Tag: history

Parish Council – Chair’s Annual Report

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

There have been 2 changes in personnel on the Parish Council this year. With L.Davis and H. Moore stepping down from the Parish Council. We thank them for their efforts whilst on the Council. In May 2025 I was re-elected as Chairperson for the year. I will not be continuing as Chair in the forthcoming year.

The Parish Councillors are now K. Attwater (KA, Chair) S. Campbell (SC), C. Gibbard (CG), J. Daniel (JD), I. Ware (IW, Vice Chair) and R. Jeffrey with one vacancy about to be filled. 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

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.

1-4 Orchard Bungalows (TA24 7TF) AND 1-27 Orchard Way (TA24 7UL)

Proposed installation of external insulation panels with a smooth rendered finish as well as the installation of solar panels. Also removal of several stacks.

Providence Methodist Chapel, Church Street. TA24 7TR

Variation/Removal of condition application.

Pero Cottage, Timberscombe TA24 7UE

Proposed demolition of front porch and single storey side store and erection of two storey side extension and front porch.

Jubilee House, Timberscombe. TA24 7TU

Demolition of unsafe building.

East Harwood Farm, Timberscombe. TA24 7UE

Discharge of condition 3 (render, brick & slate)

Details of planning applications and our responses can be viewed on the ENP website. 3 of our councillors attended planning training at Wootton Courtenay.

The Parish Council reported alleged planning breaches to ENPA planning department regarding work at Ye Old Malt House. ENPA responded that all the changes to the building were within the permitted development rules. The letter made no comment on the loss of parking spaces for villagers!

The Parish Council has received further inquiries regarding possible housing on the Glebe land to the north of the main road. The Council continues to raise the sewage concerns in that field and concerns about additional social housing, given the high proportion already in the village.

Throughout the year the PC has organised village maintenance, including the cutting of hedges and grass and the clearing of roadside weeds. Mr Dunsford has been employed on an ad hoc basis to tidy up areas in the village.

We contract the emptying of the dog and rubbish bins and the filling of the salt bins and bags.

The grass cutting regime, which caused much discussion, seems to have been more successful this year. The new contractor seems to be doing a good job.

Mr Evans has rebuilt the bus shelter, with a small brick wall and a greater paving area for users to stand on.

Numerous potholes and damaged or missing signs and a blocked bridge 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.

The trees leaning on the wires in Church Street were reported to Open Reach by the clerk. These have now been removed.

Following a report by the Parish clerk the crumbling fencing alongside the river, near the green, was replaced by Somerset Council.

Thanks to a parishioner who came forward to repaint the Church Street sign. Thanks also for the parishioners who have allowed us to put speeding signs in their garden in Church Street.

The Parish Council has requested a “bends in road” sign for Totterdown and Somerset Council are looking into this. We have also requested that white lines are refreshed throughout the village, in particular around the pub and post office junction. This will be completed shortly.

The Council requested that the signage at Couple Cross be included in a review of Cutcombe signage, as inappropriate lorries continue to comedown Church Street and then get stuck.

The problem light in Orchard Way took a great deal of effort to change but the work has finally been completed.

“Pick Up After Your Dog” signs have been purchased and have been installed around the village.

JD and KA met with a representative of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group regarding flooding issues and the erosion of top soil. The representative is in contact with local farmers on this issue.

Footpath problems have been reported by LD or LW. Reports have included trees down, vegetation blocking pathways, holes in footpaths, discarded tree guards and rubbish. Two missing road signs were recovered by the council, with the help of the Police.

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. We have been promised that this work will be completed in the current financial year and markings on the road appear to indicate that some progress is underway.

Speeding has long been an issue in the village. The Parish Council has purchased a Speed Indicator Device (SID). Thanks to IW  and CG for their efforts in erecting the SID by the Old Dairy and to IW for attending the required training course. Readings have shown a considerable reduction in the speed of vehicles in the area. Unfortunately, the SID has proved too heavy to move between sites and the post at Duddings has not yet been used. The Parish Council are looking for grants to purchase another SID to be used at Duddings.

The PC works closely with other agencies. A huge amount of time has been spent by councillors on the Magna heating problems. The work to replace the heating, improve insulation and instal solar panels is currently underway. A great deal of support was given by the Council and Good Neighbours team to residents who found themselves, once again, without heating over the winter period.

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

Timberscombe Parish Council hosted a resilience workshop for the Exmoor parishes. The aim being to prepare councils to act in emergencies such as the recent Cutcombe coach crash. The meeting was extremely well attended.

The local Citizens Advice team continued to support our residents and this year the Parish Council agreed to a donation to help them with their work with Timberscombe residents. Sadly we have just heard that the CA is to be closed. We are, as yet, unaware of how this hole in services will be filled.

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 £420 to help with their grass cutting and a donation was given towards the  Dunkery Tidings. We continue to fund the village website.

A large donation was given to the playing field committee to enable them to pay for the lease extension, legal fees and insurance. We now have a 20-year lease and are looking for help in securing funds for new equipment by fundraising and grant applications.

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 financial reserve. It was, therefore, agreed not to increase the village precept by more than the rate of inflation, which was 3.2%, at that time.

The electoral boundary review undertaken in 2025 initially placed Timberscombe in the Exmoor East division with Dunster and Carhampton, separated from most of the rest of Exmoor.  The Parish Council restated its desire to remain part of the Exmoor group of councils and we were delighted when their initial decision was overturned and Timberscombe was permitted to remain with the majority of Exmoor.

Last year the Parish Council was able to obtain a grant of £3000 to enhance village resilience amongst the elderly or infirm. This grant has now been paid out to the Good Neighbours team which has improved communications between villagers and micro-providers, increased the number of providers in the village, connected people to those who can provide help and supported the work of the Good Neighbours by organising Information Hubs and paying volunteers for travel expenses.

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. Several minor repairs and replacements have taken place over the year.

Although the Parish Council does not own the football pitch, we would like to thank the local family who have just provided the funds to replace the old football posts. The Parish Council paid for the installation of the posts. We would also like to thank the Coopers who donated a replacement gate for the football pitch. Once again, the Council paid for the installation. We have also applied for a Dog Exclusion Order for the football pitch to mirror the one which has been renewed for the play area.

 K.Attwater.

Cutcombe Hill Update

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

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

I am pleased to confirm that all major works have now been completed. Over the coming days, our team will be collecting the remaining traffic management equipment and barriers as we begin the final phase of demobilisation.

During the road closures, we also took the opportunity to carry out temporary repairs to a damaged section of verge on the straight stretch higher up the hill. This area was impacted by vehicle movements during snowy conditions earlier this winter. A long‑term engineering solution will be developed; however, due to the limited working window and the requirements for design, planning, and additional road closures, the temporary repair was the most practical option at this time. This approach has allowed us to safely remove the traffic management barriers that had been in place at this location.

Over the next few weeks, a formal sign‑off inspection will be undertaken to identify and address any minor snags. These checks ensure the site is left in the best possible condition and that all aspects of the scheme meet the required standards.

I would also like to share that a tree will be donated to Cutcombe Parish Council for planting in the recreational grounds. This is in memory of the tragic events of last summer, as well as marking the remarkable resilience and unity shown by the community during and after that time. The Parish is also considering the installation of a bench beside the tree to create a peaceful space for reflection.

We would like to sincerely thank residents, local businesses, and all road users for their patience, cooperation, and understanding throughout the duration of these works.

If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to get in touch.

Yours faithfully,

Kali

Kali Martin
Assistant Highway Service Manager 

Somerset Council

Area – West


highways-west@somerset.gov.uk

0300 123 2224

Cutcombe Hill Update

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Please see below a summary of progress for the works undertaken on the A396 between 9 and 11 February 2026.

Across the three-day period, mobilisation was completed successfully, trial holes were carried out, and all required inductions were undertaken. Drilling progressed well, with 11 drill locations completed and concreted by the end of 11 February.

No safety incidents or operational issues were reported during this period. Traffic management remained stable with the night road closure in operation and the diversion routes are checked regularly, during the day the site is under traffic light control and the site consistently secured under TWS using a combination of bull barriers and Heras fencing.

Drilling is scheduled to continue the next shift, with potential completion of this phase depending on progress

Kali Martin
Assistant Highway Service Manager

Somerset Council, Area – West

highways-west@somerset.gov.uk

0300 123 2224

Roads, travel and parking (somerset.gov.uk) for live travel alerts, roadworks information and winter weather updates

 

 

ENPA seeks young people.

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) is inviting young people aged 18–26 to join its new Youth Board, offering a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes.

ENPA is committed to ensuring that the voices of young people are heard in the decisions that will impact Exmoor for generations to come. The organisation is seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and a strong connection to Exmoor. Those with interests in areas such as nature, conservation, heritage, education, access, tourism and the rural economy are especially encouraged to apply.

The Youth Board will serve as a platform for young people to collaborate with and influence the direction of ENPA. By working together, members will help deliver the Exmoor National Park Management Plan and ensure that Exmoor remains accessible and relevant for future generations.

Sophie Tyler Learning and Engagement Officer with ENPA said: “Young people have a vital role to play in protecting and enhancing National Parks. ENPA wants to empower the next generation to step forward, share their ideas, and help overcome barriers to engagement. By joining the Youth Board, members will gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful change.”

If you are passionate about Exmoor and want to make a difference, download the application pack here, search ‘Exmoor Youth Board Member’ or contact ENPA at youthvoice@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk for more information.

This is your chance to become one of the first Youth Board Members for Exmoor and help shape the decisions that will define the Park’s future.

Key objectives of the Youth Board include:

Creating more opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to explore and connect with Exmoor, develop new skills, and play an active role in its future:

  • Inspiring a broader community to care for Exmoor, enhancing health and well-being through a “Natural Health Service.”
  • Increasing engagement and understanding of young people within ENPA’s work.
  • Acting as a conduit for younger voices to be heard and considered in decision-making.
  • Providing consultancy on youth perspectives as appropriate.
  • Championing diversity of voice within the authority.
  • Serving as ambassadors for Exmoor National Park, both locally and nationally.
  • Shaping and influencing policy at local and national levels.

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.