|
News roundup
|
|
In a letter to the Minister for Net Zero, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Climate and Environment has voiced her “frustration” at recent changes to green policy.
Writing to the Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, Councillor Dixie Darch said she fears the changes announced last week will “seriously jeopardise Somerset’s and the UK’s ability to reach Net Zero.”
Cllr Darch, advised Full Council that the letter had been sent. In it she said Somerset was at the “sharp end” of the effects of climate change and urged a rethink to the changes which included a delay to the ban of new non-electric vehicles and a removal of the need for landlords to make properties energy efficient.
|
The start of work to build Somerset’s first ever carbon net zero school was marked with a timber framing ceremony yesterday, after land at the Orchard Grove housing development in Taunton was handed from the Orchard Grove Consortium to Somerset Council.
Orchard Grove Primary School is expected to welcome staff and students from September 2024. Sponsored by Castle Partnership Trust, the School will offer places to 420 pupils from Reception to year 6, as well as 52 nursery places and feature three sports pitches, a production kitchen and a library.
 Somerset Council is taking part in Libraries Week by hosting activities centred around supporting life-long learning and climate change.
Libraries Week runs from 2 to 8 October and celebrates the nation’s much-loved libraries. This year’s theme is ‘Green Libraries’ which encourages communities to be more sustainable and support the climate action cause.
 With the high level of energy prices continuing Somerset Council is taking action to help businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and, in turn, save money.
The ‘Go Green Scheme’ and the ‘Somerset Green Business Grant Scheme’ are being introduced to offer businesses practical help and financial support to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Businesses across Somerset are being reminded that the ban on Single-Use Plastics begins this weekend.
From 1 October, new rules come into effect which mean businesses across England will not be able to buy or sell certain single-use plastic items.
|
|
|
|
Image courtesy of DHSC / NHS
Stoptober is back and is calling on the over 5 million smokers in England to join the thousands of smokers who are committing to quitting this October.
This year's Stoptober mass quit attempt is as important as ever, with quitting remaining one of the best things a smoker can do for their health. When you stop smoking good things start to happen – quitting will allow you to start moving better, breathe more easily and give you more money to spend.
Stoptober offers a range of free quitting tools. Just search ‘Stoptober’ for more information or visit the Better Health Quit Smoking website.
Image courtesy of DHSC / NHS
If something in your body doesn’t feel right, contact your GP practice.
To rule out cancer, your GP may refer you for tests. Whatever the result, your NHS is there for you. Until you find out, you can’t rule it out.
For more information on cancer signs and symptoms, go to nhs.uk/cancersymptoms.
|
|
Autumn sees the return to university or college for many young people in Somerset, often leaving parents or carers with a sense of longed for peace and quiet. For others, a spare room gathering clutter and dust may also be ripe for a sort out and some useful employ.
Whether things may be starting to feel a bit too quiet, a little too empty, or simply ready for a refresh, thoughts may move to how that spare room (or two) could be re-purposed and put to ‘good use’.
|
Cyber experts from across industry and government gathered together to discuss the increasing importance of cyber security at a sold out event on 26 September.
Alongside Baroness Nicky Morgan and the Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Shelford, guest speakers included cyber experts from Microsoft, Leonardo, Quoram Cyber, C3iA Solutions, Cysiam, Securious, and the UK Hydrographic Office.
|
A special conversation café is being hosted by Yeovil Library next month, offering people a safe and supportive space to talk about death, dying, grief and funerals.
The event forms part of the Death Positive Library Service offer from Somerset Libraries and will take place on Saturday 7 October from 11.30am-1.30pm at the library in King George Street.
|
Somerset Council’s Executive will discuss redevelopment plans for Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre in light of rising interest rates.
The business case for the Octagon redevelopment was initially approved on the premise of borrowing £16.318m which would be repaid, plus interest, by users of the venue through tickets sales and the ticket levy.
|
Somerset Council’s highways team are resurfacing a section of the B3081 in Bruton next month.
The preparatory work is due to start on Monday 16 October and will last until Friday 20 October; the road will be closed between 6.30pm and 11.30pm each evening so this can be completed. The scheme is the final part of a comprehensive maintenance programme for the town.
|
Somerset Council’s highways team is resurfacing a section of the A39 on Puriton Hill next week.
The resurfacing preparatory work is due to start on Monday 2 October and is expected to conclude on Tuesday 10 October. This roadworks will be managed by temporary traffic signals between 9:30am and 3:30pm each day between these dates; however, the road will be open as normal on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October.
|
|
|
|
|
