Friday, 8 March 2024

Featured news

Road Safety Team launches campaign following ‘disturbing’ rise in road deaths

Dangerous driving behaviours are the focus of a new Somerset Council campaign aimed at reducing fatal collisions on the county’s roads.

The Fatal Five campaign, backed by Avon and Somerset Police and led by Somerset Council’s Road Safety Team, highlights the key behaviours which can contribute to serious or fatal collisions.

Tragically, 30 people died while travelling on Somerset’s roads in 2023 – this is nearly 43 per cent up on the figure for 2022 and the highest number of fatalities in 10 years. In four of the incidents more than one person died.

Somerset Council supporting National Empty Homes Week

National Empty Homes Week runs from 4 –10 March this year and is an opportunity for local authorities, housing providers and community organisations to let people know about their work.

National Empty Homes Week aims to raise awareness of the waste of long-term empty homes, campaign for changes to national policy, provide advice for those seeking to bring empty homes back into use, and develop ideas for bringing long-term empty homes back into use for those in housing need.

It gives Somerset Council a chance to demonstrate its commitment to tackling empty properties, which are often an eyesore and adversely affect the neighbourhood.

Promoted news

Increase in childhood infections prompts vaccine call

Image courtesy of UKHSA / NHS

Childhood infections like measles and whooping cough are rising, with outbreaks across the country.

Such infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and even experience life-long complications and disability.

Check your child is up to date and contact your GP practice to book any catch up appointments.

Get free quitting support this No Smoking Day

Image courtesy of DHSC / NHS

Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking-related disease.

It’s much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from.

You can quit smoking this No Smoking Day – Wednesday 13 March.

Latest articles

Somerton by election: Statement of Persons Nominated

The list of candidates standing for election for a vacancy in the two-seat Somerton division on Somerset Council is published today (Monday 4 March). Local voters will be going to the polls on 28 March 2024.  The four candidates are: Gregory Chambers (Lab); Matthew Geen (Green Party); David Hall (Con); Stephen Page (Lib Dem).

Westfield Local Pantry in Yeovil celebrated their 1st birthday on Sunday 3 March. Westfield is part of the Somerset Local Pantry Network (SLPN), who buy and collect surplus food and make it available to members for a low weekly fee. Each local pantry helps reduce food waste and makes food affordable for local families which saves them money.

Seasonal refreshment concessions at Northgate Yard, Bridgwater

Somerset Council is in the process of inviting offers for two refreshment concessions at Northgate Yard in Bridgwater. These seasonal concessions will be available from April to October. Those interested in concessions should contact property.services.sedgemoor@somerset.gov.uk for full details.