Author: Lesley Webb

At the Local Area Network meeting this week, Somerset Highways gave an update on the site of the recent coach crash on the A396. The latest news is that the side of the road is too severely damaged to simply reinstate a rail and bollards. The road will require engineering works to support a barrier and this is currently being explored by their engineers. The solution will take some time and the traffic lights and 20mph restriction will remain in situ until the road is fully repaired

The unreliability of the traffic lights at the site was brought up by our Parish Council representatives. The Highways representative explained that because of the position and slope of the road they had to follow specific guidelines. This included a longer than usual delay on red to allow for slow, heavy, vehicle to move uphill from stationary. So, if you seem to have to wait for a long time on red, please be patient.

The position of the site means that battery operated lights have to be used. These are more likely to break down. If you come across non-functioning lights please report them immediately to the Police or to Somerset Highways (during working hours) via the website page “Report a problem on the roads”.

The Highways representative stated that one of the reasons the traffic light are switching off was due to drivers coming through the lights just after they had turned red, to tailgate the vehicle in front. If the traffic lights sense traffic still coming through the lights on red they register a problem and turn off to do a reset.

Please do not be tempted to pass through the lights on red.

You may be the cause of the next  dangerous accident.

Lesley Webb ( Clerk to the PC)

Works are expected to commence on 16th September 2025 and last for 4 days to enable Wessex Water to reline clay pipe and access manhole.

As a result, we are asking customers within the work area and those along the road who may need the use of their vehicles to move them to an alternative location between 8am-5pm on the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and between 7am-10pm on the Wednesday.

The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is permitted on this occasion. Pedestrian access will also be possible.

For any further information about this closure please contact Wessex Water on 0345 600 4600, quoting reference: ttro955356W

Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, please visit  https://one.network/?tm=143965972
With regards,
The Road Closure Team
Email: ttro@somerset.gov.uk
Traffic Management, Road Safety and Parking Services
Somerset Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY
Web: www.somerset.gov.uk

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 9th September 2025 and is expected to last until 10th 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 LG018-SD007683-SD.

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 noticfication 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 – SD.

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

Grabbist Benefice Bulletin September

VISIT OF THE RIGHT REVD MICHAEL BEASLEY, BISHOP OF BATH AND WELLS, TO THE GRABBIST HILL BENEFICE
Sunday 12th October
9.30am Meet and Greet in the Narthex at St Michael the Archangel, Alcombe. All welcome.
10am Benefice Service in Alcombe with Bishop Michael. All welcome.
11.30-12 noon Bishop to visit Timberscombe for Messy Church. All welcome.
Monday 13th October
1pm Lunch with Clergy job share (venue tbc)
2.10pm Assembly at Timberscombe First School
3pm Meeting with Tracey Staples regarding Safeguarding
3.30pm Afternoon Tea in St George’s Dunster (with the Dunster Friday Coffee morning folk)
4.15pm Gathering with Young People and Families in St George’s Dunster.
5.30pm Meet and Greet in Wootton Courtenay Village Hall. All welcome.
6pm Light Tea with all benefice Churchwardens/ Deputies & Treasurers in Wootton Courtenay Village Hall
7pm Joint PCC meeting in Wootton Courtenay Village Hall