Friday, 2 February 2024

Featured news

Council seeks to minimise impact while bridging £100m budget gap

CCTV services and Yeovil Recreation Ground could be protected as Somerset Council explores all options to limit the impact of its financial emergency.

Earlier this month it was announced the Council would need to consider “unprecedented” and “heart-breaking” steps to bridge a £100m funding gap, including reductions to services and an increase in Council Tax.

Papers published ahead of next week’s Executive meeting provides an update, showing important changes to two of the savings proposals.

#HIVTestingWeek: It’s easier than you think to take an HIV Test

Somerset Council's Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity, Cllr Adam Dance

This year’s National HIV Testing Week is the 5^th to 11^th February, and Somerset Council’s Public Health team are using this opportunity to encourage people to look after their sexual health by getting a test, particularly if they have had unprotected sex or have multiple partners.

National HIV Testing Week takes place every year to raise awareness on the importance of HIV testing, to promote prevention and to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. This year, the campaign strapline ‘I Test’ returns and the week serves as a crucial reminder that knowing your HIV status is a key step in maintaining good health and preventing the spread of the virus.

Children’s Mental Health Week: Empowering young minds with the theme ‘My Voice Matters’

Children’s Mental Health week, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness of the mental health challenges faced by young people takes place from the 5^th to 11^th February.

With ‘My Voice Matters’ as this year’s theme, Somerset Council’s Public Health team is encouraging parents, carers and anyone who works with children and young people to empower them to recognise the value of their voices and provide them with the tools they need to express themselves.

Trio prepares to become the voice of young people in Somerset

Three Somerset teenagers are about to be passed the torch of young democracy in action as they prepare to take up their roles as members of the county’s Youth Parliament.

James Lawson,14, Ellie Bealing, (re-elected) 16, and Emma Brown, 14, have been elected as the three new representatives and will formally take up the posts in March, taking over from Jas Fowler, who campaigned on youth crime and safety, and Joel Fowler who championed mental health and wellbeing. Ellie focused on equality, respect and inclusion and will be launching a new campaign

Promoted news

Robert Richards Award – Digital Art Commission for Children and Young People

Young creatives in Somerset are being invited to submit their ideas for a new digital art commission.

The charity, Somerset Film, with the support of Arts Council England, are offering the opportunity for an artist under 20, to receive a fee and access to materials to help them realise a new work of art.

Online relationship support for parents

If you want to understand the impact of parental arguments on children regardless of wherever you are in your parenting journey, try OnePlusOne’s Arguing Better courses created by relationship experts.

These free online courses are available to Somerset residents and will help you learn how to cope with stress and communicate better.

Spotlight Loan at the Museum of Somerset: The Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum

The Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum by John Martin

As part of the Museum of Somerset’s popular Spotlight Loan programme, Tate will be lending the artist John Martin’s extraordinary painting ‘The Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum’ (1822) from 23 March to 2 June 2024.

The artwork is a vast and vividly colourful work which caused a public sensation when it was first shown. It also has an important connection to Somerset through the forgotten friendship of John Martin and the poet and music master Edwin Atherstone.

Latest articles

Prosecution outcome for noise equipment seized in Bridgwater

Somerset Council’s Environmental Health team has successfully prosecuted a persistent noise offender after seizing noise equipment from a property in Bridgwater. The Council was granted a forfeiture order to destroy the equipment with the perpetrator receiving a fine of £3,395.

Ditch the disposables and discover reusable personal care products

The cash and climate benefits of switching to reusable care products will be promoted in Somerset libraries next month. A series of free drop-in events for residents will be held in February for anyone interested in reusable period products, nappies or adult continence items. Switching to reusables not only reduces rubbish, but it cuts plastic waste and are often cheaper compared to buying single use items.

A37 resurfacing works scheduled for Shepton Mallet

Essential maintenance works are being carried out on the A37 in Shepton next month. The resurfacing work on the section of the A37 from Cannard’s Grave roundabout to Whitstone corner will require a road closure. The work is being done during the evening between 6.30pm and 11.30pm from Monday, 12 February to Friday 23 February and a closure will be in place during these hours.

Council renews successful partnership with lighting contractor

A new contract which will see cheaper and greener lighting on roads around the county has been signed by Somerset Council. The contract with Enerveo Ltd will see essential maintenance services delivered on all the council’s illuminated and non-illuminated electrical equipment across the county.

Have your say on selected Local Validation Checklists

Somerset Council is seeking views on updates to Local Validation Checklists for the West area and Mineral and Waste proposals. Local Validation Checklists (LVCs), help inform applicants/agents of the type of documents and level of information required to validate a planning application or other similar consents.