Somerset Wildlife Trust Newsletter
Benefice Newsletter 3rd March 2023
Timberscombe School Friday News 03.03.2023
Parish Council Minutes 27th February 2023 ( Draft until approved at the next meeting)
SWP Briefing 2023 01 March February 2023 Briefing from Somerset Waste Partnership, with news on Somerset Food Waste Week, the new Somerset Council, and a heads-up for the King’s Coronation.
- New bolt-on prize announced for Somerset West Lottery
The Somerset West Lottery is now running the latest bolt-on prize draw. Anyone buying one or more tickets between now and Saturday, 25 March, could win a trip to Centre Parcs for a sporty break, a relaxing weekend in the forest, or some time away with the family – courtesy of external lottery management company Gatherwell.
Players need not do anything differently – their normal weekly ticket(s) will automatically enter the new bolt-on prize draw.
Please click here to read the full press release.
2. Have your say on new Somerset Council planning consultation process
Somerset residents are being invited to have their say on the new Somerset Council’s approach to planning matters.
The consultation will run until Thursday 16 March 2023.
To view the current draft of the new Statement of Community Involvement and complete the survey, please visit somerset.inconsult.uk/sci/consultationHome.
Please click here to read the full press release.
3. Reporting a problem on the road
Alerting SCC to potholes or a host of other problems on the road is now easier and quicker – and you can track its progress after you’ve reported it. Gone is the need to make phone calls or send emails – thanks to a new upgraded online system with an improved interactive map, members of the public can report a problem 24/7 and the Highways team will get on the case. From potholes, blocked drains and broken manhole covers, to overgrown vegetation, damaged pavements or cycle paths, faulty traffic lights or missing markings – they can all be reported in just minutes from a smartphone, tablet or computer.
The full range and how to report is available here www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/report-a-problem-on-the-road/.
The new development means that if you’re reporting a fault, you can now track its progress. If it’s safe to pull over, all you need to do is take a quick picture of the fault, then visit the Report It site on your phone, answer a few simple questions and upload your picture. You’ll be sent a link which enables you to track its progress.
Please click here to read the full press release.
4. “Bus It” bonus as £2 single bus fare in Somerset is extended to the summer
Bus users in Somerset can now travel on most routes in the county and beyond for just £2 until July. The major fare cut is part of a national initiative funded by the Government aimed at boosting bus use while helping passengers to save money. It was introduced in January and was originally due to end on 31 March. Now thanks to further funding it will continue for an extra three months, until 30 June. It’s welcome news for people in Somerset as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, fuelled in part by high petrol and diesel prices.
Please click here to read the full press release.
5. SCC wants your feedback on transport in rural communities
SCC is joining forces with About Community Engagement (ACE), to see how engagement on transport in rural areas can be improved. The aim is to make it easier for rural communities to talk the Council about transport and reach solutions that work for everyone. The Council is also in the early stages of writing a new Local Transport Plan (LTP), which will set out the strategy for improving and maintaining the transport network across the County.
SCC and ACE are also attending the Watchet Street Fair on Sunday 5 March (10am to 4pm), which is a fantastic opportunity to have your say on rural engagement and transport.
They have also worked with community leaders in Exmoor to organise a drop-in coffee morning at Dulverton Town Hall on Saturday 4 March (9 to 11am).
Please click here to read the full press release.
6. Have your say in the School Term dates and holidays consultation
Somerset’s residents have been invited to have their say on proposed school holiday, term and staff training dates for Voluntary Controlled and Community Schools for the next two years.
SCC has published two separate consultations: one for the 2024/25 academic year and one for the 2025/26 academic year. Both consultations are open to the general public, but are particularly relevant to all school staff, parents and caregivers with responsibility for school age children. Academies and other school types set their own dates but may choose to align their dates with neighbouring schools.
The consultation runs until the 17 March with results being published in April.
Please click here to read the full press release.
7. West Somerset Food Cupboard (WSFC)
Part time Job Opportunity – Operations Assistant
The WSFC is currently looking for someone who can support the Food Cupboard Manager and Charity’s Trustees in providing emergency food and developing projects like the Local Pantry.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 7 March 2023. Please click here to find out more information.
8.Need to seek help?
If you, or someone you know are feeling like things are too much, please know that you / they don’t have to be alone. Here are some numbers of organisations that can help:
- Samaritans – 116 123
- CALM – 0800 58 58 58
- ChildLine – 0800 1111
- Anxiety UK – 03444 775 774
- Mindline Somerset – 01823 276892
- Somerset Domestic Abuse helpline – 0800 69 49 999
Timberscombe 