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News
roundup
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Somerset Council has revealed that Halloween celebrations lead to a frightening 146 tonnes of extra food waste in the 2 weeks that followed Halloween last year. That’s equivalent to a 19% increase in food waste recycled after the festivities.
This year, the Council is urging everyone to make the most of their pumpkins and help reduce waste.
People experiencing domestic abuse in Somerset can now access confidential online chat support for longer, following an extension to the online service’s opening hours.
Somerset Domestic Abuse Service, commissioned by Somerset Council, has extended its live chat hours from 11am to 2pm to 10am to 4pm to make it easier for anyone affected by domestic abuse to reach out for help safely and discreetly.
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Somerset’s Homelessness Charter was launched on Thursday 23 October at an event attended by Somerset professionals as well as 2 speakers with lived experience of homelessness.
Produced by the Homelessness Reduction Board, the charter has the following aims which are based on the 4 principles outlined in Somerset Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy. These form 4 action groups.
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Somerset Council is inviting anyone interested in fostering – whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or ready to take the next step – to join one of its friendly Cuppa with a Carer events this November.
These informal sessions offer a relaxed and welcoming space to learn more about fostering. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot drinks and cake while chatting with experienced foster carers, who will share honest, first-hand stories about their journeys.
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A new website for young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) has just been launched.
The Unstoppables platform provides the rundown on everything about the youth group; who they are, how often they meet, joining details, what they’ve been working on, and useful links.
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Somerset Council is pressing the Government for funding to reopen a key road in the west of the county.
The B3191 Cleeve Hill near Watchet was closed in January 2023 under a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) after cliff movement near the road was detected. A further geotechnical survey recommended it be kept closed to ensure public safety – this was actioned using the TTRO.
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A new section of the Somerset Circle walking and cycling route has been opened, creating a scenic new multi-user path in the Mendip area.
The 1.3-kilometre section links Hamwood Viaduct to Thrupe Lane, providing a traffic-free route for people to enjoy. And a cycling route will be signposted taking riders along minor roads from Thrupe Lane, over the Mendip Hills to Gurney Slade and Chilcompton.
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Somerset Council has completed work to install 2 height barriers at Silk Mills Park and Ride Car Park in Taunton, as part of planned improvements to deter unauthorised encampments.
The Council is advising drivers of vehicles over 2 metres in height not to attempt to access the site, as both entry and exit points are now subject to height restrictions.
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Image courtesy of Taunton Town Council
Taunton Town Council, working in collaboration with the Taunton Branch of the Royal British Legion, Taunton Minster and Somerset Council, will host a series of events in support of the annual festival of Remembrance.
Remembrance commemorations are observed to honour the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the 2 World Wars, and in later conflicts.
Image courtesy of Bridgwater Town Hall
Bridgwater Town Hall will host Gaia, the monumental Earth artwork by internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram, from Tuesday, 4 November, until Sunday, 23 November.
Suspended within the Town Hall’s historic interior, Gaia is a breathtaking 7-metre-diameter sculpture of the Earth, created using high-resolution NASA imagery. The installation offers visitors a chance to see our planet as if viewed from space, inspiring reflection on the beauty and fragility of our shared home.
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Somerset Council is launching a public consultation on a proposed new policy for charitable collection licensing, aiming to streamline and standardise the way collections are regulated across the county.
Local authorities are responsible for issuing permits for street cash collections and licences for house-to-house collections of money and goods (excluding bank details).
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