Tag: news

Storm Darragh – Red Met Office warning

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Storm Darragh – Red Met Office warning in place with high winds and rain forecast

The Met Office is warning of severe adverse weather in Somerset over the next 24 hours.

  • A Red warning for wind is in place from 3am to 11am on Saturday for north coastal regions of county, with wind speeds up to 90 mph possible. Red is the highest level of alert and means there is possible danger to life.
  • An Amber warning is in place from 1am-9pm Saturday across all of Somerset, with wind speeds of up to 60-65 mph.

Police are advising essential travel only in Red and Amber areas. If you have to travel, please leave more time and check National Highways and Somerset Council social media channels for the latest on road closures.

Some rain is also expected this evening – it is not expected to be extreme. There is currently one flood warning in place for Curry Moor and Hay Moor on the Levels and a number of alerts in place, but it is possible this may change over the weekend.

Check here to monitor the situation in your area.

A Government SMS warning will be issued later this evening to phone in affected areas, signposting to weather warnings.

 Situation overview 

  • High winds over much of the county are likely to disrupt travel and could cause damage, notably from fallen trees.
  • Police have issued an ‘essential travel only’ message for areas that have either an amber or red warning in place.
  • Coastal areas are likely to be most affected.
  • The Council’s Adult Social Care team is liaising with the Emergency Planning Response and Recovery unit
  • Contingencies Unit to ensure any necessary steps are taken to safeguard vulnerable people.
  • Many events are being cancelled, including markets in Frome and Wells.
  • Blenheim Gardens in Minehead will be closed on Saturday morning as a safety precaution. We will review the situation and reopen once it is safe to do so,
  • Highways gangs are on standby over the weekend to deal with any issues.
  • Communications have been shared across social media channels throughout this afternoon, providing safety advice (see below).
  • Weather, travel and any flooding updates will be shared across the weekend if necessary.

The forecast

Severe weather is forecast from the early hours of Saturday, with high winds expected into Sunday. You can find the Met Office weekend forecast here. 

Key public messages and advice

  • Only travel in the Amber and Red areas if your journey is essential. If you have to travel, please leave more time and check before you travel.
  • Residents should take steps to secure any outside furniture and decorations, such as Christmas decorations, this evening. Flying debris can cause injuries and damage.
  • Keep aware from coastal areas. High waves are expected during the severe weather period and this can be extremely dangerous close to the shore.
  • Events are being cancelled over the weekend. Please check before setting off.
  • Keep an eye on weather forecasts for your area as they can change

Library services

  • Minehead, Williton and Burnham-on-Sea libraries will be closed tomorrow as they are in the red weather warning zone.
  • Library services have recommended the community libraries at Porlock, Watchet and Nether Stowey close as they are also in the Red Zone. Community Library Partners have been asked to inform the council if they decide to close.
  • Remaining libraries to open as normal tomorrow unless: The relevant Community Library partner takes the decision to keep their community library closed; the building itself is compromised or unsafe OR the timetabled staff are unable to travel to their library.
  • In all cases services will use standard Adverse Weather procedures and ensure relevant comms are displayed on its website and social media outlets.

Flooding and roads – key information

Some rain is also expected this evening. There is currently one flood warning in place for Curry Moor and Hay Moor on the Levels and a number of alerts in place, but it is possible this may change over the weekend.

Heavy rain and flooding present a potential danger to drivers – road users are urged NOT to attempt to drive across flooded roads as it is not possible to estimate the depth of the water reliably.

It’s vital to prepare for wet conditions if you have to travel and to proceed with extreme caution if you get caught in flood conditions – you can find information and advice here:

Adverse weather conditions (somersetroadsafety.org)

If you spot a problem with a drain or gully, or any issue on the highway you can report it easily and quickly here:

Report a problem on the road (somerset.gov.uk).

What to do during a flood

There is information to help you on what to do during a flood on the Somerset Prepared website.  The key point is to always stay safe, in an immediate flood emergency or where there is a risk to life, follow the advice of the emergency services.   

How to report

We’re encouraging people to get in touch if they are affected by flooding. Anyone who has experienced property flooding can report it online:

https://swim.geowessex.com/somerset/

Also email: flooding@somerset.gov.uk  so Somerset Council can gather information about flood prone areas.

Fire safety advice for anyone experiencing power cuts

If you’re in touch with anyone in your area who is experiencing power issues, please share our advice below. You can also find information on our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter/X, Threads and Instagram.

Power cut safety advice

If you are affected by a power cut, it is the Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO) who is responsible for maintaining physical electricity supplies to your home or business. You can contact your local DNO by calling 105.

If you need to light your home when you’re without power, we would prefer if you used torches and battery-powered candles rather than candles. If you must use candles, follow our candle safety advice.

Don’t try and cook using barbecues or using fires inside your home such as wood-burners.

Turn off any appliances that may be a fire risk if they switch on when the power comes back on (such as hair dryers or electric hobs).

If you’re using a portable heater such as oil or gas, keep it a good distance (at least one metre) from people or furniture. Do not cover them with anything that could catch fire such as clothing.

Storm Darragh safety advice

We have more advice for staying safe during Storm Darragh on our website.

If you need to get in touch with us, you can find contact details on our website.

Kind regards,

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Dunster Road Closure

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Urgent Road Closure: – ttro114W(WS) – WW – Dunster To Timberscombe, Dunster

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent) road closure at Dunster To Timberscombe Road, Dunster which will commence on 4th December 2024 – 5th December 2024 (19:00 – 06:00) for a total of 1 night.

This will enable Wessex Water to renew stop tap. 

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 4600, quoting reference: ttro114W(WS)  Dunster.

Please visit one.network  https://one.network/?tm=141328773 where you will see the map of the affected area (in red), together with the supplied diversion route (in blue).

Please note: this diversion route could be subject to change on review.

With regards
Road Closures 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

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

Regal Theatre

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS – for more details including ticket prices see www.regaltheatre.co.uk  or call 01643 706430.

 The MATA Regal Theatre Company Ltd presents… REGAL VARIETY SHOW 2024 – Sunday 3rd November 2024 – 5:00pm.  A theatrical extravaganza showcasing the abundance of local talent, including the Regal’s own Member Companies.

 MY FAVOURITE CAKE (Cert12) – Tuesday, 5th November 2024 – 7:30pm – Subtitled.  After losing her husband and daughter, 70-year-old Mahin has been living a lonely life in Tehran.  But one day, she decides to join her friends for the afternoon tea and finds a new spark in her heart.

 BARNSTORMERS presents AUDIENCE by MICHAEL FRAYN AND THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND by TOM STOPPARD – 14th, 15th and 16th November 2024 – 7:30pm. The first of the plays, ‘Audience’, is best described as a theatrical version of Gogglebox!   The second play of the evening follows the same theme, as we see two theatre critics watching a play, only to be inadvertently drawn on stage and thrown into the action.

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN – VAN GOGH: POETS & LOVERS – Tuesday, 19th November 2024 – 7:30pm.  The National Gallery, London is hosting the UK’s biggest ever Van Gogh exhibition. This film is a chance to re-examine and better understand this iconic artist.

CRAFTY FOOLS presents ADVERTURES IN SCIENCE -Saturday, 23rd November 2024 – 2:00pm. ‘The Magical Mr West’ presents his most amazing show yet, with the help (or possibly hindrance…) of a wisecracking cartoon crow.

The Royal Opera presents… WOLF WITCH GIANT FAIRY [Revival] – Sunday 24th November 2024 – 2:30pm.  Join our ragtag band of wild musicians as they guide all the family through this famous tale with new twists, turns, magic and song.

 THE KAST OF KINKS – Friday, 29th November 2024 – 7:30pm – include former members of the legendary band ‘The Kinks’.  Expect all the hits, including You Really Got Me, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, Sunny Afternoon, Lola, Days, Waterloo Sunset, Come Dancing, and many more for a great night out!

REGAL COMEDY NIGHT – Saturday, 30th November 2024 – 7:30pm.  Join us for Comedy Night!  The evening will feature a professional line up from the cream of the UK Comedy Circuit. Four acts to enjoy!

Parish Council Vacancy

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We currently have one vacancy on the Timberscombe Parish Council and are looking for a positive , enthusiastic person to fill this role.

The role need not be onerous and meetings are held once a month, usually on a Monday.

I have repeated the Chair’s annual report below , so you can see the sort of things the PC is responsible for.

If you are interested in filling this vacancy, or have any questions please reply to this email.

Timberscombe Parish Council Chair’s Report May 2024

There have been no changes in personnel on Parish Council this year. In May 2023 I was re-elected as Chairperson for the year and Flo Lloyd was elected as vice-chairperson. The Parish Councillors are now K. Attwater (KA) – Chairwoman, S. Campbell (SC), S. Walker (SW), A. Sutton (AS), Flo Lloyd (FL)- Vice Chair, I.  Ware (IW), K. Walker (KW), L. Webb (LW)- Clerk

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

The following areas of responsibility were confirmed in May 2023.

KA – Chair, LCN rep, Housing Enabler link

AS – Footpaths and Bridleways

KW – JAPF chair, Bus representative

SW – JAPF and SID monitoring

SC – Defibrillator Guardian, Village eyes and ears

FL – Liaison with the School

IW – Defibrillator monitor, SID.

All Parish Councillors are also trustees of the JAPF.

Over the last year there has been just one planning application (change of use at Middle Burrow),  which the Parish Council supported. Details of planning applications can be viewed on the ENP website.

Probably the most discussed item this year was the question how frequently to mow the village green. A village Survey was carried out with 59% in favour of regular cutting. We have listened to these views on this and amended our plans accordingly for the coming year.

Throughout the year the PC has organised village maintenance, including the cutting of hedges and grass and the clearing of roadside weeds. We no longer have the services of the Exmoor Highways Steward and Mr Smythe has recently been employed to carry out odd jobs within the village such as resetting the Willow Bank sign, clearing weeds from the Orchard Bungalow wall and around the play area gate, etc.

We contract the emptying of the dog and rubbish bins and the filling of the salt bins and bags. The bus shelter was treated by Councillor Scott walker but it’s condition was poor. The Council is waiting for Barry Fowler to replace the wood.

On the roads numerous potholes and damaged or missing signs were reported to Somerset Council for repair by the clerk. Parishioners should be aware that they can report problems themselves by using the “problems on the roads” page on the Somerset Council website. Alternatively, they can be reported to the PC clerk.

Footpath problems have been dealt with by our Footpath Liaison officer, Gary Southon, Cllr. Allan Sutton or the PC clerk. Reports have included trees down, vegetation blocking pathways, broken and discarded tree guards and rubbish. I took part with ENP in the removal of tree guards from Timberscombe Hill Fort. The clerk and Mr Southon also took part in the exercise.

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. Jetting of the water pipes in the road was undertaken in September and an underground camera revealed severe blockages in the system. It is hoped that this can be rectified by Wessex Water during their scheduled work in June/July. If this fails to solve the problem Highways have agreed to programme in the construction of a drainage channel to remove the water before it crosses the roadway.

Speeding has long been an issue in the village. Highways have now approved the Parish Council’s plans for a speed indicator device (SID). We have applied for a grant towards the SID and are awaiting the outcome of this application (in July) before purchasing the SID. Councillors Ian Ware and Scott Walker have agreed to take part in the required training. The total cost of the SID, posts and training will be approximately £3600, so a grant towards this would be very helpful. We are grateful to the owners of Duddings who have agreed to us siting a post on their grass at the Dunster end of the village.

Last year the PC received complaints from riders about abuse and dangerous driving around horses and riders on the roads. We have listened to these concerns and a number of new signs , including “horse in road” signs have been installed around the village.

The PC supported the Coronation celebrations by purchasing commemorative mugs for all under 17s in the village. A free portrait of the new king has also been obtained by the Parish Council and installed in the Post Office.

The PC works closely with other agencies. In order to acknowledge the outstanding work done by Joy Booth and her team of volunteers in the Good Neighbours, the Parish Council nominated Joy for the Chairs Award presented by Somerset Council for services to the community.

A huge amount of time has been spent by councillors on the Magna heating problems. A letter from the Parish Council was sent to Magna detailing the Parish Council’s many concerns including:

  • Air source heat pumps should be serviced once a year. This has not been happening.
  • Since all the heaters were installed at around the same time, pre-emptive checks are now needed to all other units on the site.
  • Tenants need to be reassured that all additional costs would be met before their bills needed to be paid.
  • Concern also about the alarm system which appeared to fail in the recent power cut.
  • Rebates needed for tenants who have not had the service they have paid for.

Responses from Magna indicate that there seems to be a significant gap between what was said by Magna and the reality experienced by the residents.

The clerk compiled an circulated a letter for all Magna residents detailing “How to complain” . At least one resident has taken his case to the housing ombudsman and we await this outcome with interest.

I 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 have been working with Wessex Water to ensure the smooth replacement of the water mains throughout the village. In August we met with their representatives to try to iron out any problems before their plans were presented to the public. We arranged a public meeting for November 2023, which seemed to go well. So far, it appears that all the planning is working, with villagers reporting how well the works have been progressing and how helpful the workmen have been.

The Parish Council have liaised with the Environment Agency to ensure clearance of the vegetation in the stream by the pub. Cllrs Lloyd, Sutton and myself have set up a sub-group to look at the issue of flooding in the village.

The local Citizens Advice team attended our February 2023 meeting to tell us about their work with Timberscombe residents and this year the Parish Council agreed to a donation of £300 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 to kick start the new village newsletter.

Cllr Kathy Walker is our representative on the local bus forum and she attends the local bus forum looking at services in the area.

Cllr Ware has  now taken over the responsibility for the defibrillator.

As you may be aware, WS and T Council no longer exists and has been incorporated into Somerset Council. The clerk and I have been regular attendees at the Local Community Networks (LCNs) which meets to ensure that local issues are dealt with. The worrying financial crisis at Somerset is likely to require Parish Councils to take up the slack when cuts are made to services such as highways maintenance. The Council has a good reserve, which has been earmarked for village projects, such as the SID. It was agreed not to increase the village percept by more than the rate of inflation, which was at the time 4.7%.

As trustees to the John Arlott Playing Field, the Parish Council looks after the play area. Thanks to Cllr. Scott Walker who has carried out weekly checks on the equipment and completed minor repairs. As a result of our work the play area received a very good annual inspection in October.

A grant of £7000 from the Morrissons Foundation was secured to remove the rotten large slide and wooden structure and replace it with outdoor gym equipment suitable for teenagers and adults. Thanks must go to Owen Rush who helped to remove the old wooden structure and has been cutting it up and using it to supply some of the elderly villagers with wood for their fires.

We understand that the Dog Exclusion Order applied for last year has finally been approved by Somerset Council and we should shortly be receiving the required wording for signage. Meanwhile we have put up temporary “no dogs” signs. We have, on numerous occasions , asked the school if they could install new gates on their field to prevent dogs from entering.

Together with the clerk I planted a large number of free daffodil bulbs around the play area and this gave a good show in the spring.

The JAPF have long found it difficult to secure grants for new equipment, because the do not own the land , or have a long term lease. The JAPF committee have put a proposal to the Diocese that we buy the land from them and are awaiting a response. If this is agreed a huge amount of fundraising will be needed. If you are interested in helping please get in touch.

Katy Attwater    21/05/24