Author: Lesley Webb

Have your say

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Adult Social Care strategy is set to be renewed in 2026

Somerset Council is asking residents, unpaid carers, and organisations to have their say in shaping the future of care and support across the county. 

Its current Adult Social Care strategy is set to be renewed in 2026 and will set out key priorities for the next three years. Your feedback is important to help shape the strategy as you know your communities best .

The aim is to ensure the new strategy, covering 2026–2029, reflects what matters most to those who live and work in local communities. 

The online consultation is now open, making it easy for everyone to contribute their views.

The consultation is open until Friday 27th March.

Police Notice

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Date/Time: Approximately 3pm on Wednesday 25th
Incident Type: Rogue Traders / Aggressive Doorstep Caller

Elderly residents in Parkhouse Road were targeted by rogue traders. At around 3pm, a male—described as around 50 years old, with short dark hair, wearing a white T shirt—knocked on the door claiming there was an issue with a tree on the garden boundary. Due to his pushy and insistent manner, the residents reluctantly agreed to let him complete the supposed work. He later returned for payment and forced his way into the property, pushing past the residents. Two younger males remained waiting outside. A dispute over payment then followed, during which the residents felt pressured and intimidated into handing over additional money before the male left the address.
Residents are reminded:
• Do not agree to work from unexpected doorstep callers.
• Do not allow unknown individuals into your home.
• Do not hand over money or bank details to unsolicited callers.
• Always use trusted, pre vetted traders—preferably recommended by friends/family or listed on approved trader schemes.
• If you feel pressured or unsafe, close the door immediately and call 999.
• For suspicious activity or concerns about rogue traders, report via 101 or the police online reporting service.

Plastic Free Exmoor Events

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Over the next few weeks, Plastic Free Exmoor will be leading the following two events:

Saturday 14th March – Dunster Community Clear-Up
🕥 10:30am – 12 noon
📍 Meet at the Exmoor National Park Centre, Dunster
We will provide litter pickers and bags, but please bring a pair of old gloves and dress appropriately for the weather on the day. Our aim is to clean the village car parks, roadside edges, and—if possible—stretches of the A39 below the village. This event will be part of both the Surfers Against Sewage “Million Mile Clean” and the Keep Britain Tidy “Great British Spring Clean”. There is no need to sign up—just turn up on the day. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thursday 19th March – Plastic Tree Guard Clearance, Timberscombe
🕙 10am – 12.30pm

We will be clearing plastic tree guards from a small stretch of woodland just below Timberscombe Common. The area is on a slight slope but is generally more accessible than previous clearances. Due to the size of the woodland, we will need around ten volunteers. If you are interested in helping, please email me and I will send full details, including the exact location and parking suggestions.

Plastic Free Watchet is holding a beach clean and town litter pick on Saturday March 7th. If you would like to take part, please meet at 11am at the Slipway to West Street Beach. Litter pickers and bags will be provided—just bring a sturdy pair of gloves. After the clean-up, volunteers can enjoy hot drinks and cakes at The Sanctuary.

In Other News…

Watch Dirty Business – Channel 4.
Have you been watching the Channel 4 series Dirty Business? If not, I strongly recommend making time for it. The three hour-long episodes expose what the UK water industry is doing and the impact it is having on our rivers, seas, and public health. The programme has received 5-star reviews from The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Independent.  Watch Dirty Business | Stream free on Channel 4

If you do watch it, please consider signing the Surfers Against Sewage petition calling for real change:  Dirty Business Petition: End Sewage Pollution – Surfers Against Sewage


Take Part in The Big Plastic Count – 9th to 15th March
For one week in March, thousands of people in the UK will count every piece of plastic packaging they throw away. By taking part in The Big Plastic Count, you’ll help gather vital evidence to show the true scale of the crisis—and send a clear message to the government that we need to produce less plastic. For further information and to sign up, please click on the following link:  Home | The Big Plastic Count


Best wishes

Peter Hoyland, Community Lead Plastic Free Exmoor