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News
roundup
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Somerset Council’s highways crews worked throughout the weekend and into Monday this week after dozens of roads were flooded and over 200 trees were downed.
Teams from the Council’s contractor Kier dealt with 644 reports of incidents on the roads across Somerset during and after Storm Bert. This came on the back of a week featuring four separate weather warnings for ice, snow, rain and wind.
Hinkley Point C
A new study has been published considering the impact of the construction of the nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C.
The building of Hinkley Point C began in March 2017, with work currently nearing peak construction. EDF Energy estimates the first unit being operational “near the end of the decade”.
County Hall, Taunton
Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire Councils have revised their Expression of Interest in devolution, committing to a Mayoral Combined Authority for the Heart of Wessex region.
If the devolution proposal is approved, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire councils will continue to exist and have the same responsibilities as they do now. The offer to BCP Council and Swindon Borough Council to join the Heart of Wessex partnership remains open.
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Somerset Council and West Somerset Railway PLC have jointly submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) to the Government to restore scheduled train services between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard.
In what would be a significant step towards boosting local transport choice and preserving heritage, the business case supports the long-term sustainability of the West Somerset Railway, one of Britain’s premier heritage railways.
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Behind the scenes demolition work is underway at Glovers Walk as the key part of the Yeovil Refresh takes a big step forward.
Somerset Council’s contractors are disconnecting utilities and removing hazardous materials like asbestos from the vacant buildings. The demolition of buildings will not take place until the New Year, avoiding additional disruption in the busy festive period.
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To show its support following Fuel Poverty Awareness Day on Wednesday this week, Somerset Council is raising awareness about the challenges faced by households struggling to afford adequate heating.
Fuel poverty affects many families in Somerset, particularly during the colder months, with 57% of UK homes considered fuel poor.
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A major milestone has been reached as Wellington Sports Centre announces the official completion of its £3.6million decarbonisation and refurbishment project.
The centre, which is operated by Everyone Active in partnership with Somerset Council, has had a major overhaul of facilities and a grand open day will be held on Saturday, 30 November.
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The grant, applied for by the Chard Reservoir Volunteer Group and chosen by Chard Tesco shoppers through the blue disc scheme, will fund a mobile woodland classroom and support environmental activities for local children at the reserve.
Led by Somerset Council’s Community Ranger Edd Chilcott, the new mobile classroom project will allow a fresh programme of outdoor education sessions from next spring.
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Yeovil Crematorium has, once again, donated funds through its recycled metals scheme, with Somerset based Josephine’s Star selected to receive £11,600.
The Recycling of Metals Scheme is a not-for-profit scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). As an ICCM member, Yeovil Crematorium is able to donate funds to local charities and causes, something John Ranger, Specialist Operations Manager at Yeovil Crematorium, and his team area passionate about.
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As part of the international 16 Days of Action Campaign, Somerset Council is continuing its commitment to working with people who use harmful and/or abusive behaviours in their relationships by promoting its specialist Engage Programme.
The initiative works with individuals to recognise and transform behaviours that may impact their relationships with their partner, ex-partner or family member.
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Image courtesy of Taunton Minster
The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, will host a community carol service at Taunton Minster as part of the Royal Foundation Christmas celebrations.
The Together at Christmas service will take place on Friday 6 December and will reflect the carol service hosted by The Princess of Wales in Westminster Abbey.
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0
49 businesses and shops across Devon and Somerset were recently inspected to ensure they were following firework safety regulations – and most are following the rules.
However, 9 out of the 49 businesses were found not be compliant with legal regulatory requirements.
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