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News roundup
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The result of the Somerton and Frome Parliamentary by election is:
Lorna Corke (Christian Peoples Alliance): 256
Martin Dimery (Green): 3,944
Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat): 21,187
Bruce Evans (Reform UK): 1,303
Neil Guild (Labour): 1,009
Rosie Mitchell (Independent): 635
Faye Purbrick (Conservative): 10,179
Peter Richardson (UK Independence Party): 275
Sarah Dyke has been elected as MP for the constituency.
The proposed strike action by Somerset waste collection crews has been called off.
This follows a positive response to a Unite ballot of its members on an improved pay offer from SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, the Council’s collections contractor.
Services should operate as usual and residents can present their waste in the usual way.
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Aerial view of Toneworks
Join us for a free hard hat tour of Toneworks, arguably the most complete textile finishing mill and dyeworks in the country.
Dating back to the 1700’s, this incredible heritage site was once the largest employer in Wellington. Since its closure in 2000, it has fallen into dereliction and decay. Partnering with Historic England and other funders, Somerset Council is working hard to halt the deterioration of this nationally important relic.
Take a rare glimpse behind the scenes to see what we’ve done so far and find out what is yet to come:
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More host families are needed in Somerset to help support Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to flee their country.
Since the Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched in March 2022, Somerset has welcomed over 1,500 Ukrainians to date, with host families playing a pivotal role in creating a safe environment for guests to re-settle and rebuild their lives in some way, supporting and helping them navigate a new life in the UK.
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The Council has been appointed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to lead the preparation of a new Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Somerset.
As one of 48 Responsible Authorities across the UK, the Council has been awarded £310k from the £14m government fund to lead the drawing up of the plan to create and restore wildlife-rich habitats across the UK.
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Somerset Council is welcoming a new Assistant Countryside Ranger at Ham Hill Country Park.
The post is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Geoff Rowland will help deliver a wide range of improvements and activities.
The appointment will help deliver the ‘Uncovering Ham Hill’s Past for its Future’ project, which will preserve the heritage-rich landscape, and conserve habitats and species.
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This international award, now in its fourth decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained, and has excellent visitor facilities.
Two of the ten parks have also retained their Heritage status.
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A vital scheme to connect Taunton’s Firepool Development with essential utilities gets underway later this month.
The Somerset Council works on Priory Bridge Road start on 31 July and are an important step forward for the development. The scheme involves significant excavation of the road so the team can deliver a new sewage connection.
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Somerset Council is carrying out essential maintenance to the pavement on St John Street in Bridgwater next week (Monday 24 July).
In order to deliver the scheme safely the road will be closed from Monday 24 July to Friday 28 July for all traffic heading from Broadway/Cranleigh Gardens to Westonzoyland Road. Access for traffic travelling in the opposite direction, from Westonzoyland Road to Broadway will be maintained at all times.
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Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2022-2024), Joseph Coelho, visited Taunton Library to inspire a love of reading in young people on Wednesday 12 July. As part of his nationwide ‘Library Marathon’, Joseph is championing local libraries and the vital role they play within the community.
The award-winning performance poet, playwright and children’s author is visiting and joining a library in every local authority in the UK, more than 200 libraries in total, with the aim of encouraging everyone, young and old, to join their local library.
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The Yeovil Literary Festival is back for 2023 with the first names announced that will be coming to the festival to discuss their recently published books.
Yeovil Literary Festival takes place this year between Thursday 26 and Monday 30 October with events taking place at Westlands Entertainment Venue and Yeovil Library.
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