Author: Lesley Webb

Parking Charges

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A public consultation on proposals to introduce Sunday charges in Somerset Council car parks started on Monday, 8 September.

There are currently different charging principles applied across the county’s 200+ Council-run car parks, and the system has not been reviewed since Somerset Council came into being in 2023. The Sunday charging proposals are the start of a process aimed at harmonising charging practices across the county.

The proposal to consult on Sunday charges, approved by Executive earlier in the year, gives the public a chance to have their say before any final decisions are taken.

Under the previous five councils there were different approaches to Sunday charges in car parks. This means that there are currently Sunday charges at many car parks, including for example in Watchet, Minehead, Wells, Glastonbury, Cheddar, Street, Frome, Shepton Mallet, Williton and Burnham-on-Sea. However, there are no charges currently in Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater, Chard. Crewkerne, Yeovil and Highbridge.

The aim of the proposal is to bring consistency across Somerset while also ensuring the parking service continues to be completely self-funded to cover staffing, serving and administrating penalty notices, and managing and maintaining car parks to a high level.

The consultation started on 8th September and runs for six weeks, closing on 20 October. The public and businesses can take part here.

Plastic Free Events

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Great British Beach Clean events 
Sat 20th Sept 10:00 – 12:00 at Dunster Beach. Meet in the car park at the entrance to Dunster Beach Holidays (TA24 6TH). Free parking available for all volunteers – collect permit on arrival.
Sun 21 Sept, 10:00 – 12:00 at Minehead Beach. Meet at the front of the Beach Hotel, Minehead (TA24 5AP)
At both events litter pickers, collecting sacks and a warm welcome will be provided. Please bring suitable clothing for the weather and beach, protective gloves and enthusiasm! As part of the clean-ups, we will be conducting a survey of the litter and debris that we collect. The results will be shared with the Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage so that these organisations can help monitor pollution and protect marine life. More information at https://www.mcsuk.org/what-you-can-do/join-a-beach-clean/find-a-beach-clean/
OCEAN with David Attenborough (Cert PG) | Thu 25 Sept, 7:30pm at The Regal Theatre, Minehead. 
A chance to experience the visually stunning film ‘Ocean’ with David Attenborough on the big screen which takes viewers on a breath-taking journey showing that there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. A special presentation in association with Our Precious Earth and Plastic Free Exmoor.
Tickets £6 (£4 Regal Film Society members/Students/ES40s)
More information and to book tickets at: https://regaltheatre.co.uk/show/ocean-with-david-attenborough/
Can We Ever Be Plastic Free? | Sat 27 Sept, 10:00 – 12.30, Carhampton Village Hall (TA24 6ND)
A free event hosted by the Carhampton Climate Group. Come and join in the discussion with Peter Hoyland (Plastic Free Exmoor) & Keith Hunt (Our Precious Earth) and find out what you can do to lead a plastic free life and save the world! Everyone welcome. Free cake and coffee.
For all the latest events and campaign news follow ‘Plastic Free Communities in West Somerset’ on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plasticfreecommunitieswestsomerset
Watch this space for more events in early 2026!
Andy & Ruth

Road Closure Minehead To Williton 

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Please be aware that we have received notification of a temporary road closure at Minehead To Williton Road, Williton for approximately 740 metres, which will commence on 16th September 2025 and is expected to last until 18th September 2025 (between 09:30 to 15.30hrs). These works are for Kiely Bros to carry out prep works, surface dressing and associated works on behalf of Somerset Highways, their works reference is LG018SD007683-KL.

These phased works will be for ONE DAY within the stated period and the road will be reopened when no works are taking place (in some instances works may be completed in a matter of hours). Signage will be placed on site. There may be a need for additional closures at a later date and notification will be sent for these.

For any further information about this closure please contact Kiely Bros on 0121 772 3800 quoting reference: SWT34-2023 – SD007683 – Minehead To Williton Rd – KL.

A map of the affected area (in red), together with the recommended diversion route (in purple) is shown below, along with the link to One.Network.
https://one.network/?tm=142555840.
With regards,
The Road Closure Team
Traffic Management, Road Safety and Parking Services
Somerset Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY

Contact Centre Tel: 0300 123 2224

Advanced Notice

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Quiz Night

                    Saturday 18th October                      

7.00 for 7.30pm quiz
Timberscombe Village Hall
£10 to include a meal with dessert.
Advance tickets only. Bar and Raffle.

Tickets on sale from Timberscombe Post Office from Monday 22th September 2025.

Usually sold out so buy early to avoid disappointment.

Teams of up to 6 people.

Come as a team or join up with others on the night.