these are not the only examples), people were warning of what could happen to our environment in the decades to come, should we continue down the same environmental path.
Sadly, those warnings were not heeded by members of the very organisation that commissioned the 1968 report. We can only guess why.
However, we are now living the future they so accurately predicted.
Over the ensuing decades, carbon dioxide continued to be pumped relentlessly into our atmosphere, through industry, our cars and more.
By 1970, atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide were 16% higher than pre-industrial levels, 21% higher by 1980 and 27% by 1990.
And, as Mr Teller predicted, global temperatures have risen. NASA (which is the US agency responsible for science and tech related to air and space, not just rockets) – not Greta, or Extinction Rebellion – hosts a graph showing the
change in the global surface temperature of Earth compared to the long-term average from 1951 to 1980.
It shows that by 2023, the Earth was about 2.32F warmer (1.29C).
And the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has also said scientists from its National Centres for Environmental Information (NCEI) team have confirmed 2024 was “the planet’s warmest year on record”.
The data showed the Earth’s average land and ocean surface temperature for the year was 2.32F (1.29C) above the 20th-century average — the highest global temperature among all years in NOAA’s 1850-2024 climate record.
And, as predicted 70 years ago, it was not a one-off. Rising temperatures are a trend.
The NOAA says the planet’s 10 warmest years since 1850 have all occurred in the past decade. And in 2024, global temperature exceeded the pre-industrial (1850–1900) average by 2.63F (1.46C).
The problem many have is in communicating this to us, the average person. ‘Global temperature’ this, ‘preindustrial’ that all feels a bit ‘distant’, like it doesn’t actually affect us. We can’t see it.
The river near our house is not flooding every day, we still have snow, and warm summers, so we can happily go about our lives and ignore Greta and her warnings, right?
But this has not been the case recently - we have seen some of these things with our own eyes.
However, this lack of effective communication creates a vacuum, which is happily filled by those who, perhaps, have a vested interest in not explaining what climate change actually looks like – and what it means in the future.
Who they might be, or why they would wish us to ignore the man-made aspects of climate change, is anyone’s guess. However, those opposed to
heeding the warnings of Teller 70 years ago and oil industry reports a decade later, continue to pretend the world isn’t warming up.
For example, immediately after the data showing 2024 as the warmest year on record was released, a website called the Daily Sceptic posted a story under the headline, ‘Arctic sea ice soars to highest level for 21 years’.
Good news, you may think – and so did many others, who shared the story widely, with some claiming it showed how “global warming is a massive con”.
According to Reuters, one post featuring the story – and claiming it was proof climate change was not real – was shared more than 5,000 times on social media.
However, as the Reuters Fact Check team went on to show, the story was wildly misleading. Indeed, on January 8, 2024, the sea ice extent was greater than it was on January 8, 2004. But what happens on a single day does not a trend make.
What the Daily Sceptic article did was cite a single day’s data – which said there were 13.68 million square kilometres of Arctic ice on
January 8, 2024, compared to 13.64 million sq km recorded on January 8, 2004.
But as experts pointed out, this is not a trend.
For example, according to Walt Meier – a senior research scientist at NSIDC – during large parts of February and March 2024, ice levels were lower than during the same periods in 2004. But the Daily Sceptic didn’t report that. And even if it did, that too does not, in isolation, represent a trend.
“Comparing two specific days from two specific years is not an indicator for or against long-term changes,” Meier said. “The sea ice varies from day to day and from year to year.”
A better indicator of the trend, he said, was the lowest level of sea ice in the Arctic each year. And NSIDC data shows those levels are falling.
The 1979 to 1990 average for the minimum ice level was 6.95 million sq km. It fell to 6.50 million sq km (1991-2000), then 5.39 million sq km (2001-2010) and finally 4.42 million sq km (2011-20).
Miguel Maqueda, an expert in the modelling of sea ice from Newcastle University, went on: “Current sea ice extent in the Arctic remains lower than the
long-term 1981-2010 average.
“There is no evidence nor reason to believe that the downward trend in winter sea ice extent in the Arctic is coming to an end.”
And it is also not the only measure by which to judge the existence of climate change – a point made by Gaëlle Veyssiere, a sea ice physicist from the British Antarctic Survey.
Gaëlle told the Reuters team: “Even if sea ice was partially recovering in the Arctic, which it is not, you cannot deny the other markers of climate change on Earth that are not related to sea ice per se, but are still true.
“You can’t deny climate change based on a single marker that fits your narrative.”
Oh, some can Gaëlle, some can. And do.
For a long time, one notable climate ‘sceptic’ (for lack of a better term) in UK politics was the Reform UK party, which claimed in the ‘energy and environment’ section of its website that working towards net zero “means reducing man-made (carbon dioxide) emissions to stop climate change”.
Spoiler alert: That’s not what the aim to reach net zero means.
Reaching net zero aims to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide we pump into out atmosphere to a level where we are not adding to it – where the amount is ‘net zero’, hence the name.
It would mean we are no longer increasing the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. It does not claim to “stop climate change”. It could, however, slow the rate of warming and preserve life on this planet for as long as possible. No harm in that, right? Not according to Reform UK. They see a lot of harm in that.
“We are better to adapt to warming, rather than pretend we can stop it,” the party’s website said.
As a bit of an aside, I would be intrigued to hear how Reform UK think those living in poverty can ‘adapt’ to climate
change should their homes be wiped out by flooding, or how those (often very wealthy people) affected by the recent devastating wildfires in the US (which many believe are worsened and more common due to climate change) can ‘adapt’ right now and save their homes?
How can Somerset farmer quickly 'adapt' to their fields being underwater?
Anyway, in fairness to Reform UK, the claims above are not in their most recent manifesto, or as they call it, their ‘Contract With You’.
But what is there is still staggeringly disingenuous, to say the least.
For example, the ‘contract’ says how “bills have increased dramatically in line with the huge increase in renewables capacity over the last 15 years”.
This is correct, bills have risen. And yes, the amount of renewable energy capacity has also risen. But that is not why bills have risen. (As a fictional president once said, ‘post hoc ergo propter hoc’ – after it therefore because of it – is almost never true.)
Renewable energy is, in fact, cheaper than that produced using fossil fuels.
Our bills have risen for a raft of other reasons, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, for example. Another is a bit more complicated – and again, leads to a difficult communications mission trying to make that clear to you and me. It’s called the ‘marginal cost pricing system’.
I’m no expert in energy markets but I’ll do my best –using the help of experts – to explain it.
Energy generators sell electricity to suppliers, who sell it on to you and me, the customer.
Suppliers, around 40% of the time, buy this energy on what is called a ‘spot market’ (like buying produce at a wholesaler) a few days ahead of us needing that electricity.
The price they pay is passed on to us, as part of the
generator-supplier-customer chain.
What that price is, is where the marginal cost pricing system comes in.
A House of Commons explainer on the issue defined it like this: “Marginal cost pricing is where units of electricity are sold at the price of the most expensive unit needed to meet demand at a particular moment in time.”
“In each half-hour trading period, each electricity generator bids the price it will accept to generate electricity, according to how expensive the electricity is to produce.
“The bids are accepted in ‘merit order’ until the demand for electricity is met; the cheapest first, and the most expensive last.
“However, the price of all units of electricity is set according to the bid price of the most expensive unit needed to meet projected demand: this is the ‘marginal cost’.”
Note, “the price of all units of electricity is set according to the bid price of the most expensive unit” – the price we, the customer pays per unit of energy, is set by the most expensive on the ‘spot market’ - no matter where it comes from. The most expensive unit.
Another teaser for you –which generators do you think
typically produce the most expensive units?
It’s fossil fuels. Have a biscuit if you got it right.
The Commons document adds: “Renewable generators typically have the lowest costs (because they do not have to buy fuel to burn) and so are the first to meet demand. Fossil fuel generators (including gas) often have the highest costs as they must buy fuel to burn, which also has a carbon price on it.
“As a result, although most electricity is produced using sources with low marginal costs (42% by renewables and 15% from nuclear), the price that is paid for electricity traded on the spot market is often higher, at the marginal cost of generating electricity with gas.”
Renewable energy is cheaper to produce than fossil fuel energy - and is getting cheaper. And as technologies improve, it should get cheaper still.
But if a supplier is from the spot market, which 40% of energy sold is, we are all paying to generate our electricity by the most expensive method –usually gas - which also adds to carbon dioxide emissions.
Rather than bills rising due to renewables, as people like Reform UK imply, in many cases it is the exact opposite –our bills are actually rising due to fossil fuels. If we produced
more electricity using renewables, we could meet the demand at the lower price –bringing our bills down.
So, the sooner we make more of our electricity generators renewable, the sooner we get to enjoy cheaper energy –particularly when using the spot market/marginal cost pricing system.
This is why you have seen recent governments pledge to increase funding for nuclear energy, for example, and yes, why renewables receive government funding. It will help us all in the long run.
I hope that explains why Reform UK’s contract claim that “Net zero is pushing up bills” is simply not true, not really. The move to net zero could, if pursued, lower bills considerably.
It’s not a political statement to say that, it is a fact – and one we should all be able to agree on – just as it is widely accepted as fact rising levels of manmade carbon dioxide in our atmosphere are contributing to rising temperatures on the planet.
Moving to renewables would bring down our bills and – and let’s pretend there is some doubt – might help our planet. It’s a win-win. A no-brainer. Easy.
If only someone had warned us of all this 70 years ago…
CAR rental company
Enterprise could set up shop in Bridgwater if plans are approved.
The company is looking to move into the forecourt associated with the wider Taunton Road Car Sales centre, in Taunton Road.
The application, submitted to Somerset Council, said Enterprise understood the Taunton Road Car Centre intends to vacate the site.
The plans – for a change in use from car sales to car rental – also include a new admin office and a vehicle wash bay.
The purpose-built rental vehicle wash bay will be around 67sqm and will be used to clean, valet, and prepare rental vehicles for customers.
The wash bay will also be used by Enterprise for minor maintenance of its rental vehicles and the site will be resurfaced to facilitate
Enterprise’s required operations.
Fences and gates will also be erected to ensure the site is secure outside of opening hours.
Six to eight full-time staff will be employed if the plans are approved.
“The proposed development will support the sustainable expansion of Enterprise’s business and provide a sustainable transport solution for residents and workers as an alternative to private car ownership,” the application said.
“Investment in the local area will be increased by Enterprise’s employees and customers throughout Enterprise’s occupation and operational lifespan here,” it added.
To view and comment on the plans, visit somerset.gov. uk, reference 37/25/00003.
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WHEN it comes to planning our future, there are a few topics that we often shy away from discussing.
One of these is, of course, death. But fear not! This article will approach this delicate subject with a light-hearted touch while highlighting the essential role of including your funeral wishes in your Will.
Why Talk About It?
Let’s face it: everyone loves a good party, but planning our send-off often takes a back seat. Yet taking a moment to jot down your funeral wishes in your Will isn’t just a formality; it’s an act of care for your loved ones. After all, when we’re gone, the last thing we’d want is for our family to be left juggling decisions while grappling with their grief, right? Who wants Uncle Bob arguing with Auntie Sue over whether to serve tea or coffee at the wake?
Having a wilfully documented plan can ease the burden on your family during such a strenuous time. By clearly outlining your wishes – be it a traditional burial, a vibrant celebration of life, or a quirky woodland burial with environmentally-friendly trimmings – you can ensure that you have the send-off you desire. And let’s face it, planning a funeral can be about as fun as stepping on a Lego in the dark, so why not prepare your family for the best (or at least, most straightforward) possible experience?
Legal Perspective: A Little Guidance Goes a Long Way
Under UK law, engaging with your funeral preferences in your Will isn’t just a nice-tohave; it’s a practical move. While your Will primarily
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governs the distribution of your assets, addressing your funeral arrangements can manage expectations and reduce disputes.
It’s worth noting that while wishful thinking is lovely, legally binding funeral arrangements are often outside the Will. However, your appointed executors will benefit from knowing your desires, allowing them to fulfil your wishes while honouring your memory with grace.
Add some clarity to your life (or afterlife). By documenting your funeral preferences, you provide your family with a clear roadmap, preventing them from wondering, “What would Mum
have wanted?” or “Did Dad always dream of a Viking funeral?” Moreover, your wishes can help avoid family tussles and misinterpretations— because, let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with familial squabbles over floral arrangements during a time of mourning.
Creating a funeral wish list can be as simple as 1,2,3:
1. Reflect – Think about what you envision for your send-off. Do you want a sombre setting with a classical music backdrop, or a lively shindig with bouncy castles and your favourite disco hits?
2. Document – Put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard)
and make a list of your preferences. Be specific about what you want, from the type of ceremony to the music that should play.
3. Communicate – Share your wishes with your loved ones. It’ll lessen surprises and ensure that everyone is on the same page, which is incredibly liberating!
While discussing funerals can feel about as cheery as a rainy Monday, including your funeral wishes in your Will might just be one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to your family.
It’s a way to remind them of your spirit and the joy you brought to their lives while also alleviating their worries in a time of sadness.
So, go ahead! Embrace the conversation, write those wishes down and give your loved ones the gift of clarity during what could otherwise be a tumultuous time.
You might not be around to enjoy the festivities yourself, but planning now can lead to a celebration of life that truly reflects who you are - an unforgettable finale to an extraordinary journey!
We are proud to introduce Purely Probate as part of the Pardoes family.
Please get in touch on 01278 457 891 or submit an enquiry at www.pardoes.co.uk.
RELIABLE public transport is vital for communities, especially in a county like Somerset where many residents rely on buses to get to work, school, medical appointments, and social activities.
But our bus services are often inconsistent, with unreliable timetables, limited evening routes, and entire areas left without adequate connections.
That’s why I launched a survey to hear directly from local residents about their experiences with bus services. Hundreds of responses made it clear that the system is simply not working as it should. People told me about buses failing to turn up, long gaps in timetables, and difficulties getting to and from work, particularly in rural areas and new housing developments.
To get a broader understanding of the challenges
by ASHLEY FOX Conservative MP for Bridgwater
facing local bus services, I met with Peter Travis from the Somerset Bus Partnership. He highlighted key problem areas and reinforced what many residents had told me— particularly that the number 21 service from Burnham to Taunton is one of the most unreliable in Somerset, causing major frustrations for those who depend on it.
I took residents’ concerns directly to senior representatives from First Bus. I raised issues around reliability, the need for later-running services, and the lack of buses in key areas such as Wilstock, Stockmoor, Puriton, and Chilton Trinity. First Bus acknowledged the challenges and committed to reviewing problem routes,
particularly those with existing bus stops but no active service, such as along Love Lane in Burnham-on-Sea.
But securing better bus services also requires the backing of Somerset Council, which is responsible for supporting and enhancing public transport.
I wrote to the council calling for them to use the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding to address the issues raised in my survey.
Specifically, I urged them to:
• Support additional buses on congested routes to improve reliability.
• Subsidise later services in rural areas to boost accessibility.
• Expand services to better serve new and existing
communities.
In response, Cllr Richard Wilkins, the lead member for transport, assured me my recommendations will be fed into the council’s considerations.
He highlighted ongoing discussions with National Highways and the police about the impact of roadworks and motorway closures on local bus reliability.
He also pointed to the Slinky service, a flexible transport option that many residents may not be aware of.
I welcome the council’s agreement to consider these issues.
I will continue to push for real improvements and monitor progress closely. Better bus services are key to ensuring that people across Somerset have the transport they need, especially those living in rural communities.
AS MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, a constituency with some of the lowest-lying terrain in the country, flooding is always at the forefront of my mind and a major priority in my local and Parliamentary work.
Last month, my team and I were able to assist in the Storm Herminia response, helping elderly residents from Charlton Adam who were evacuated from their homes. I requested assistance from the fire service to support with pumping water out from the flooded site and asked the army based at RNAS Yeovilton to help with emergency beds for the evacuation centre in Somerton.
I was also able to visit the evacuation centre to hear residents’ experiences and to see how the community had pulled together to offer such wonderful support to those affected.
The response by local people,
by SARAH DYKE
Lib Dem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton
businesses, Somerset and town councils, and the emergency services was fantastic, demonstrating the resilience at the heart of our communities. I really want to thank everyone involved in the support effort.
I also visited other flood-hit areas across the constituency and was shocked to see some of the devastating impact. Our communities should not be bearing the brunt, it is absolutely critical we properly fund flood mitigation so that we can be more resilient to extreme weather events. Flooding is only going to get worse with climate change and local councils, stretched to breaking point by years of Conservative financial mismanagement, simply cannot afford to manage future flooding without more support.
I will continue to amplify this in Parliament. I’ve written to the Flood Minister to demand proper ring-fenced funding for the agencies that deal with flooding and I’ve repeatedly asked the Government to incentivise farmers to assist in mitigation. I am pleased the Government has listened to my calls and recently made some funding available, although it is too little too late for many whose homes and businesses have been devastated yet again. Somerset communities must be empowered to lead on flood resilience planning. Later this month I’m convening a meeting of residents, town and parish councils, relevant agencies and stakeholders in the Somerton area who were affected to discuss how we can push
forward on locally led extreme weather resilience plans. I’m also holding a public flooding meeting in March to provide advice and support to communities at risk.
I believe we have the will, the motivation and the expertise to push forward on proper future planning and prevention. We just need realistic funding and commitment from the Government. However, taking this into our own hands and leading as communities will, I believe, start to move the dial and lead to plans for people to protect themselves properly from future extreme weather.
As always, I want to hear from you. If you would like to share your views, have an issue I can help with, or wish to register your interest to attend one of my regular advice surgeries, please don’t hesitate to contact me on sarah.dyke. mp@parliament.uk.
The three core values of The Leveller are and have always been:
● Questioning
● Investigating
T● Telling truth to power
HE musical line-up for Somerstock 2025 has been revealed.
Organisers of the Somerton event have unveiled acts including Cut Capers, The Britpop Boys, Big Brass Ska and Snappa.
popular demand - Harri Pick, alongside DJs to keep the party swinging.
Andrew Lee and James Garrett the core of the team that set up and grew The Leveller are back!
Saturday’s acts will include a raft of live music providing continuous sounds across two outdoor stages and marquee.
Those same three core values underpin the work of Somerset Confidential®. Yes you’ve read about it in these pages before. Exclusively online and working with a small team of journalists the service is growing rapidly.
Opening on Friday, July 11, with an evening of speciallyselected live bands, the following day features a full music line-up from 11.50am.
Gates open at 11am with gates closing at 11.45pm.
Somerset Confidential works using a subscription model. Subscriptions are £30 a year but we have free subscriptions too. Why not a free subscription first and see what you think? Here’s how:
Popular function band Snappa head up Friday evening’s entertainment, playing covers to dance the night away.
Just go straight to the website (“Google” Somerset Confidential and its the first thing you’ll see): https://somersetconfidential.substack.com
The Saturday bill includes Bristol favourites Cut Capers, bringing high-energy arrangements with booming brass hooks and scintillating solos, while The Britpop Boys taking their audience back to the hazy days of the 90s.
Fill in your email in the box and click subscribe. You’ll get 3 options. Click the first: “no decide later” then click the box “continue without paying” and you are done. We’ll send you our material direct to your email inbox every week.
The evening runs from 4pm until 11.30pm, with food stalls and bars on offer.
Alongside Snappa will be Northampton-based ska, rap, party punk outfit Karl Phillips and The Rejects, covers band Cover All Bases, and - back by
Nick Parker and the False Alarms have been described as ‘a British Arcade Fire’, while Bristol band Taynee Lord bring high-octane country music straight from Nashville to Somerton.
favourites from the likes of Bad Manners, The Specials and Madness with Big Brass Ska, plus more great covers from Balance of Power and reggae from Big Hands.
And a paid subscription? £30 gets you full access to all our investigations, back issues and weekly news. Its the same as in step 2 above but click on the “Annual” box instead. Then pop your credit card details in the box above “subscribe”. Then click the subscribe button. Your card operator may ask for a code sent to you by phone or email. Pop in the 6 digit code and you are done. If you like apps (and we understand not all of you do!) then you can do all of this via the substack app too. Just download the substack app from your usual app store and when you open it, search for Somerset Confidential®.
Festival goers also will be dancing to covers of all the old
Locals Craig and Alex Priddice will open proceedings, and all acts will be interspersed by DJs playing a wide range popular music.
Also on offer will be children's activities, retail stalls, food stalls and bars as well as the ever-popular silent disco will be in full swing on the Friday and Saturday evening for the adults with live DJs, and a special kid’s session on Saturday afternoon. Tickets for Somerstock are on sale via www.somerstock.co.uk.
Somerset publisher Even Handed Licensing has the following books and cd for sale:
Concert pianist Daniel Grimwood’s first concert recorded at the Wigmore Hall £5 plus £2.50 P&P
Travel writing and recipes from Viet Nam in one fascinating book £5 plus £2.50 P&P
The history of glove making in Langport by local author Janet Seaton £5 plus £2.50 P&P
The history of the world famous Kelways Nursery by local author Janet Seaton £7.50 plus £2.50 P&P
Two popes, a monk from Norwich, civil war, murder, diplomacy. This book has it all. Hardback. £10 plus £2.50 P&P
To get your copy please send a cheque payable to Even Handed Licensing Limited for the full amount posted to our book distribution centre at 7 The Woodlands, Warminster BA12 0DX
For more details or to pay by cash transfer, please email: somersetconfidential@gmail.com
THE Shepton Mallet
Snowdrop Festival is reaching Blagdon this week – at a renowned organic garden - before the main event.
Snowdrop lovers are able to pay an early visit to the Yeo Valley Organic Garden on February 14 and 15.
Between 10am and 5pm, nature lovers, garden enthusiasts and galanthophiles (fans of snowdrops) will be able to immerse themselves in the thousands of snowdrops and other spring blooms throughout the 6.5-acre garden.
The weekend event is a precursor to the garden’s full reopening for the new season, in April.
Sarah Mead, head gardener and owner of Yeo Valley Organic Garden, said: “We’ve
planted swathes of snowdrops throughout the meadows and woodlands over the past eight years, and we can’t wait for everyone to see just how beautiful they are.
“It’s the perfect way to herald the early signs of spring, and to celebrate the loved ones in your life by saying it with snowdrops.”
Half of the entrance fees collected over the weekend will be donated to the not-for-profit community group, Shepton
Snowdrop Project, as part of the fringe events supporting the Shepton Snowdrop Festival, which will run from February 20 to 22.
This festival features a range of gardening walks, talks, workshops, specialist nurseries, art, and of course, snowdrops. Entry to the Yeo Valley Organic Garden costs £8 adults and children over 11; £2 for children between three and 11 years, with under-twos free. RHS members enjoy free entry
but must pre-book tickets online.
The Cakehole café will also be open, offering light lunches, tea and cake throughout, as well a selection of Yeo Valley Organic dairy products and other goodies available from the garden shop.
n For more information on the Shepton Snowdrop Festival, log on to www. sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk.n More details at www. eastlambrook.com.
JS BACH'S masterpiece - St Matthew's Passion - will be performed in Yeovil next month.
On Saturday, March 22, the South Somerset Choral Society will be hosting a concert at St John’s Church featuring some 80 singers from across the area.
The group holds twice-yearly concerts in Ilminster, Chard and South Petherton, as well as a popular carol service each November but not, until now, in Yeovil.
Under former musical director Tim Donaldson and now with new MD, John Jenkins, the choir has sung most of the major oratorios and masses by Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Bach, Verdi, Brahms, Beethoven, Faure, Jenkins, Rutter, Duruflé and Vaughan Williams, but this will be their first performance of St Matthew’s Passion.
Mr Jenkins said: "First performed on Good Friday 1727 in St Thomas’s Church in Leipzig, Johann Sebastian Bach’s St Matthew Passion lay neglected for a century until it was revived by Felix Mendelssohn in 1829, the later
composer describing it as ‘the greatest of all Christian works'."
A spokesperson for the society added it was "thrilled to be performing the work for the first time".
"Bach sets St Matthew’s account of Jesus’ last days in a profoundly moving sequence of choruses, arias, recitatives and chorales," they added.
"The Lutheran congregation of Bach’s day would have known all the chorale melodies (hymn tunes), and our 2025 performance will be sung in English, with copies of the chorales being provided to encourage full audience participation.
"With a team of five outstanding soloists and accompanied by a professional orchestra, South Somerset Choral Society are delighted to be joined by the talented young singers of Perrott Hill School Choirs for what promises to be a memorable and uplifting musical experience in the fine church of St John’s, Yeovil."
St Matthew’s Passion will begin at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 22, at St John’s Church, Yeovil.
n For details and tickets, see Ticketsource from February 10, visit www. southsomersetchoralsociety.org.uk.
SOMERSET’S newest music venue has revealed a stellar line-up of shows for 2025.
Wells Studio 24 is set to welcome the likes of The South, Pama International, The Christians, The Orb, Toploader and Fun Lovin' Criminal Huey Morgan.
The 500-capacity venue, spread across two levels in the former Regal Cinema/Kudos building, re-opened in 2024.
Way Out Live – made up of music industry professionals
Neil O’Brien (agent and promoter), Aron Charles (Music programmer, The Godney Gathering) and musician Elliot O’Brien (The Jacques) – have been appointed to programme live music at the venue.
And they have unveiled the spring and summer line-up at Wells Studio 24, which includes:
PAMA INTERNATIONAL – Saturday, February 22: Tickets from wegottickets.com/ event/644324
THE ORB – Saturday, March 8: Tickets from theorb.com, www.djfood.org or
www.bakerscoaches-somerset.co.uk - 01935 428401office@bakerscoaches-somerset.co.uk 2025
Mystery Lunch & Afternoon Out 16th February £51.00
Mystery Lunch & Afternoon Out 2nd March £51.00
Marble Museum & Trago Mills 22nd March
Adult £41.00/Senior £39.00/Child £34.00
Mothers Day Cruise 11:00 from Exmouth 30th March
Adult £54.00/Senior £49.00/Child £45.00
Adult £55.00/Senior £54.00
Mendip Belle Train – 3 Course Lunch 11TH May
Adult £88.00/Senior £85.00
Cruise to Brixham – Exmouth Depart 15th May
Adult £54.00/Senior £51.00/Child £45.00 Devon County Show 17th May
Adult £55.00/Senior £52.00/Child £47.00
Wells Morning & Cheddar Gorge Afternoon 29th May
Adult £62.00/Senior £59.00
SENIORS: 65+
PICK UP POINTS IN: Yeovil, Martock, Somerton, Ilchester, Sherborne & Wincanton.
www.thechristianslive.co.uk, www.fraseranderson.com or wegottickets.com/event/644328
SYSTEM 7 – Friday, April 18: Tickets from www.a-wave.com/ system7 or wegottickets.com/ event/644321
NUBIYAN TWIST – Saturday, April 19: Tickets from www. nubiyantwist.co.uk/ or wegottickets.com/event/642728
THE SOUTH – Friday, May 9: Tickets from thesouth.co.uk/ about or wegottickets.com/ event/644348
HUEY MORGAN – THE FUN LOVIN CRIMINAL
wegottickets.com/event/644320
TOPLOADER – Saturday, April 5: Tickets from toploaderofficial.com or wegottickets.com/event/641407
THE CHRISTIANS –Saturday, April 12: Tickets from
– Wednesday, May 21: Tickets from www.hueymorgan.com and wegottickets.com/ event/643636
n Doors for all shows open at 7.30pm and for more information on WELLS – Studio 24, visit www.studio24wells. com.
FLOWERS CAN BE PRESERVED UP TO TEN DAYS AFTER YOUR WEDDING
t the Flower Preservation Workshop, we specialise in preserving the beauty and memories of your wedding bouquet, turning your flowers into a timeless keepsake. As a small family business, we understand the sentimental value of your special day.
ver the last thirty five years, we have gained a wealth of experience in the art of flower preservation; we carefully and expertly freeze dry each flower and redesign your bouquet into a bespoke and truly unique keepsake, allowing you to relive the joy and love of your wedding day for years to come.
ur passion for preserving the natural beauty of each flowers natural beauty ensures that your wedding flowers remain as vibrant and as meaningful as the day you said ‘I do.’
rust us to preserve your cherished memories with the same care and dedication as if they were our own.
Celebrate your special day at the multi award-winning Old Oak Farm, where rustic charm meets timeless elegance. Nestled in the heart of the Somerset countryside, this enchanting venue is the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories.
Old Oak Farm boasts stunning natural beauty, with rolling fields, and beautifully landscaped gardens that set the stage for breathtaking ceremonies and photographs. Our elegant barn offers a warm, romantic ambiance, seamlessly blending modern amenities with rustic charm to host your reception in style.
From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, our dedicated team will work with you to ensure every detail is perfect. With exceptional service, bespoke packages, and award-winning hospitality, Old Oak Farm is designed to make your wedding day truly magical.
Book a visit today and discover why couples fall in love with Old Oak Farm!
Our Wedding Venue is a stunning space with a Garden Room of oak and glass construction. Large glass windows face onto our enchanting gardens with 400-year-old horse chestnut and views over the South Somerset countryside. During the day, sunlight pours in whilst at night it can be beautifully lit with fairy lights.
We can accommodate up to 90 guests for formal dining and up to 140 in a less formal setting or for dancing! At The Northover, we pride ourselves on delivering great tasting food in relaxed and comfortable surroundings. We use locally sourced produce, and even supply our own hand dried natural petal confetti from the plants in our garden!
Want to see our space for yourself? You’re welcome to visit, experience our venue and meet our lovely team. Please get in touch to let us know a date and time. We also host Wedding Opening Weekends for you to see our venue in all its finery!
BEAUTIFUL WEDDING VENUE IN ILCHESTER, SOMERSET
We are registered to hold civil ceremonies in either our garden or ceremony room.
If you’d like an outdoor ceremony, our gardens are exceptionally picturesque during Spring and Summer.
Invite your friends and family to join you to celebrate with an Exclusive Use Day Package or Weekend Wedding Package, and leave us to take care of everything.
tel: 01935 840477
email: enquiries@northovermanor.com
The Northover Manor, Ilchester, Yeovil Somerset, BA22 8LD
At Louisa Jackson Bridal we focus on finding your unique bridal style, something you not only look amazing in but feel it too.
We stock off the peg bridal in a range of sizes from 4 to 32 & prom from a size 2 to 18.
We also hold our very own fully customisable range of bridal with a no size limit policy and are proud stockists of Tiffany’s prom and bridesmaids.
Street@louisajacksonbridal.com to book or with any queries
Every bride is unique and has a different story to tell. At Louisa Jackson Bridal we like to give our brides plenty of time during appointments so we can get to know you and discover your true bride style.
We pride ourselves in bringing you a huge selection of luxury wedding dresses at affordable prices. We promote body confidence and help all brides see their true beauty.
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By offering both our own collection of dresses as well as a range of designer sample dresses, you will have hundreds of wedding dresses to choose from to help work out what dress shapes, fabrics and finishes suit you best.
At Louisa Jackson Bridal we only see one bride at a time and give you 2 hours to try on lots of dresses so it’s a truly exclusive experience for each and every bride. At your appointment we will ask you to select some dresses that you like the look of as well as picking out some styles ourselves that we think will suit you based on what we find out about your personality and wedding vision. If you’ve seen something you like online let us know then we can pull it out ready for your appointment. But don’t worry if you don’t know where to start, our team of experts are on hand to help guide you if you need a little help.
To book an appointment please email street@Louisajacksonbridal.com
The Walled Gardens of Cannington is a unique wedding reception venue in Somerset.
• Perfect backdrop for wedding photographs
• Exclusive use of the gardens
• Optional extras available.
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Aunique wedding reception venue in Somerset, first established almost 900 years ago, the Walled Gardens have a very long history and have always played an important part in the life of the local community.
The stunning gardens provide a perfect backdrop to those allimportant photographs to mark your special day, and include exclusive use so that you and your guests can celebrate in the privacy and beauty of the Gardens.
We do not have a licence to hold marriages or civil partnerships at the premises. Therefore, only unlicensed wedding ceremonies/blessings and receptions can take place. To ensure your event runs smoothly, we provide a list of local suppliers and are available to help with the logistics and set up on the day.
For more information or to book a visit, please contact our team on 01278 655042 or email walledgardens@btc.ac.uk.
Church Street, Cannington TA5 2HA
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HOUSEHOLDS in Somerset are being urged to recycle items such as food and drink cans as part of a county-wide campaign.
In a bid to improve kerbside recycling rates, households across the county are being encouraged to recycle other items, including aluminium wrapping foil and foil trays, empty aerosols and metal screw tops.
The six-week campaign, MetalMatters, will use targeted social media and digital messaging as well as radio and bus advertising – spearheaded by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro)- to communicate the benefits of recycling metal household packaging.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council executive member for transport and waste services, said: “We know that people here in Somerset are great at recycling, but together we can all make the effort to do more.
“MetalMatters allows us to engage with our residents and encourage them to think about their recycling habits and understand how to correctly recycle their food and drink cans, foil trays, kitchen foil, empty aerosols, metal bottle tops and jar lids.
“Every recycled aluminium can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours, we can all make a huge difference by recycling as much as possible."
Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, said: “For more than a decade, our MetalMatters programme has been educating the public about the benefits and importance of recycling metal packaging.
"We’re confident that this campaign will help to drive recycling rates and households taking positive action across Somerset.
“For us, the most important message is that metal is infinitely recyclable, meaning the quality and properties of the
metal will be unchanged during the recycling process.
"Making a few small changes can add up to a big environmental impact.”
Mathew Canning, contract director at SUEZ, added: “We’re proud to support this campaign to encourage residents to recycle their metals.
“Recycling metals is not only great for the environmentsaving energy and reducing waste - but it also ensures these valuable materials are recycled infinitely.
“By keeping metals out of the rubbish bin and placing them in your recycling, we can all make a big impact on sustainability and help move towards a more circular economy.
"Our team looks forward to seeing and hearing the communications out and about throughout the county."
ACHARD-based gardener is co-designing the ‘Garden of the Future’ for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Joshua Parker and his design partner Matthew Butler have been busy working on a garden design that highlights some of the solutions being developed across the world by scientists, innovators and farmers in the face of climate change.
The pair, who are being supported by the Gates Foundation, said their garden is set in the near future in the UK, in a scenario where the climate is continuing to change.
Joshua, pictured, and Matthew won a silver medal for their Inghams Working with Nature Garden at RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival in 2023.
“Countries all over the world, including the UK, are experiencing higher than average temperatures, more
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extreme weather, periods of drought and sudden, heavy rainfall,” they said.
“These environmental changes also threaten global food security and nutrition, causing declining global crop productivity and a significant reduction in the nutritional value of key crops, leading to
food scarcity, malnutrition and hunger.
“Despite these huge challenges, there are incredible solutions being developed by scientists, innovators and farmers that enable healthier, climate-resilient futures both here in the UK and globally.
“These solutions include
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better seeds and tools to grow climate-resilient crops, which can help to make agriculture more both productive and sustainable.
“They can also ensure more consistent food production, even in the face of climate shocks like floods or droughts.
“At the same time, these
solutions give families access to affordable, nutritious food and empower communities, particularly women and girls.
“Crops like biofortified sweet potatoes and climate-resilient chickpeas help households meet their nutritional needs and prevent nutrient deficiencies –leading to better health overall.”
The garden will feature climate-resilient crops currently being researched and developed by the global agricultural innovation network CGIAR and other leading experts.
These crops will be grown in test vegetable beds, demonstrating the no-dig gardening method. They will all be crops that can be grown in gardens across the UK, including millet, pigeon pea, chickpea, broad bean and sweet potato.
A rammed-earth hub building showcasing the work and research tools of scientists and
farmers will feature a semiintensive green roof helping to insulate and capture carbon, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting and a dipping tank.
An edible boundary hedge will provide foraging, plus habitats for wildlife, and areas
of dappled shade with fallen log seating will offer relaxation spaces for those working in the demonstration garden.
This year’s RHS Chelsea
is
place from May 20 to 24.
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THREE Bitterns were spotted “sizing each other up” ahead of mating season thanks to a hidden wildlife camera on the Somerset Levels.
The birds are classified by the Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT) as very rare - and disappeared from UK shores in the 1870s.
However, they have returned - including to Somerset.
Male Bitterns are known for their unmistakable, far-carrying, booming sound in spring - a sound often heard on the Somerset Levels, as it is home to one of the largest populations of breeding bitterns in the UK.
The foghorn-like noise helps males to attract a mate and is usually heard between March and May.
A Somerset Wildlife Trust spokesperson said: “We can’t quite believe this incredible footage captured earlier this
month — not one, not two, but three bitterns are all on camera together.
“Bitterns are elusive birds, and to see three all together in one place is such a rare sight.
“Although it’s difficult to say for sure, we believe these birds are likely all young males, sizing each other up and getting ready to compete for mates in the spring.”
A Bittern was also captured by a hidden trail cam at the Levels in January.
The trail cam was installed thanks to the Species Survival Fund (developed by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and delivered by
the National Lottery Heritage Fund).
Bitterns became extinct in the UK in the 1870s due to persecution and draining of their wetland habitat for agriculture, but their numbers have thankfully returned and increased over the years.
There are now more than 50 pairs of the bird in the Avalon
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A20-YEAR career that began managing milk quotas has seen Tom Mellor rise to the role of partner at a Somerset firm.
Tom is marking two decades with property and auction firm Greenslade Taylor Hunt. He originally joined the firm as an administrator in the milk quota department at Taunton,
and still has the letter signed by Richard Webber offering him the position.
Over the years, Tom has risen through the ranks, initially sponsored by GTH to undertake correspondence courses to secure both a diploma in surveying practice, followed by an honours degree in estate management.
Now, he oversees the graduate scheme within the firm and is particularly proud to see the next generation of property and rural professionals progress and thrive.
As he trained on the job rather than take the university path it took him longer to qualify, but this route meant that he was overseeing and training others as soon as he qualified as a surveyor.
He is now based at the Sedgemoor Auction Centre, near Bridgwater, and has been there since the market relocated from Taunton in 2008 and has seen it expand into the largest livestock market in the south of England, attracting buyers and sellers from across Britain and Ireland.
However, it has not always been a role of glamour – with Tom recalling one incident which saw an over-enthusiastic bullock literally eat the
paperwork out of his hand as he attempted to book in the pen of seemingly hungry store cattle.
“I’ve grown up here, along with the market,” he said.
“The 17 years we have been based at Sedgemoor have flown by.
"I can’t see any reason why the next 17 years won’t do the same.”
As well as a regular auctioneering slot selling sheep at Sedgemoor on Saturdays and machinery at on-farm sales, Tom is also the Partner in Charge of the firm’s antiques department.
The remit included overseeing the department’s move to Sedgemoor last year.
His workload also encompasses Red Book valuations, compensation claims, tenancy matters, land-based subsidy claims and any other rural professional matters.
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THE Ilchester Estate, just over the border in Dorset, has paid out nearly £28,000 after it persistently took more water than it was licenced to.
The estate has a license from the Environment Agency (EA) to abstract water from a spring on the headwaters of the chalk stream Dorset Frome at Evershot.
This water is used to supply houses, offices, gardens and farms that make up the Ilchester Estate.
The estate pays the EA £120 for its licence each year and then sets its own charges for supplying the abstracted water to businesses and residents on the estate.
Despite the license allowing the estate to abstract up to 66.6 cubic metres of water a day, an investigation by the EA found that between December 2022 and July 2023 - when Dorset
was officially in a drought - the authorised licence limit had been exceeded by a total of nearly 7,500 cubic metres, around three Olympic size swimming pools worth of water.
The estate has now paid a variable monetary penalty of £19,777.69, plus costs of £8,298.60, to the EA. The penalty came after the EA had previously warned the estate to stop over abstracting water.
The EA said the estate was advised in 2018 of how an increase to their permitted abstraction levels could be applied for.
Instead, the estate said steps would be taken to reduce the amount of water being taken, but amounts abstracted continued to be above the permitted level each year through to 2023.
Senior environment officer at the EA, Carolyn Lane said: “Chalk streams are stunningly
Somerset County Council have launched a ‘Call for Sites’ seeking landowners willing to sell land for development Submissions by 24th February
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beautiful, but ecologically sensitive, watercourses.
“Where companies or individuals hold licences to take water from them, they cannot ignore the conditions attached and take as much water as they like.
“In this case, the Ilchester Estate not only deliberately flouted the conditions, they did so during a drought, when it is likely that damage will have
been done to the river and the surrounding environment it supports.”
The headwater reaches of the Dorset Frome have been endorsed as a Flagship Chalk Stream catchment by Wessex Water.
It is one of only 200 chalk streams in the world, of which 85% are in the UK. The streams contain mineral-rich pure water and are havens for wildlife.
WORLD Horse Welfare’s Somerset base has closed “until further notice” due to flooding.
Volunteers and staff at the equine charity have been working to clear floodwater across the 200-acre Glenda Spooner Farm site, near Somerton, following heavy rain over the weekend.
A spokesperson said the rain affected not just the fields at the farm but a flash flood damaged the ground floors of two bungalows used as groom’s accommodation and the main Visitor’s Centre.
Around 90 horses are grazing in the fields, said farm manager, Claire Dickie.
“Despite everything, our grooms have really pulled together to make sure all the horses are cared for, and their needs met. They have really
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embraced the joy of life with it all and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone,” she added.
“The flash flood on Sunday really took us by surprise and has wiped out the Visitor Centre for the foreseeable future. Once we have an idea of how long the clean-up will take, we will hopefully be in a better position to let people know how long we will be closed for, but right now it’s too early to say.
“We have received so many messages of support and offers of help, and I can’t thank everyone enough – it has been such a morale boost to know so many people care about us and want to make sure we are all okay.
“As for the horses they are all doing well and I think it’s just been like any other wet, winter’s day for them. Many are out in the fields and don’t even use their shelters – being perfectly happy to weather the storm and get on with it as they always do.”
All affected members of staff have been provided with temporary accommodation while the clean-up gets underway, the charity said.
Meanwhile, Glenda Spooner Farm will be closed to the public until further notice. For more on the World Horse Welfare charity, and to support the recovery efforts, visit www. worldhorsewelfare.org.
ACID indigestion, also known as dyspepsia or heartburn, is a common condition that can cause discomfort in the upper abdomen, a burning sensation in the chest, or a sour taste in the mouth. It occurs when stomach acid irritates the lining of the oesophagus or stomach, often leading to pain and discomfort.
Understanding the causes of acid indigestion can help prevent and manage this bothersome condition.
1. Dietary choices
Certain foods and beverages are primary triggers of acid indigestion. These include:
Spicy food: Can irritate the digestive system and increase acid production.
Fatty or fried foods: Slow down digestion, causing acid build-up.
Citrus fruits and juices: High acidity can aggravate symptoms.
Caffeinated drinks: Coffee, tea, and soda relax the oesophageal sphincter, allowing acid to escape into the oesophagus.
Alcohol: Irritates the stomach lining and increases acid production.
2. Overeating or eating too quickly
Consuming large meals or eating too fast can put extra pressure on the stomach, causing acid to rise into the
oesophagus.
3. Lifestyle factors
Certain habits and activities can contribute to acid indigestion, including: Smoking: Weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter, making it easier for acid to flow backwards.
Stress: Can increase stomach acid production or lead to poor eating habits.
Lying down after eating: Makes it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus.
4. Medical conditions
Some underlying health issues can lead to, or worsen, acid indigestion, such as:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A chronic condition where stomach acid frequently backs up into the oesophagus.
Hiatal hernia: Occurs when part of the stomach pushes into
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the chest, weakening the oesophageal sphincter.
Helicobacter pylori infection: A bacterial infection in he stomach lining that can increase acid production.
5. Medications
Certain medications can irritate the stomach lining or relax the oesophageal sphincter, contributing to acid indigestion.
These include:
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Blood pressure medications, like calcium channel blockers.
Antidepressants and sedatives.
6. Obesity
Excess weight increases pressure on the stomach, which can force acid into the oesophagus.
Preventing acid indigestion
To reduce the risk of acid
indigestion, consider the following steps:
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Avoid trigger foods and beverages
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating
Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
If acid indigestion persists or becomes severe, consult a healthcare provider.
Chromic symptoms may indicate an underlying condition like GERD, which requires medical attention.
Recognising and addressing the causes of acid indigestion can help improve your overall digestive health and quality of life.
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All parties order catered for Opening Hours
Tuesday: 11.45am - 2pm 4.30pm - 8.30pm
Wednesday: 11.45 am - 2pm 4.30pm - 8.30pm
Thursday: 11.45am - 2pm 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Friday: 11.45am - 2pm 4.30pm - 8.30pm
Saturday: 11.45am - 2pm 4.30pm - 9.00pm
Sunday: Closed Monday: Closed Bank Holiday Mondays: Closed
Across
PLACE 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.
7 Signify limits to deference by celebrity (6)
8 Boringly traditional feature of a town? (6)
9 A team of workers restricted measure of land (4)
10 Complete struggle with general survey (8)
11 Avoid leader somehow however it is done? (4,2,5)
14 A secure feature about Thomas in charge of college – and sort of timer (6,5)
KILLER Sudoku Pro
18 Boy with gall excitedly detaining lecturer all over the place (8)
Down
1 Drink taken by US singer and instructor
2 Chapter on poem in secret symbols? (4)
3 Film is seen in dull diversion (6)
4 A second cathedral city falling short too
5 Virus spread by woman staying alive (8)
6 Inexperienced environmentalist (5)
12 US lawyer cheers headquarters providing source of information? (8)
13 City hospital with long time to accept line rank (7)
19 One busy parking giving sound of horn (4)
20 Glittery decoration in metal a deception largely (6)
21 Choice draught initially switched (6)
Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box.
No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.
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DONATIONS poured in when Tropiquaria Zoo, near Watchet, announced it was raising money to create a permanent home for a rescued bobcat.
Bode was welcomed into the zoo in January after his owner was convicted of animal neglect-related offences.
He was one of 30 exotic cats likely to be put down if they were not taken in, as the chance of rehoming was limited due to the cats not being highly endangered.
Tropiquaria stepped in to help, but they were limited to what they could take, as the zoo’s size meant they could not take the pumas and lynx.
The zoo said that out of the 30 or so cats, three were put down for medical reasons, while the rest were rehomed.
This includes Bode, taken in by Tropiquaria, who was the last
5*
KENNELS
cat left on site.
Despite initial plans to rehome Bode to a rescue centre in the Netherlands, staff at Tropiquaria reportedly fell in love with him, prompting an online fundraising appeal so they could create a permanent enclosure. The £3,500 target was reached in just six days.
A zoo spokesperson said: “We are so heartened that our Go Fund Me appeal has hit 100% of its target £3,500 for Bode the bobcat’s new home.
“You are all truly amazing.”
They added: “Although we have hit our initial target, donations can still be made on the Go Fund Me if you do wish.
“All additional funds will be spent on further development of the new enclosure to include even more exciting features.
“We’re working as fast as we can and we can’t wait to get cracking and to welcome you all
to see it.”
One of the potential new additions could be a water feature, as the zoo said bobcats are more likely to interact with this.
The zoo is also seeking a large amount of natural rock and is appealing for anyone who can help to get in touch.
is a remarkably handsome chap and is slowly winning the hearts of his keepers here.
“He has settled very well and very much enjoys his lunch time.
5*
KENNELS
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The zoo opted to modify an existing enclosure rather than create a new one, as they say the cost of creating a bespoke enclosure would have cost upwards of £10,000 as well as planning consent.
A spokesperson said: “Bode
“Unfortunately you won’t be able to see him – he is currently in off-exhibit enclosure space but rest assured he is being well taken care of and seems very relaxed now that he has had some time to settle in.”
n To support the fundraising efforts, search for Build Bode, the Bobcat, a new home on Go Fund Me.
GETTING dental care on the NHS could become a lot easier for people in Wellington.
In a letter to county MP Gideon Amos (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington), NHS Somerset has confirmed it is supporting plans for a new dental practice, with a premises already identified.
The premises, which has not been revealed, would require a full renovation, and no opening date has been given so far. It will offer a mix of NHS and private dental services.
NHS Somerset said the new practice is undertaking a full survey of the property.
Mr Amos said the confirmation comes after years of campaigning by residents.
According to a survey Mr
Amos ran in 2022, less than half of those in Taunton and Wellington had access to NHS dental provision.
The MP, who raised the issue of Somerset’s “dental scandal” in Parliament in November, said the situation had worsened.
“Three years on, things have, incredibly, got worse," he said.
“Over half the constituents who contacted me did have an NHS dentist but were then told it was going private, so they lost it. That decline has been consistent.
“My constituents are having
A SOMERSET audiologist has voiced concerns following a new report from charity Tinnitus UK highlighting difficulties tinnitus sufferers face in accessing care across the UK.
The report, released during Tinnitus Week (February 3-9), showed patients with tinnitus - a condition often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears - are experiencing delays of up to three years for specialist appointments on the NHS.
Even when they are finally seen, 60 per cent of doctors say they are unable to offer standard levels of care due to staffing shortages in the healthcare system.
With one in seven adults in the UK - almost eight million people -living with tinnitus, and an estimated 1.5 million struggling with severe symptoms, the lack of support is leaving many feeling abandoned and without hope.
Simon Swindells, audiologist and owner of South West Hearing Care which has branches in Street and Somerton, said he sees the real-life impact of these failings
to travel out of county and, as I said in the Chamber last year, one of them – a stage three cancer sufferer – is having to use her savings to pay for dental treatment she is entitled to for free on the National Health Service.”
The letter from NHS Somerset, which was jointly signed by Dr Bernie Marden, chief medical officer, and Jenny Albiston, dental strategy clinical lead, said: “We know people in the Wellington area, and more widely across Somerset, want better access to NHS dentistry and we hope you agree this is welcome news. This project is part of NHS Somerset’s broader dental recovery plan, which contains a range of measures to improve access.”
Mr Amos added: “This is
each day.
"I am deeply concerned by these findings," he said.
"Too many people with tinnitus are being left to suffer in silence, with little or no support.
"We regularly see patients in our practices who have been told there’s nothing that can be done, or who have spent years waiting for help.
"Tinnitus is a complex condition and while we are not tinnitus specialists, we work with the condition on a daily basis, helping to identify if an individuals’ tinnitus is linked to an underlying hearing loss, alongside providing help and support for how to best manage the condition."
The report also sheds light on a potential cause of tinnitus that often goes undetected, Simon added.
"Scientists now believe that for one in ten sufferers with no obvious cause, the condition may be linked to 'hidden hearing loss', caused by damage to the nerve that carries sound signals to the brain, which may not show up on standard hearing tests."
good news for Wellington. Thank you to all those who have spoken out, who signed my petition or who have been pushing for better NHS dental provision in their own way.
“As Liberal Democrats, we ramped up pressure on the new government, both by making the NHS and care our number one priority at the general election and by working with the British Dental Association and others.
“As a team of 72 MPs, we have stopped at nothing in Parliament to push ministers to provide more NHS dentists.
“This surgery, welcome though it is, won’t solve the whole of Somerset’s problems, so we will continue to make better dental provision and a better NHS generally, our number one priority.”
DO I need a Stairlift? – If you have difficulty getting up and down stairs you are not alone.
The decision to install a stairlift is sometimes a difficult one to take but, when compared with the alternative of moving or living on only one level of their home, many people have found a stairlift to be their preferred solution.
Why choose us? – Suttons Stairlifts aim to provide an ethical, reliable and prompt service to their valued customers. We have worked hard to establish an affordable, dependable and honest service to be proud of. Thanks to personal recommendations from satisfied customers referring them to their friends and relations Suttons Stairlifts is now a well-established company committed to providing expert advice with a no-pressure selling policy, guaranteed!
Peace of mind – As Suttons Stairlifts are approved dealers for Handicare, you can rest assured that you are also choosing an ISO Quality Approved product that conforms to the ethical business practices required by the British Healthcare Trades Association.
Our Products and Services – We offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts for either straight or curved stairs in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Devon. We also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts. We offer fast and efficient maintenance and repairs on all supplied stairlifts, as well as an annual service and safety check to keep your stairlift running as smoothly as the day it was installed.
What happens next? – We will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time. With our inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty you can be assured of a first-class and personal service from Suttons Stairlifts.
BIG news from Vauxhall. The oldest of Britain’s automotive manufacturers began all the way back in 1903, and in that time Vauxhall’s aim has always been to build cars that are relevant to everyone.
In the case of the brand-new Vauxhall Frontera, the relevant news is that it’s the first car to go on sale in the UK with an identical list price for both petrol-hybrid and all-electric versions.
Whether or not you’re interested in the new Frontera isn’t the point. The important detail is Vauxhall’s decision to eliminate the usual EV list price premium, opening up the possibility for more people to choose an all-electric model.
So, if you are considering switching to an EV at least there’s one example that won’t require you to take budget into account when choosing which powertrain option to go for.
The new Frontera is the latest addition to Vauxhall’s refreshed SUV range, sitting in the line-up between the Mokka and the Grandland.
The front-end features Vauxhall’s distinctive Vizor design with LED headlights. The rugged SUV looks come from the sharp lines, elevated stance, and prominent wheel arches and sills. Every model is fitted with energy-saving IntelliLED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and high beam assist as standard too.
The interior features Vauxhall’s ‘Pure Panel’ cockpit with dual 10-inch widescreen displays, a newly designed steering wheel and physical buttons for key functions. The central touchscreen is simple to operate and includes navigation and wireless
smartphone connectivity. Wireless smartphone charging also comes as standard.
The new Frontera also features up to five USB-C charging ports, with connections for all three seating rows (two in the front, two in the second row, and one in the third row if fitted with seven seats).
As well as bringing parity to the list prices, Vauxhall has also made the new Frontera range equally straightforward with two generously specified trim levels, Design and GS.
GS models are fitted with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, high gloss black door mirrors and silver skid plates, as well as a black roof with tinted rear windows and LED taillights.
Upgrading to the GS version also adds electronic climate control, Intelli-Seat front seats designed to relieve pressure on the tailbone, front parking sensors, blind spot alert, and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.
The options list has also been simplified with just three items to choose from - and
Entry-level Design models have 16-inch black steel wheels with wheel arch cladding and body-colour bumpers with black skid plates. Standard features also include rear parking sensors, a rear-view parking camera, cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and driver attention alert.
that choice is determined by the trim level you start from.
Design models can be specified with the Design Style Pack which adds 16-inch white steel wheels, a white roof, and roof rails to the specification.
If you go for the GS trim you can add the Ultimate Pack for the extra comfort and
convenience of heated seats, a heated steering wheel, LED fog lamps, and roof rails. The final option on the list is the seven-seat configuration, although if you want the added practicality of the extra row of seats it’s worth noting that this option is only available on hybrid GS models.
Which brings me neatly on to the part of the new Frontera that won’t affect the price in any way, shape, or form: your choice of powertrain.
If you’re not ready for the switch to full electrification then the 48-volt petrol hybrid is the obvious choice. You still get a bit of electric-only driving range alongside the improved economy that the electric motor brings to the table.
Vauxhall’s hybrid system combines a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 28bhp electric motor coupled to an electrified six-speed dual clutch transmission. There are two versions of the hybrid system to choose from, generating either 100bhp or 136bhp. Neither is particularly powerful – the sprint to 62mph can’t really be described as a sprint (11 seconds vs 9 seconds) and the top speed increases from 112mph to 118mph – so it’s really just a case of deciding if the extra power is worth the extra money, especially as the fuel consumption and emissions are identical in both versions.
If you are ready for the switch to full electrification you can spend exactly the same amount of money on the all-electric version of the new Vauxhall Frontera instead.
At launch, the Frontera Electric comes with a 44kWh battery that sends its electrons to a 113bhp electric motor. A long-range version will follow later in the year but for now you’ll be looking at a range of around 186 miles with 20-80% charging times of 26 minutes (100kW charger) or 3hrs 50mins (11kW home charger).
Like the hybrid, the Frontera Electric’s performance can never be described as “blistering”, but does that really matter? That question probably needs some sort of context before you can answer it properly.
A practical SUV, seating for five (or even seven) people, generous specification levels, the latest hybrid or EV technology, and you can pick up the entry-level Design specification for a smidge under £23,500. Even if you splash out on the top-spec GS trim you’ll still be looking at a list price on the comfortable side of £26k. The more powerful hybrid option adds around £1,500 to both of those prices.
It’s not necessarily the decision to charge the same for both hybrid and electric models, it’s the unbelievable value that is going to draw people to the new Vauxhall Frontera.
ARESIDENTS’ parking scheme is set to be piloted in the centre of Weston from April - with permits costing £60 a year.
The scheme would give priority to permit holders on 15 different streets during certain hours.
North Somerset Council (NSSC) said the scheme would enable spaces to be shared between residents, commuters and other vehicles more equally. It is also hoped the pilot scheme will help manage traffic and congestion, make the roads safer, and improve air quality.
Resident-only parking bays would be in operation from 8am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday, including bank holidays (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Vehicles without a permit would be able to use the spaces outside of these hours.
Permit holders would be able to add visitor hours to their permits and an additional permit would allow businesses to apply for five spaces that could be used by any vehicle.
The scheme will be reviewed after 12 months, providing the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is successful.
The streets included in the scheme are: Baker Street, Glebe Road, Wooler Road, Jubilee Road, George Street, Swiss Road, Hill Road, Stafford Road, Beaufort Road, Clarendon Road, Gordon Road, Milburn Road, Trevelyan Road, Little George Street, Camden Terrace.
Resident parking permits would be priced at £60 per year and will be limited to one
permit per household.
Residents may also purchase a permit that allows them to either park on-street or in Locking Road car park, costing £150 a year. Limit one permit per household (a household is defined as a single address).
Residents may also purchase a permit that allows them to park in Locking Road car park for £90 per year and can purchase an unlimited number
of these permits.
NSC said it reserves the right to cap the number of permits if there is evidence available on-street parking is oversubscribed.
If this is necessary, a waiting list will be operated. Resident permits will be offered to households in chronological order from the date of the application being received.
Councillor Mark Canniford, executive member for placemaking and economy at North Somerset Council, said the pilot will help vehicles share spaces on 15 “particularly busy streets”.
“This is important in ensuring local people can park near their homes, while balancing this need with the
requirements of local businesses and their staff who need to park close to work,” he said.
“The pilot has been designed with the help of consultation feedback and a number of changes and adaptations have been made as a result of past public engagement.
“There is now a final opportunity to comment on proposals through the TRO process, which has now launched.
“We want to be sure that the new scheme is having a positive impact and will review whether it is working as planned after 12 months of its implementation.”
Cllr Mike Bell, leader of NSC and ward councillor for Weston Central, said: “Roads can get particularly busy close to the centre of Weston-super-Mare, with vehicles parked nose to tail and people often driving around looking for a space.
“This is something I have been campaigning to tackle for many years and it’s great that
we’re able to unveil these proposals for a resident’ parking scheme and help try to alleviate the issues for residents.
“It won’t be perfect or work for everyone, but it is important that we test this approach before considering rollout in other areas similarly affected by parking pressures.”
The pilot is subject to a TRO which gives people an opportunity to comment on the details of the proposals.
The TRO consultation will run from now until 5pm on Friday, February 21.
Notices to advertise the TRO needed to introduce the scheme will be placed at locations around impacted street and, if successful, the pilot will begin in the spring/summer.
It will be possible to apply for permits from the North Somerset Council website from then.
For more about the scheme, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ WestonRPS.
Glastonbury site which could house up to 90 new homes has gone up for sale.
Planning permission for up to 90 homes was secured on appeal for the greenfield site, off Lowerside Lane near the A39, in May 2023, after an initial application was refused a year earlier.
Now, the 17-acre plot on the north-west edge of Glastonbury is up for sale by informal tender with agent, Kitchener Land and Planning.
“It currently comprises of agricultural grass land with an access gate in the northeast corner off Lowerside Lane, just off the A39 where the site access is proposed,” the listing said.
“There is another access gate in the south west corner off Common Moor Drove. To the south east of the site are allotments and the recent ‘Kingsfield’ housing development, to the south west
are more allotments and to the north east is Tor Rugby Club and a funeral director.
“There are rhynes (drainage ditches) running along three of the boundaries (not the south west) which are flanked by vegetation and trees.”
Conditions of the appeal permission secured for the site
include 30% affordable housing, 75% of which should be social rented dwellings and 25% as first homes, as well as a healthcare contribution of £542 per dwelling and more.
n The sale, by informal tender, will see bids received by noon on Friday, March 14 and
sent by email to Andrew KLP Land, with the subject line clearly marked as Confidential Tender Glastonbury, or delivered to Andrew Kitchener, KLP, Newcourt Barton, Clyst Road, Topsham, Exeter, EX3 0DB in a sealed envelope marked with Confidential Tender Glastonbury.
THREE retail units are up for rent after the closure of a Shepton Mallet car dealer.
The former Honda showroom at the Haskins Retail Centre are being marketed as three units – which could be combined – by property agent Chesters Harcourt, of Yeovil.
“Haskins Retail Centre is in the heart of Shepton Mallet and is home to many big brands as well as a selection of local independent shops,” the listing says.
“We offer an array of shops, services and a beautiful restaurant where you can kick back and relax during your time here.
“You can take advantage of
our free car parking while you are exploring instore and visiting all the attractions on site.”
The shopping centre is owned and managed by the Haskins family.
“Following the closure of Honda a new retail store is being offered and configured to suit individual occupiers,” the listing added. “Units can be combined.”
