Author: Lesley Webb

Police Notice

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      We are urging residents and businesses to be vigilant following reports counterfeit £20 notes are in circulation in Taunton. Officers have received reports the counterfeit notes have been used in separate transactions at two outlets and are now issuing advice on how to spot them. The first incident was reported at a filling station on Priory Bridge Road at around 7.30pm on Thursday 29 January and at a retail outlet in East Street at around 10.35am on Thursday 5 March. Similar incidents have occurred in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, and we’ve also received reports counterfeit notes have been used to purchase items which have been advertised for sale on social media selling sites. PC Luke Elliot, officer in the case, said: “We are aware a small number of counterfeit notes have entered circulation, and we want to warn businesses and the public to remain vigilant and follow our advice to prevent more people becoming victims of fraud. “A full and thorough investigation into how these notes have entered circulation is being carried out, and we are issuing advice so people can be confident they’re accepting genuine payments for goods and services they are providing.” If cash transactions are necessary, please follow the advice in the attached PDF. Attachments: counterfeit-money.pdf

Speeding Update

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Most residents will by now have noticed the Speed Indicator Device (SID) installed by the Parish Council near the Old Dairy on the A396. Anyone who has paused to observe it will have seen the marked reduction in vehicle speeds as drivers approach the device. This visual impression has now been supported by the analysis of the recorded speed data.

The results show that , coming from Cutcombe, 84% of vehicles are travelling at under 30mph, which is the legal speed limit. Furthermore, 95% of vehicles are passing through at under 35mph, and 99.74% at under 40mph. These figures represent a significant improvement compared with previous data collected by the Police.

Unfortunately, a small number of irresponsible drivers continue to travel at dangerously high speeds — 20 out of 34,666 vehicles were recorded at over 50mph, typically during the early hours of the morning.

The Parish Council would like to express its thanks to Councillors Ian Ware and Claire Gibbard for their work in the installation of the SID and for their ongoing efforts in maintaining it.

Residents who wish to review the data in more detail may download here HERE .

In addition, some residents will have noticed the installation of a new post on the Duddings bank. This post has been approved by Somerset Highways for the placement of a SID. The original intention was to rotate the existing portable SID between the two locations. However, despite being a “portable” device, the equipment is extremely heavy and difficult to move, particularly as it must be mounted above head height. For this reason, the Parish Council has decided to pursue the purchase of a second SID to remain permanently at the Duddings site.

As grant funding is limited, this may take a little time to achieve.

In addition to the SIDs, the Parish Council has requested the installation of a “Bend in the Road” warning sign at Totterdown to alert drivers to the series of bends approaching the Duddings area. Somerset Highways has agreed to investigate this request. The Parish Council will keep you updated on this request.

Lesley Webb

Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer

Timberscombe Parish Council

Road Closure Reminder

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A reminder that work starts on Monday 9th February to repair a section of the A396, Cutcombe Hill, between Timberscombe and Wheddon Cross. The road will be closed at night between 7.00pm and 7:00am for approximately 3 weeks, from 9th – 27th February.
Each day, the road will reopen between 7:00am to 7.00pm, with two-way traffic signals in place to manage traffic safely.
If works finish earlier than expected, the road will be fully reopened.
Temporary traffic signals are currently in operation at the site, and these will remain in place outside working times to protect the site and for public safety.
The work schedule should also avoid disruption to the Snowdrop Valley event held between 24th January and 22nd February.