Tag: environment

Cutcombe update

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

I’m writing to provide a further update on the ongoing repair works along the A396 at Cutcombe Hill.

Over the past week, we have been able to stand down the planned night‑time road closures, which has reduced disruption to local residents and road users. During this time, the team has continued to make steady progress by completing the remaining elements of the scheme under daytime traffic light control. This has allowed us to keep the road open where possible while maintaining a safe working environment for the crew.

The scheme is now approaching its final stages. However, as part of the excavation and reinstatement activities, some unavoidable damage occurred to the road surface due to the movement and storage of materials and equipment on site. After reviewing the condition of the carriageway, it has been agreed that this presents a good opportunity to carry out resurfacing to ensure the road is returned to a high standard. Completing this now will avoid the need for a separate return visit later in the year and will provide a smoother, more durable finish for all road users.

To deliver these surfacing works safely and efficiently, we are proposing short daytime road closures on Thursday 26th February from 9am to 3pm and Friday 27th February from 9am to 3pm. These closures will give the crew the necessary working area and will prevent vehicles from travelling over freshly laid material before it has properly cured.

Once the resurfacing is complete, this will conclude the major civil engineering and reinstatement activities required for this scheme. Following this, only minor finishing tasks and site demobilisation will remain, which will be carried out with minimal impact on traffic.

We appreciate the continued patience and cooperation shown by residents, local businesses, and road users throughout these works. Your understanding has enabled us to progress the project effectively and safely.

If you have any questions or require further information, please let me know.

Yours faithfully,

Kali 

Kali Martin
Assistant Highway Service Manager 

Somerset Council Area – West

Speeding Update

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Most residents will by now have noticed the Speed Indicator Device (SID) installed by the Parish Council near the Old Dairy on the A396. Anyone who has paused to observe it will have seen the marked reduction in vehicle speeds as drivers approach the device. This visual impression has now been supported by the analysis of the recorded speed data.

The results show that , coming from Cutcombe, 84% of vehicles are travelling at under 30mph, which is the legal speed limit. Furthermore, 95% of vehicles are passing through at under 35mph, and 99.74% at under 40mph. These figures represent a significant improvement compared with previous data collected by the Police.

Unfortunately, a small number of irresponsible drivers continue to travel at dangerously high speeds — 20 out of 34,666 vehicles were recorded at over 50mph, typically during the early hours of the morning.

The Parish Council would like to express its thanks to Councillors Ian Ware and Claire Gibbard for their work in the installation of the SID and for their ongoing efforts in maintaining it.

Residents who wish to review the data in more detail may download here HERE .

In addition, some residents will have noticed the installation of a new post on the Duddings bank. This post has been approved by Somerset Highways for the placement of a SID. The original intention was to rotate the existing portable SID between the two locations. However, despite being a “portable” device, the equipment is extremely heavy and difficult to move, particularly as it must be mounted above head height. For this reason, the Parish Council has decided to pursue the purchase of a second SID to remain permanently at the Duddings site.

As grant funding is limited, this may take a little time to achieve.

In addition to the SIDs, the Parish Council has requested the installation of a “Bend in the Road” warning sign at Totterdown to alert drivers to the series of bends approaching the Duddings area. Somerset Highways has agreed to investigate this request. The Parish Council will keep you updated on this request.

Lesley Webb

Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer

Timberscombe Parish Council

Decarbonise your property

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

To help your community to decarbonise, support energy efficiency improvements and help to reduce fuel costs, I wanted to let you know about Thermly (https://www.thermly.co.uk): they are a green energy technology company operating to help rapidly increase the uptake of clean energy technologies for homeowners and they have just launched their new service in Somerset. See details in the attached pdf.

As highlighted in the latest edition of Somerset Council’s Somerset Environmental and Ecological Newsletter* (SEEN) there is more support, grants and loans available to support householders retrofit their homes by decarbonising with upgraded heating and clean energy technologies to help make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. For further info about Retrofit and a local directory see Retrofit Somerset.
(*If you have community and/or council actions on climate & environmental activities or projects please send them in to climateemergency@somerset.gov.uk for potential inclusion in an edition of SEEN).

Thermly have developed a unique website that enables an interested householder to answer a few brief questions about the viability of their home for these green technologies and obtain a no obligation estimate from 3 local, pre-vetted and Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MCS) certified installers for heat pumps, solar PV and/or batteries from carefully chosen, trusted and local installers. They also support the uptake of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for householders – £7,500 grant towards installing a heat pump.

If the homeowner would like to proceed, they can choose which installer they prefer and have an in-person survey undertaken free of charge which will provide them with a detailed quotation – if they approve, the homeowner can progress with the installation, all managed through the Thermly platform.

If you were interested in Thermly, please feel free to contact Clephane via email atclephane@thermly.co.uk. He would be more than happy to arrange a meeting to talk you through the attached presentation and/or any questions you may have.

In addition Somerset Council’s Climate and Natural Environment Team are going to set up regular meeting with each council’s climate/environment officer (if you have one) or a representative of the council/community engaging with action on the climate and ecological emergency. Please pass this invitation on to your officer or cllr or let us know their contact info for us to invite them to these meetings.

Many thanks for your help,

Best eco well wishes,

Cara Naden
Climate & Natural Environment

Somerset Council
01935 462615

Message from Wessex Water

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment
Dear Customers

The UK has experienced one of the driest springs in 132 years, and as temperatures rise, so does our collective demand for water. The Environment Agency has now moved our region into what’s known as “Prolonged Dry Weather” status.

We’re not currently planning to introduce a hosepipe ban or other restrictions, but this change is a clear signal that we all need to do our bit to make sure there’s enough water to go around. Every drop counts and your actions matter

We’re not asking you to stop using water, just to use it wisely. Small changes at home can make a big difference – especially when we all do them together:

·        Take shorter showers

·        Use your washing machine and dishwasher only when full

·        Check for hidden leaks around your property

·        Let your lawn go brown. As soon as the rain returns it will go back to normal

These simple steps help protect our water supplies and, if you’re on a water meter, can save you money too.

What we’re doing to help

Hot, dry weather means less water goes into our reservoirs. River flows, groundwater, and reservoir levels are all lower than usual.

We’re working hard behind the scenes to keep water flowing, upgrading infrastructure, and fixing leaks.

If you spot a damp patch on the pavement or a trickle from a utility cover, let us know. Our teams will find it and fix it.

Thank you for your support

Water is precious. By working together, we can protect our supplies and make a real difference this summer for our communities and our environment.

If you have any questions, contact us at 0345 600 4 600 Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm.

Thank you,  Ruth Jefferson, Chief Executive

Parish Council Chair’s Report May 2025

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

There have been 4 changes in personnel on Parish Council this year. With Flo Lloyd, Allan Sutton, Scott Walker and Kathy Walker stepping down from the Parish Council. We thank them for their efforts whilst on the Council. In May 2024 I was re-elected as Chairperson for the year.

The Parish Councillors are now K. Attwater (KA, Chair) S. Campbell (SC), C. Gibbard (CG), J. Daniel (JD), L. Davies (LD), I. Ware (IW), H. Moore (HM) and the clerk is L. Webb (LW)

Our County Councillors are F. Nicholson (FN) and S. Pugsley (SP)

The following areas of responsibility have been agreed by the councillors:

KA – Chair, LCN rep, Housing Enabler link

LD – Footpaths and Bridleways

SC – Village eyes and ears and JAPF chair

CG – Liaison with the School

IW – Defibrillator monitor, SID. Bus representative

JD – Facebook

All Parish Councillors are also trustees of the JAPF.

Over the last year there has been 5 planning applications.

EAST HARWOOD FARM
Hedgerow located between the A396 and Knowle Lane,TA24 7TD
North Hawkwell Farm, TIMBERSCOMBE,  TA24 7UH
Croft Cottage, BURROW, TIMBERSCOMBE, TA24 7UD
WELL FARM COTTAGE, TIMBERSCOMBE, TA24 7UB

Details of planning applications and our responses can be viewed on the ENP website.

Unfortunately, our requests for an enforcement notice to be served for unlawful work on one house in the village continues to be denied by ENPA.

Our request for the builders rubbish in Great House Street to be removed was more successful, thanks to help from Webbers estate agents.

Throughout the year the PC has organised village maintenance, including the cutting of hedges and grass and the clearing of roadside weeds.

We contract the emptying of the dog and rubbish bins and the filling of the salt bins and bags. We have also made repairs to dog bins.

Councillors planted a large number of  daffodil bulbs around the village and this gave a good show in the spring.

The grass cutting regime, which caused much discussion last year, has been re-evaluated and we hope that it will be more successful this year.

Our plans for Mr Fowler to replace the bus shelter, which is in a poor condition, where scuppered when he suddenly closed his business. We have now accepted a quote from Mr Evans to rebuild a slightly different shelter, with a small brick wall and a greater paving area for users to stand on.

Numerous potholes, problems caused by tree roots and damaged or missing signs were reported to Somerset Council for repair by the clerk. Problematic street lighting has been reported for repair. Parishioners should be aware that they can report problems themselves by using the “problems on the roads” page on the Somerset Council website. Alternatively, problems can be reported to the PC clerk.

The Parish Council’s query about the frequency of road sweeping resulted in the immediate siting of the sweeper in the village !

Footpath problems have been dealt with by our Footpath Liaison officer, Mr Southon, Cllr. LD or the Clerk. Reports have included trees down, vegetation blocking pathways, holes in footpaths, discarded tree guards and rubbish.

The PC has not forgotten the perennial problem of the surface water in Great House Street. The Parish Council has been working with Somerset Highways to try to resolve this problem. Unfortunately, Wessex Water refused permission for the water to be diverted to a nearby drain, as they are trying to reduce surface water entering their system. A quote of £75,000 – £100,000 was then given for a gulley to pass down the side of the road to the nearest permissible drain. This then prompted a suggestion from the Parish Council to insert a new drain to link up with a nearby drainage system. This would be considerably cheaper. Positive discussions have been taking place between Highways and a resident’s solicitor to undertake this work as a solution.

Speeding has long been an issue in the village. The Parish Council have now purchased a speed indicator device (SID) which we hope to put up shortly. One post has been agreed with Highways, opposite the Old Dairy. We are awaiting a new post at Duddings and a person to undertake the appropriate training. We are grateful to the owners of Duddings who have agreed to us siting a post on their grass.

Following concerns expressed by villagers. The Parish Council also purchased three  “slow 10mph” signs which have been put up on the 3 entry point to the village centre. The Council would like to thank the Weallans for allowing us to site a sign in their garden. We are also discussing the possibility of CCTV at the Post Office junction, following several accidents at this site.

The PC works closely with other agencies. A huge amount of time was spent by councillors on the Magna heating problems. This culminated in an agreement to hold a residents’ meeting at the village hall. The event was well attended and productive on both sides, with many inspections arranged and many jobs undertaken by Magna. The replacement of the Magna roofing in The Glebe has resolved several problems but discussions are still underway between the Parish Council and Magna about other issues.

We were delighted to hear that Magna have received a grant to retro-fit all of the Orchard properties in 2025 with up to date heating systems. Our councillors have also met with our local MP, Rachel Gilmore, about the Magna problems.

We continue to have discussions with FN, SP and Somerset County Council to try to ensure Magna are held to account at County level and above.

The Parish Council worked with Wessex Water to ensure the smooth replacement of the water mains throughout the village. This now been successfully completed and I sent a letter to Wessex Water thanking them for the efficient way the work was completed, with all areas (except Great House Street) being completed earlier than planned.

The local Citizens Advice team continue to support our residents and this year the Parish Council agreed to a donation of £315 to help them with their work with Timberscombe residents.

The Parish Council also gave a donation of £20 to the Poppy Appeal and our internal auditor donated her fee of £40 to the Red Cross. The church was given a donation of £350 to help with their grass cutting costs and £200 was donated towards the  Dunkery Tidings. We continue to fund the village website.

A one off donation of £3000 has been given to the playing field committee to enable them to pay for the lease extension legal fees and insurance.

One of the other worthy projects in the village has been the purchase of an emergency generator by the village hall. The Parish Council was pleased to support this initiative with a £600 grant. Final touches are currently being made to the village emergency plan before it is published.

IW has  now taken over the responsibility for the defibrillator. The Parish Council organised a First Aid training night in the village hall. This excellent course, run by the Minehead Defibrillator Group, was attended by 26 residents. A donation of £100 was given to the group for the training. A villagers’ Whatsapp emergency call group has now been set up to summon help in an emergency. Following the training the Parish Council also purchased a Bleed Kit, which is sited in the red telephone box in The Glebe, alongside the defibrillator.

The clerk and I have been regular attendees at the Local Community Network (LCN) which meets to ensure that local issues are dealt with. The worrying financial crisis at Somerset will inevitably mean that the Parish Council will have to do more than in the past to take up the slack. The Council has a good reserve, which has been earmarked for village projects, such as the bus shelter and SID training. It was agreed not to increase the village precept by more than the rate of inflation, which was at that time 2.5%.

Following a presentation by Victoria James, our local micro-provider lead, the Parish Council was able to obtain a grant of £3000 to enhance village resilience amongst the elderly or infirm. This grant will be managed by the Good Neighbours team which aims to use it to improve communications between villagers and micro-providers, to increase the number of providers in the village, to connect people to those who can provide help and to support the work of the Good Neighbours. So far it has funded such things as the free cream teas, connecting residents and helpers, purchased some items for the emergency plan and some disabled equipment for the team to use with its clients.

Colin Mc Donald, a rural housing enabler, also attended one of our meeting. The discussion centred on housing needs in the village, the worrying number of 2nd homes and the lack of truly affordable housing.

As trustees to the John Arlott Playing Field, the Parish Council looks after the play area. As a result of our work the play area received a very good annual inspection in October.

The JAPF have long found it difficult to secure grants for new equipment, because they do not own the land, or have a long term lease. The JAPF committee was unable to persuade the diocese to sell the land to the village but we have now negotiated an extended 20 year lease. This will enable the committee to apply for larger grants, such as the lottery.  We hope to sign this new lease shortly and we will then be able to plan for more equipment. A huge amount of fundraising will be needed. If you are interested in helping please get in touch.