My name is Lauren Davis and I oversee the Home Library service across Somerset. The home library service is a free initiative for individuals who enjoy reading but are unable to get into the library due to their own health and mobility or caring reasons.

We’re currently looking for new volunteers to support the Home Library Service in Minehead and the surrounding area. This is a rewarding opportunity for anyone who enjoys books and connecting with people. This volunteering role is flexible and can fit around individuals other commitments.

Our volunteers:

• Select and deliver books to customers in their own homes or care homes.
• Offer a friendly face and a chance for a chat during visits.
• Help reduce isolation and bring joy through reading.

Individuals can find out more information about the volunteering role and application process via this link – https://tinyurl.com/HLSMinehead

If anyone has any questions or queries about the role then they are more than welcome to contact me directly 07814079831 or lauren.davis@somerset.gov.uk.

Please feel free to reach out if you would like anymore information.

Thank you for your help and support for this service.

Best wishes

Lauren Davis
Outreach Officer – Vulnerable Adults (including Home Library Service)

My normal working days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.

Somerset Council
Email: lauren.davis@somerset.gov.uk

Teams: 01823 356639

Mobile: 07814079831

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=GB144815067 and the link for the Notice 2: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_144815067_3980444_b6fa58504e.pdf
The works are expected to commence on 4th November 2025 and last for 1 night (19:00 – 07:00) to enable Wessex Water to carry out reinstatement works.

The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is not permitted on this occasion.

For any further information about this closure please contact Wessex Water on 0345 600 3600, quoting reference: ttro800048W(WS).

Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, please visit  https://one.network/?tm=GB144815067
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
Travel Somerset – for live travel alerts, roadworks information and winter weather updates on Twitter @TravelSomerset and online 24/7 at Roadworks and travel information

Every year, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service ask local residents and businesses to take part in their annual precept survey. The five-minute form asks how people feel about the service they receive, and will influence the amount the Service receives from council tax in 2026/27.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority anticipates that by 2026/27, a saving of £4.8million will be needed due to reductions in government funding and rising costs of delivering services such as materials, energy and employment costs.

The £4.8million saving is based on a year-on-year increase of 2.99% to council tax over the financial year 2026/27. Every 1% increase to council tax precept amounts to almost seven hundred thousand pounds to the Service this year.

The following message from our Fire Authority Chair, Councillor Simon Coles explains the importance of the survey:

“It’s important for us as your Authority to understand your views when deciding on the budget for next year. This is why, every year, we ask our communities across Devon and Somerset to have their say about Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. I am Chair of the Authority, and it is our responsibility to ensure that your fire service is providing the best value for money and uses your tax money effectively, every penny can make a difference.

Each year we decide how much you pay from your council tax to fund the Service. Our decision will be based on the results of your feedback so please take part and share it with as many people as you can.”

What’s the precept at the moment

The Service receives part of its funding from council tax, known as the precept, and business rates. The current council tax charge from the fire and rescue service is £104.68 a year for a Band D household.

What the financial position means

The Authority is required to deliver a balanced budget, meaning outgoings do not exceed income. In previous years, reserves have been used to balance the budget, but the reserves have now been used so there are no general reserves that can be called upon. Therefore, costs will need to be reduced if necessary.

The Authority will always seek to use their resources available in the best way to minimise the impact of risk to communities in their area. The Service is reviewing our operating model to ensure efficiencies can be achieved but the funding gap is considerable.

An increase in precept does not mean that all services will continue to be delivered in the same way they are at the moment.

Please could you help us by sharing this with your communities through the poster attached, sharing our social media posts (@dsfireupdates) and completing the survey yourself before 3 December.

Further information can be found on our website.

Best wishes,

Megan Hegarty 

Consultation and Engagement Officer
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Phone:  01392344074
Website: www.dsfire.gov.uk

Authorisation has been granted for the above motor event to take place on public rights of way within parts of the parishes of Brompton Regis, Exton, Luxborough, Minehead, Timberscombe and Winsford.

The event organiser is Mr Norton Selwood.

The applicant has satisfied this department that all requirements under Section 33 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 have been met regarding insurance, safety, repair of surface should any damage occur, landowner consent, signs and marshalling.

Should you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact either myself, or the applicant.

Regards,

Loren Eldred

Rights of Way Officer

Highways Group

Economic & Community Infrastructure

Somerset County Council

County Hall

Taunton

TA1 4DY