News Published in 2023

Somerset Levels & Moors update – 14th December 2023

Click here to view the Somerset Levels & Moors update – 14th December 2023

Recycling collections delayed due to flooding across the county

The flooding which affected parts of Somerset on Monday and Tuesday (4 and 5 December) prevented recycling and refuse crews collecting from hundreds of households in parts of South Somerset. Due to the scale of flooding, crews will be unable to return to some households whose waste collections were missed, including around 500 households in Merriott and Crewkerne. Residents are asked to bring their boxes and bags in and put them back out on their next usual collection day. Crews will today (Wednesday), return to parts of Yeovil to collect recycling missed on Tuesday. Some residents in and...

Somerset Levels and Moors – Update 6th December 2023

Click here to view the Somerset Levels and Moors Update 6th December 2023  

Think outside the box and cut the cardboard at Christmas

Recycling stats in Somerset show a rise in cardboard collected at the kerbside every January – and the mountain keeps growing.

New campaign launched for Stop Adult Abuse Week

‘Safeguarding is everyone’s business’ – new campaign launched for Stop Adult Abuse Week Somerset Council and the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) have launched a new campaign asking Somerset residents to look out for members of their community who might be experiencing abuse. The campaign, called ‘Safeguarding is everyone’s business’, asks that people do their part in supporting their communities by recognising the signs of self-neglect when they see them because self-neglect can be an indicator that someone is being abused. Acting early when you suspect that someone is...

Changes are coming to waste collections next year

Recycling and rubbish collection days will be changing for more than 120,000 homes in Somerset in February next year. The changes come as new collection routes are introduced by Somerset Council’s contractor, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK. The new routes will make rounds more efficient, more manageable for crews whilst reducing mileage and carbon emissions. The changes come at no cost to the council. In February 2024, recycling and rubbish collection day schedules will change for around 85% of homes in the west of the county, covering the former Sedgemoor and Somerset West and Taunton...

Somerset Levels Moors Update 15th November 2023

Click here to view the Somerset Levels Moors update 15th November 2023

Dermatology Services Review Survey

The Somerset Dermatology service is currently undergoing major changes to ensure that patients across Somerset receive the highest quality care in a modern, accessible, integrated service. To make sure that this is done in a way which best meets the needs of patients and the public, we would like the Somerset population to be involved in the planning and development of the service. The following questions are designed to gather your feedback on Dermatology care in Somerset. We greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete this survey. Please note- the survey refers to Dermatological...

Temporary Road Closure: Hoopers Lane, Westonzoyland

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=135667748 and the link for the Notice 2: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_135667748_3632910_9d78550f12.pdf The order becomes effective on 05th December 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months. The works are expected to commence on 15th December 2023 and last for 5 days to enable Airband Community Internet Ltd to lay a duct in verge. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is permitted on this occasion. For any further information...

Road closure: OLD ORCHARD FARM,ANDERSEA,WESTONZOYLAND, BRIDGWATER TA7 0LU

Airband are planning to put on a permit on OLD ORCHARD FARM, ANDERSEA, WESTONZOYLAND, BRIDGWATER TA7 0LU within the next 6 months for a road closure. Once the permit has been accepted, we will let you know the specific dates and timings. Road closure location:  OLD ORCHARD FARM, ANDERSEA, WESTONZOYLAND, BRIDGWATER TA7 0LU From 51.110793, -2.9525132 To      51.097903,...

Road closure: Andersea, Westonzoyland, Somerset, TA7 0LR

Airband are planning to put on a permit Andersea, Westonzoyland, Somerset, TA7 0LR within the next 6 months for a road closure. Once the permit has been accepted, we will let you know the specific dates and timings. Road closure location: Andersea, Westonzoyland, Somerset, TA7 0LR From: 333836, 132893 To: 335260,...

Urgent Road Closure: – Ruggs Drove, Bridgwater Without

Urgent Road Closure: – ttro805518N – Ruggs Drove, Bridgwater Without Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent / emergency) road closure at Ruggs Drove, Bridgwater Without which will commence on 20th November 2023 – 24th November 2023 (00:00 – 23:59) for a total of 5 days. This will enable Wessex Water to replace a valve and meter.. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is not permitted on this occasion. For any further information about this closure please contact Wessex...

Somerset Levels Moors Update 3rd November 2023

Click here to view the Somerset Levels Moors update 3rd November 2023

Emergency Road Closure: – Bull Horn Drove,Bridgwater Without

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent / emergency) road closure at Bullhorn Drove, Bridgwater Without  which will commence on 13th November 2023 – 17th November 2023 (00:00 – 23:59) for a total of 5 days. This will enable Wessex Water to install a new meter. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site  is not permitted on this occasion. For any further information about this closure please contact Wessex Water on 0345 600 4600, quoting reference: TTRO340239N Please...

Storm Ciarán and Winter Preparedness on Somerset Levels and Moors

Somerset Levels and Moors Briefing for Partners and Communities 1 November 2023

Storm Ciaran: Prepare for potential disruption

We’re warning residents to be prepared for possible disruption from high winds and flash flooding overnight tonight and into tomorrow (Thursday), as Storm Ciaran pushes across the South West. Winds of up to 70mph are forecast for much of the county, particularly coastal areas, through much of tomorrow, bringing the risk of flying debris, falling trees and power cuts. We’re preparing for the storm with 20 crews of tree surgeons on standby tonight and tomorrow and planned roadworks are being put on hold to allow more staff to respond to emergencies. Council teams are also on standby for any...

Remember, remember, take care on bonfire night

Fireworks night is just around the corner and Somerset Council is reminding everyone, to stay safe, reduce waste and follow the advice of the fire service.   Fireworks night is a fun time of year, with parties and back garden displays of bright lights and rockets. It is important that residents take care, celebrate fireworks night safely, and reduce waste where possible. It’s essential to follow the advice from the fire service and other experts and take these simple steps to help keep everyone safe:  Before putting fireworks in your rubbish, drench embers and soak used or part-spent...

Urgent Road Closure: – WW – Ruggs Drove, Bridgwater Without

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent) road closure at Ruggs Drove, Bridgwater Without  which will commence on 6th November 2023 – 10th November 2023 (00:00 – 23:59) for a total of 5 days. This will enable Wessex Water to carry out works to replace leaking meter.. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site  is not permitted on this occasion. For any further information about this closure please contact Wessex Water on 03456 004600, quoting reference: ttro525804N. Please...

Fire service consultation

Every year we ask our communities and businesses about the level of precept (council tax contribution) for the fire and rescue service.

Fangtastic advice for cutting Halloween waste

Somerset Council is asking everyone to reduce waste this Halloween and stay-single use free during fright-night. The beginning of October saw a ban on the sale of many single-use plastic items come into force, including plastic cups, plates and other items associated with parties like balloon sticks. Halloween can be a scary enough day without considering the horrific levels of waste thrown in. The council is asking if we could go beyond single-use plastic free and reduce waste even further? It is not just outfits and party essentials that contribute to waste during the Halloween period. The...

Music on the Levels- 29 October concert: The truth about love!

Our October concert featuries Niall Hoskin, baritone, and Jacquelyn Bevan, piano, in a programme entitled Tell Me The Truth About Love on Sunday, 29 October 3.00 pm (refreshments from 2.15) in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP. Niall Hoskin Jacquelyn Bevan A light-hearted musical portrait of love in all its many forms, Niall describes it as, ‘a selection of pieces ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous. We’ll start with a group of English Song from some of the greats including Purcell, Vaughan...

Wellington and Bridgwater recycling sites remain open 7 days a week

Somerset Council’s recycling sites in Wellington and Bridgwater will remain open seven days a week until Taunton Recycling Site can safely re-open. Wellington is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but will open Monday to Sunday. Bridgwater usually closes on Wednesdays but is also open seven days a week. Visitors are warned that Wellington is experiencing an influx of visitors on Wednesdays, the site’s previous first opening day of the week. If possible, Taunton visitors are asked to avoid this site and use Bridgwater Recycling Site instead, which is seeing less visitors on a...

Recycling site remains closed as blaze continues

Residents are being reminded that Taunton Recycling Site will remain closed for the foreseeable future following the fire that began last Tuesday morning.

Bridgwater Town Deal Open Event – 19.10.23

Join us at the Bridgwater Town Deal Open Event.

Temporary Road Closure – Burrow Wall, Burrowbridge

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=135129839 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_135129839_3621685_0bd64f48c4.pdf The order becomes effective on 26th October 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months. The works are expected to commence on 2nd November 2023 and last for 4 hours (10:00 – 14:00) to enable Openreach to replace a pole. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is permitted on this occasion. For any further information about...

Temporary Road Closure – Huntworth Lane, North Petherton

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=134995248 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_134995248_3610721_a80a4bbb5c.pd The order becomes effective on 17th October 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months. The works are expected to commence on 23rd October 2023 and last for 8 hours (08:00-16:00) to enable Openreach to replace poles. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is permitted on this occasion. For any further information about this...

MET Office weather warning – Weds/Thurs

A Met Office weather warning of strong winds has been issued for Wednesday going into Thursday this week. You may wish to share this information with your communities.

Parish Briefing – Flooding

Issued: 18th September 2023 Flooding update Widespread thunderstorms and rain across Somerset on Sunday brought flooding and significant disruption, mainly in West Somerset and Wellington area. There has been flooding to homes and businesses and teams are working to assess the scope of this confirm the exact number affected. Some roads have also been damaged. It is estimated about a month’s rain fell in a day – a source in Cotford St Luke reported 103.1mm of rain falling. Highways teams dealt with 38 incidents during Sunday. Our teams are working with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue...

Make Your Views Heard

Somerset Council is carrying out a public consultation on a set of planning policy principles that would steer new development in Somerset. This is a rare opportunity for all bus users to influence planning policy and ensure that new developments encourage the use of sustainable transport rather relying on the assumption that everyone uses a car. The proposals are aimed at prioritising sustainable methods of transport and reducing the need to travel, but they overlook the need to ensure that the developments can be served safely, adequately and efficiently by bus routes. There’s a need...

Personalised Care – Online Survey

‘In Somerset, we want people to live healthy and independent lives, supported by thriving and connected communities, with timely and easy access to high quality and efficient support when they need it’. We want people to live their best lives and we plan to achieve this through a whole system personalised care approach. What is Personalised Care? Understanding ‘what matters to you’ and what an individual’s strengths, experiences and needs are, is central to personalised care. Personalised care is an approach which means that people have choice and control over their physical and...

Temporary Road Closure: – Main Road, Sedgemoor

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=134756842 and the link for the Notice 2: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_134756842_3607467_001953fdbb.pdf The order becomes effective on 26th September 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months. The works are expected to commence on 2nd October 2023 and last for 5 days to enable Wessex Water to carry out works to install a new connection. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is not permitted on this occasion. For any further...

Urgent / emergency Road Closure: – Huntworth Lane, North Petherton

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent / emergency) road closure at Huntworth Lane, North Petherton which commenced on 24th August 2023 – 25th August 2023 (09:30 – 15:30) for a total of 2 days. This will enable Openreach to carry out overground cabling works.. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site  is permitted on this occasion. For any further information about this closure please contact Sunbelt Rentals on 03700 500 792, quoting reference: ttro013065N. Please...

Gambling Policy Consultation

Somerset Council has to review its Gambling Policy every three years. The Policy document sets out our approach to the Council’s licensing functions in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005. The policy will ensure: Activities are conducted fairly and openly Prevention of crime and disorder Children and vulnerable people are protected from harm or exploitation Comments are invited on the draft revised Gambling Policy from all interested parties including residents and those running businesses in the County, the consultation documents can be found at Gambling Policy Consultation...

Temporary Road Closure: High Street, Othery

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=134658275 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_134658275_3590462_f027346b94.pdf The order becomes effective on 05th September 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months. The works are expected to commence on 15th September 2023 and last for 5.5 hours (09:30-15:00) to enable MAPS Group to carry out work to replace pole on behalf of Openreach. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is not permitted on this...

Temporary Road Closure: St John Street, Bridgwater

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=133967561 and the link for the Notice 2: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_133967561_3590188_06109002b0.pdf The order becomes effective on 18th July 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months. The works are expected to commence on 24th July 2023 and last for 5 days (08:00-17:00) to enable Milestone Infrastructure to carry out structural maintenance in the footway.. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is not permitted on this...

Industrial action called off

The proposed strike action by Somerset waste collection crews has been called off. This follows a positive response to a Unite ballot of its members on an improved pay offer from SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, the Council’s collections contractor. Services should operate as usual and residents can present their waste in the usual way. Mickey Green, Somerset Council’s Executive Director for Climate and Place, said: “We’re very glad that this dispute has been resolved without industrial action. “Crews make more than 350,000 collections each week, in all weathers, helping us achieve...

Stamp out recycling fire starters

Residents are being urged to help end a surge in dangerous fires caused by poorly sorted recycling and rubbish. Fire services have joined Somerset Council and its collections contractor SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK in asking for people to take more care or risk sparking dangerous and potentially deadly blazes. In the last two years more than ten depot and truck fires are thought to have been caused by people putting batteries, gas cannisters or still warm disposable barbeques in their waste. And the risk is on the rise – with three fires sparked in Somerset recycling depots in the...

BDAS 60th Anniversary Celebration

Music on the Levels Concert 25th June 2023

The next Music on the Levels concert is a performance by Daisy Chapman and Sue Lord on Sunday 25 June 2023 at 3.00pm (refreshments from 2.15) in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP. Daisy Chapman is an incredibly well-travelled pianist and vocalist who draws influences from what she calls ‘the anti-folk’ world. Every song harbours a dark story of love, lust and loss told through her exquisite voice and piano, with Sue Lord on violin bringing the performance to harmonious ending every time. Since her first solo release in 2006, Daisy has proven herself a talented and...

Success for Westonzoyland Road!

Back in February this year we launched our campaign to get the speed limit on Westonzoyland Road reduced from 60 mph down to 40. We are thrilled to announce that it has been a resounding success! With over 1,000 signatures, Cllr Mike Rigby has confirmed that the change will almost certainly go ahead. This represents a huge step forward for active travel in the Bridgwater area. Many people would love to cycle between Westonzoyland and Bridgwater, but they choose not to at the moment because it’s just too dangerous. With this move, the council is clearly signalling that they take safety...

Temporary Road Closure: Bath Road, Ashcott

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=133515741 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_133515741_3566592_4d56f7bc3c.pdf The order becomes effective on 20th June 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months. The works are expected to commence on 29th June 2023 and last for 2 days to enable Wessex Water to replace covers in carriageway.. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is  not permitted on this occasion. For any further information about...

Recycling sites to stop taking cartons as Recycle More makes its mark

Cartons and Tetra Pak will no longer be taken at Somerset recycling sites from mid-June thanks to the success of kerbside collections. All 12 of the 16 sites which currently take these items – commonly used for liquids such as juice – will stop accepting them from Monday 12 June. The move is down to the huge success of Recycle More expanded collections which mean cartons are collected from the kerb every week with the rest of the recycling. The new service has seen the number of cartons recycled more than double and the volume of cartons being received at recycling sites has reduced...

Waste and recycling collections spring forward for bank holiday

Somerset Council is reminding residents that with the late spring bank holiday around the corner there will be a change to household waste collection days. Crews will be collecting all waste a day later during week beginning Monday 29 May. This includes recycling, refuse and garden collections. If your recycling and/or refuse is usually collected on a Monday, then it will be collected on a Tuesday, if your usual day is a Tuesday it will be collected on a Wednesday and so on. That includes collections that would usually take place on Friday 2 June taking place on Saturday 3 June. To help crews...

Music on the Levels: Concert on 21st May

Our next free concert is a performance by Kingsbury Episcopi Band on Sunday 21 May 2023 at 3.00pm (refreshments from 2.15) in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP. The thirty piece band will be performing an eclectic range of music based on light entertainment, for example: My Girl, Mack the Knife, My Fair Lady, Whitney Houston, Barnard Castle and Ferry Across the Mersey. The music will certainly resound in the wonderful acoustics of the church. ‘We are a concert band, made up of brass and woodwind instruments, originating from the small village of Kingsbury Episcopi in...

Have your say on proposed change to permit conditions at Hinkley Point C

Original Article   Our proposed decision is that we should grant the permit variation for the water discharge activity. The limits and conditions attached to the permit will make sure that people and the environment are protected from water discharge under normal operation. To reach our proposed decision, we considered relevant legislation, policy and guidance alongside responses to our initial consultation on the application. Assessments were also carried out on habitats, sites of special scientific interest and the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The existing permit regulates the...

Somerset recycling goes top 30

Somerset’s green-minded residents have helped the county climb into the top 30 councils for recycling. In Defra’s recently published league tables, Somerset’s 2021-2022 recycling rate of 56.2% ranks it 28 out of 228 local authorities – putting it in the top 15%. In 2020-21 Somerset ranked 59 out of 228, with a recycling rate of 52.4%. And, with the full impact of Recycle More’s expanded collections yet to be felt, Somerset Council is confident that the 2022-23 figures will see if climb even further. The Council is committed to a greener, more sustainable county working hard to help...

Bank Holiday changes to waste collection in May

This year, on Wednesday 5th July the NHS is celebrating a big birthday – an amazing 75 years old.

While a lot has changed over the past seven decades, the NHS has remained a constant in all our lives. We wish to commemorate this significant anniversary, celebrating the positive impact the NHS in Somerset has had on all of us – both the skill, dedication and compassion of the people who work and volunteer in the NHS and the people that it has helped. The NHS Somerset Engagement Team plan to travel across Somerset in May and June and at key locations, speak with members of the public and to hear their positive experiences and stories of the NHS. How are we recording peoples’ NHS...

Music on the Levels: Concert 30th April 2023

Our next free concert is on Sunday 30 April 2023 at 3.00 pm in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP with The Ciderhouse Rebellion. The Ciderhouse Rebellion’s performance is described as ‘uniquely magical, whether springing from a single unplanned note or a traditional tune.’ The duo is fiddle player Adam Summerhayes and master accordionist Murray Grainger. Profound and eloquent, epic, haunting and dramatic, The Ciderhouse produce incredible tapestries of sound. ‘The pair specialise in creating music in the moment’, says promoter Katie Whitehouse, ‘often springing...

Be a good egg this Easter and recycle more

The long Easter weekend is fast approaching and this will bring a change to waste collections. Collections will now be: Good Friday 7 April: Friday collections take place on Saturday 8 April. No collections on Easter Monday 10 April. Easter week collections are one day later, including Friday collections on Saturday 15 April. Along with changes to collections, Somerset Council are asking residents to be “good eggs” this Easter and recycling as much as possible. Almost all Easter egg packaging can be recycled in weekly kerbside collections. Cardboard box – flattened and into your...