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A consultation on division boundaries for Somerset Council has begun

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Today is the start of a 10-week public consultation inviting proposals for new council divisions and division boundaries for Somerset Council. The consultation will close on 20th January 2025.

After we have considered all representations made to us during this consultation, we intend to publish draft recommendations in June 2025.

We will then hold a further period of consultation on our draft recommendations. Our final recommendations are expected to be published in December 2025, and the new electoral arrangements will come into effect at the local elections in 2027.

What is an electoral review?
Our electoral review will recommend new electoral arrangements for Somerset Council. We will propose:

The total number of councillors elected to the council in the future
The number of divisions
The number of councillors representing each division
Division boundaries
The names of divisions.

We will treat all submissions equally, and judge each case on its merits and against the legal criteria.

If you wish to put forward a view, we would also urge you to ensure that evidence supports your submission. For example, if you wish to argue that two areas should be included in the same electoral division, make sure you tell us why they should be together, providing evidence about community facilities, ties, organisations, and amenities, rather than simply asserting that they belong together.

There is more advice on our website about how you can get involved in the consultation. Our website features technical guidance that explains the process and our policies, as well as guidance on how to take part in each part of the process.
We have also set up a webpage dedicated to the review of Somerset Council, where you can find all the relevant information, access interactive maps of the current ward boundaries, and give your views.

Click here to find out more about this electoral review and have your say.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Consultation

Every year we ask our communities and businesses about the level of precept (council tax contribution) for the Fire and Rescue Service. This consultation is open now until midday on 26th November (see poster below).

We would like to hear from as many people as possible across Devon and Somerset, to better understand our residents’ views. Please can you help us by completing our online survey.

Should you or anyone else be unable to complete this online, please call 01392 872354 and leave a message with your name and number. Your feedback will help to make more informed decisions for the next financial year.

Many thanks.

Richard Luffman
Communications Officer
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Exmoor National Park Networking Day

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Exmoor National Park Authority is inviting businesses to join a Rural Enterprise networking event on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Lynton Town Hall. The event is open to representatives of businesses and stakeholders from across the Greater Exmoor area who are interested in learning from each other and hearing about the latest initiatives and opportunities for the rural economy.

The event will feature two sessions, with short presentations from representatives of Exmoor National Park Authority, Federation of Small Businesses, Cosmic – a digital training and consultancy company, the South West Visitor Economy Data Hub and Screen Somerset as well as a variety of local business owners and Exmoor National Park representatives.

The first session, from 11am to 1pm will focus on Business on Exmoor (relevant to all sectors) and consider the challenges and opportunities small rural business owners face. Cosmic will also talk about the digital world and how we can use AI to maximise our opportunities.

The second session, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, will focus on Tourism on Exmoor with delegates hearing about Film Tourism, The Tourism Data Hub and an update from our own National Park Centre Managers.  

Both sessions will also include input from local businesses who will be sharing their experiences of working on Exmoor. A networking lunch will be provided for all delegates as part of your ticket price from 1pm to 2.30pm, giving an opportunity to attendees to network, share ideas and learn more.

The cost is just £13 per person which includes a fantastic local produce lunch provided by Lynton eatery The Vanilla Pod.

Dan James, Rural Enterprise and Communications Manager for Exmoor National Park said:“This is a wonderful opportunity to share latest initiatives, to help businesses, nature and communities on Exmoor to thrive. There is no doubt that Exmoor faces some big challenges but also big opportunities. Last year’s event was really well received and drove lots of positive action.

On the day we’ll be sharing ideas on how we can work together and fulfil those opportunities. This is very much a partnership approach and we’re pleased to have so many partners joining us to share their expertise on the day. We’d also like to thank ‘Heart of the SW Growth hub’ who are supporting the event.”

Advanced booking is essential on a first come, first served basis and can be done online via www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/rural-enterprise.

REE is a partnership project facilitated by Exmoor National Park Authority that aims to support and promote rural businesses on Exmoor in harmony with the area’s special status as a National Park.

For more information visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/rural-enterprise or call 01398 323665

Road Closure

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Temporary Road Closure:  ttro671937W(WS) – Brook Street, Great House Street and Jubilee Terrace, Timberscombe.

The works are expected to commence on 28th October 2024 and last for 5 days (09:30 – 15:30) to enable Openreach to carry out cabling works. 

The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is permitted on this occasion.

For any further information about this closure please contact Sunbelt Rentals on 0370 050 0792, quoting reference: ttro671937W(WS) 

Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, you will need to register for free with www.One.Network

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

Wootton Courtenay Talk

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Professor Sir Dieter Helm, an experienced and engaging speaker, has agreed to give a talk in Wootton Courtenay village hall on Friday 8th November at 7:30pm. Free entry with a retiring collection in aid of Somerset Wildlife Trust.

Dieter Helm provides extensive expert advice to UK and European governments, regulators and companies across three key areas: Energy & Climate; Regulation, Utilities & Infrastructure; and Natural Capital & the Environment. He is also a Vice President of the Exmoor Society,

Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator, Financial Times, gave this review of Dieter Helm’s latest book, “Legacy”:

“Dieter Helm does not pull his punches in this forthright and powerful book. To avoid disaster, we must transform how we live. Above all, we must all pay for the maintenance of core natural assets, instead of living well off their destruction. This will demand radical changes in how we live our lives, individually and collectively. Some will assert that the revolution he seeks is impossible. Helm counters that it is inescapable.”

 

SOMERSET EXMOOR TARGA RALLY.

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Organising clubs:  Tavern, Taunton, Minehead and Burnham-on-Sea Motor Clubs

Date of event: October 26th 2024

I am writing to advise that the above Motor clubs are planning to run a Targa Rally on The Forestry Enterprise roads to use the roads in Knowle, Croydon and Timberscombe forests on the 26th October. We will also be using the Porlock Toll Road. Permission has been granted by all landowners.

The event starts and finishes in Cutcombe Farmers Market then uses a road route to reach the sections on private land. Exmoor National park are aware of the route.

The motor clubs are aware of the area that this event takes place in and would like to thank you and your members for their patience and co-operation over the many years that the clubs have been running events in the area, Public relations work will be undertaken on the lead up to the event.

Driving standards observers will be posted on the route on the day of the event. Road sections will be timed at a 20MPH average speed to ensure low speed on the public highway.

Drivers will be briefed to maintain good driving standards at all times.

If you have any questions regarding this application please do hesitate to contact me.

Yours Sincerely,

James How

Route Co-ordinator Day Tel 07973814435