Notices
- Details
- The Local Government Boundary Commission has re-opened it's consultation on draft recommendations. It will now run from now (Dec 2025)-January 14th 2026. It has been re-opened 'following the Commission's misunderstanding of Somerset Council's preference for predominantly single-councillor divisions which was incorrectly interpreted as a formal request for a uniform pattern. This led to concerns that multi-councillor divisions may not receive adequate consideration, prompting the Commission to ensure a fair and transparent review process'.
Residents are encouraged to participate by sharing their views, including support for multi-member divisions as the Commission aims to consider all perspectives. Final recommendations are expected to be published in March 2026 with new arrangements set to take effect in May 2027, pending parliamentary approval.
Further details on the Commissions website www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/somerset.
Feedback can be submitted by email to
2. Over 4,500 driving offences logged on Frome Bypass as a new speed limit is considered. Current speed limit 60MPH - 50MPH speed limit being considered.
The continuing use of AI cameras and a forthcoming engineering scheme aimed at enhancing road safety and implementation of additional road safety issues could begin in late 2026.
3. Council's CCTV Team have been Key in reporting incidents to the Police in the last three months, playing a crucial view in community safety. Example: Nov 12th team alerted Police to a fire under climbing frame in a children's play area in Bridgwater.
In total the CCTV Team has recorded 690 incidents, processed 391 footage requests from the Police and proactively detected 408 incidences during this period. Their prompt actions led to the apprehension of offenders including one case to a handbag thief.
The CCTV Service has recently upgraded systems in Burnham, and Street to HD cameras with ongoing upgrades in Taunton, Wellington and Shepton Mallet.
The service is funded by city, town and parish councils.
4. Uniting Somerset - New Traffic-free path completes Somerset circle.
Anew traffic free path (1.3KM) connecting Hamwood Viaduct to Thrupe Lane has officially opened providing a direct connection featuring signposted cycling routes through minor roads over the Mendip Hills to Gurney Slade and Chilcompton.
The vision is to create a 76 mile traffic free circuit linking Bristol, Bath and the Mendips.
5. Flu Vaccinations - visit the NHS Flu Vaccination page/contact your GP Practice.
6. Somerset's Coastal Challenge celebrates success (80 miles in 80 days) Challenge Walk raising £700 for The Outdoor Guide Foundation's Waterproofs and Wellies Campaign - providing gear for two coastal primary schools.
7. Council approves Pupil Referral Unit Merger to enhance outcomes.
Aim - to improve quality and consistency of alternative provision for children and young people in Somerset.
Tor School will expand to include the South Somerset Partnership School and The Bridge School will incorporate sites from Taunton Deane Partnership College.
Existing facilities will remain open.
8. Somerset Council has approved new contracts for the Discharge to Assess (D2A) enhancing support for residents back from hospital - offering up to six weeks of tailored assistance - promoting independence and reducing long-term care needs.
9. Have your say on Somerset's Domestic Abuse Strategy - visit Domestic Abuse Public Consultation page. Support is at The Somerset Domestic Abuse Service 0800 69 49 999 or on line somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk. In emergencies 999.
10. Ham Hill celebrates National Tree Week with successful planting and dry stone walling.
11. Stepping Stones Team visited parliament for National Supported Lodgings Week (Nov 9th - 16th). The Supported Lodgings Scheme allows indivduals/families a room and support to young people 118 - 21 who are leaving care. Those interested in becoming Stepping Stones Hosts can find info at fosteringsomerset.org.uk or call 0800 587 9900.
12. In support of National Care Leavers month County Hall was illuminated in blue alongside other organisations and landmarks nationwide.
13. The following charities received Royal recognition:- The King's Award for Voluntary Service.
Exmoor Community Bus Association, Good Fellowship Club (Yeovil), Green Wedmore and The Thomas Poole Library (Nether Stowey).
14. Somerset Council is using the national Accelerating Reform Fund to enhance local care networks securing £616,000 for community projects that benefit aging residents and those with disabilities.
15. Voting in Somerset Youth Parliament Elections Begins - go to Elections page (Somerset Council). Voting closes 15th December 2025.
16. Somerset Council and Partners highlight Digital Domestic Abuse during 16 days of action - running from November 25th 2025 (International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10th (Human Rights Day).
17. New Digital Slinky Transport tops 10,000 journeys.
This on-demand service has reached 10,000 journeys after 18 months of operation - covering Somerton, Langport and surrounding villages and recently Bridgwater, Burnham, Taunton and Wellington providing a flexible transport option funded by the government's Bus Service Improvement Grant. The service can be booked up to 1 hour before travel or 2 weeks in advance - digitally (App or website, registering first) or Phone Booking Mendip 01749 880482 (Office Hours Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm - 24 hours in advance) payment cash or cashless either website/on board for both options.
It is a door-to door service).
Clerk.
02.12.25.
- Details
This is a high-priority signals recovery and carriage resurfacing job commencing January 2026 - May 2026 involving the two big junctions on the A39 in Street, Som.
Temporary (traffic aware detection system) traffic lights will be in place and the temporary ban of right-hand turns across junctions necessitating the need to turn left and go back onto the carriageway in the opposite direction. There will be evening closures from 6.30PM - 11PM for resurfacing work.
Resurfacing will be carried out at the McDonald's roundabout right to the Glastonbury roundabout.
Traffic coming from Ashcott direction will be re-directed up Burr Hill to Marshalls Elm.
Clerk.
25.11.25.
- Details
Somerset Council are in the process of recruiting a Project Manager for the Step, Ride, Thrive project. More info at https:/stepridethrive,wordpress.com/2025/11/20recruting-project-manager/ - deadline for applications December 4th 2025.
- Details
Suitable accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the severe weather. Please check if you can access the service by ringing 0300 123 22 24 during office hours and 0300 23 27 out of office hours.
Useful website info at www.somerset.gov.uk/swep.
Learn about rough sleeping here - www.somerset.gov.uk/housing-support/homelessness-and-prevention/help-for-people-who-are-rough-sleeping
- Details
This will enable Kier to carry out safety defect repair works on behalf of Somerset Highways. Further info please contact Somerset Highways on 0300 123 2224.
- Details
Info just received from a resident after they visited the BT 'roadshow' van in Frome on 15.11.25.
Advice given is to:- Ring BT on 150 - After choosing the home/phone/broadband option choose option 3 and ask for a FIBRE AVAILABLITY FORM.
THE MORE PEOPLE WHO RAISE THIS THE BETTER SO THAT BT OPENREACH IS AWARE OF THE DEMAND.
N.B. Footnote that MP Anna Sabine is going to raise the matter in parliament.
Good Luck Everyone.
J. House,
Clerk - Our thanks to M. McKaig and P. Morris.
- Details
VOLUNTEER WALK LEADERS WANTED!
Lead Health Walks on the Avalon Marshes.
You receive:- Free national training - join a friendly volunteer community - explore the Avalon Marshes - help others get active and healthy.
Lead safe, friendly walks (1-2 hours, once a month) - check routes, welcome walkers, help with light admin.
Attend occasional meetings and optional training.
FREE TRAINING ON NOVEMBER 17TH (Frome) or DECEMBER 3RD (AVALON MARSHES CENTRE).
If interested visit www.sasp.co.uk or email
- Details
Somerset Sight are looking for volunteers to work one-to-one with sight impaired people who live in the area.
Our befriending service volunteers visit regularly to provide companionship and support to people who with sight impairment.
Full training and support given - all reasonable out of pocket expenses paid including mileage.
Please contact
Head Office - 51, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Som. TA1 1DG.
- Details
Somerset Council is proposing a new Charitable Collection Policy to standarise how street and house-to-house collections are regularised across Somerset.
For more details and to respond to the consultation please use this link - https://somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/licensing/charitable-collection-licensing-policy/
- Details
Somerset prepared Resilience Roadshow - Drop-in - Monday 1oth November 2025, Main Hall, Glastonbury Town Hall.
Resilience Marketplace Drop-in - 3.30-5.30PM.
Riparian Responsibilities Workshop 4-5.30PM.
This event is your one-stop-shop for Emergency Preparedness and Resilience.
The Riparian Responsibilities Workshop gives a full run-down on what you need to do to care for rivers, streams, ditches and more.
Attend the Flood Warden Workshop from 6-8PM. This is suited to new or experienced volunteers or those just interested to know more.
Questions? email
- Details
I have received a request from Anna Sabine MP asking if women who travel in our rural areas would like to complete a survey - https:/www.anna4fes.uk/campaigns/womens-rural-safety
This is to understand local concerns and practical improvements that would help.
Once responses are in Anna will share the findings and make any proposals.
Thank you,
Janice House,
Clerk.