Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent / emergency) road closure at Thickthorn Lane, Ashill which will commence on13th May 2024- 16th May 2024 (00:00 - 23:59) for a total of 4 days.

This will enable Wessex Water to carry out phased works to repair leaking ferrule.

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: ttro919228S

Please visit one.network https://one.network/?tm=138707143 where you will see the map of the affected area (in red), together with the supplied diversion route (in blue).

Please note: this diversion route could be subject to change on review.

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=137801901 and the link for the Notice 2: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_137801901_3715912_be584f168a.pdf

The order becomes effective on 30th May 2024 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 3rd June 2024 and last for 5 days to enable Wessex Water to install a bypass.

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: ttro058759S.

Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, you will need to register for free with www.One.Network

Somerset Council are reminding residents that waste collections will change during May as bank holidays start and end the month.

During the weeks beginning Monday 6 May, and Monday 27 May, collections of recycling, refuse and garden waste will be one day later than usual.

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.

This includes collections that would usually take place on Friday 10 May and Friday 31 May taking place on Saturday 11 May and Saturday 1 June respectively.

With waste collections a day later a higher volume of waste is likely. Squashing, crushing and flattening waste can help to reduce the number of trips that teams need to make to empty their trucks, as well as creating more space in resident’s containers.

All 16 recycling sites will be open as usual at weekends, 9am to 4pm. And, if opening on a Monday is part of their normal opening pattern, they will be open on both Bank Holiday Mondays (6 May and 27 May), from 9am to 6pm. For opening times and to find a full list of what can be recycled please visit: www.somerset.gov.uk/recycling-collections

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=137468650 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_137468650_3707732_00d43a0813.pdf

The order becomes effective on 09th May 2024 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 17th May 2024 and last for 7 hours (08:30 - 15:30) 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 this closure please contact Sunbelt Rentals on 0370 050 0792, quoting reference: ttro571358S.

Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, you will need to register for free with www.One.Network

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=137468650 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_137468650_3707732_00d43a0813.pdf

The order becomes effective on 09th May 2024 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 17th May 2024 and last for 7 hours (08:30 - 15:30) 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 this closure please contact Sunbelt Rentals on 0370 050 0792, quoting reference: ttro571358S.

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent / emergency) road closure at Radigan Lane, Ashill which commencedon18th April 2024- 22nd April 2024 (00:00 - 23:59) for a total of 5 days.

This will enable Wessex Water to carry out works to repair main leak.

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: ttro195233S

Please visit one.network https://one.network/?tm=138430131 where you will see the map of the affected area (in red), together with the supplied diversion route (in blue).

Please note: this diversion route could be subject to change on review

Elections for the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) take place on Thursday, 2 May 2024.

The role of the PCC is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. They are responsible for the totality of policing. PCCs aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their force area.

For more information about the PCCelection, visit aspccelections.co.uk.

Voter ID

You'll need to provide photographic ID if you plan to vote at a polling station in the PCC or future elections.

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:

• Passport
• Driving licence (including provisional license)
• Blue badge
• Certain concessionary travel cards
• Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• Biometric Immigration document
• Defence identity card
• Certain national identity cards

You'll only need to show one form of photo ID, but it needs to be the original version and not a photocopy. The name on your ID must be the same name you used to register to vote.

For more information, including the full list of accepted forms of photo ID, visit the Electoral Commission's Voter ID webpage or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you haven’t got an accepted form of photo ID

If you haven't already got an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to your local Electoral Registration Officer.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate to use at the PCC elections on 2 May is 5pm, Wednesday 24 April.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact your local Electoral Registration Officer. You can find their contact details by entering your postcode into the search bar on the Electoral Commission’s Voting and elections webpage.

Voting by post and by proxy

If you know that you won’t be able to get to the polling station on polling day, you can vote by post or ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you, which is called a proxy vote.

Changes to voting by post and proxy

You can now apply online to vote by post and for some types of proxy vote. You also need to prove your identity when applying, by providing your National Insurance number.

There are limits to how many people a voter can act as a proxy for. This means you can only act as a proxy for two people living in the UK. If you act as a proxy for people living overseas, you can act as proxy for up to four people but only two of these can be based in the UK.

Handing in your postal vote

From May, voters will not be allowed to hand in more than five postal ballot packs per poll, in addition to their own.

There will also be a new criminal offence to stop parties and campaigners handling postal votes for other voters who are not close relatives or someone for whom they provide regular care. Individuals who are under 18 are not allowed to hand in postal votes in polling stations.

How many people can act as a proxy?

Voters will now only be able to act as a proxy for up to 2 people living in the UK (a maximum of 4 people, with 2 people living in the UK and 2 people registered as living overseas) in elections where the changes apply.

Will postal and proxy voters need to show photo ID in order to vote with the new measures?

Voters will not need to show photo ID in order to apply by post or proxy. Although anyone acting as a proxy to vote on someone’s behalf will need to show their photo ID at the polling station in elections where the ID requirement applies.

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, visit the Voting and elections webpage or call the Electoral Commission's helpline on 0800 328 0280.

Date Change - Temporary Road Closure: Windmill Hill, Ashill

Please be aware that we have received notification of a date change to a temporary road closure at Windmill Hill, Ashill for approximately 116 metres.

The new date for the works to commence is 11th April 2024 and is expected to last until 11th April 2024 between the hours of 09:30 - 15:00.

These works are for Utility Services Ltd to replace a pole on behalf of Openreach.

The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is permittedon this occasion.

The link to view the new Notice is as follows: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/06-notice-3-road-closures_138102784_3714975_870e99cbd8.pdf

For any further information about this closure please contact Utility Services Ltd on 0191 303 9782 quoting reference: N3 -ttro334444S.

Please visit one.network https://one.network/?tm=138102784 where you will see the map of the affected area (in red), together with the recommended diversion route (in blue)

Summerfield Homes will be commencing works onsite at land west of School Lane on the 15^th of April. Following the issue of the 171 license they will also begin works on the road to open up the entrance on the 22^nd. These works also include BT and water connections and should take 3 weeks to complete.

Any questions regarding the development should be directed to Jamie Johnson, Divisional Director of Summerfield Homes:

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=136280150 and the link for the Notice 2: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_136280150_3668542_abce5f7e1c.pdf

The order becomes effective on 08th February 2024 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 14th February 2024 and last for 2 days (08:00 - 16:00) to enable Utility Services Ltd to replace poles on behalf of Openreach.

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 Utility Services Ltd on 0787 683 3961, quoting reference: ttro736676S

Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, you will need to register for free with www.One.Network

Please be aware that we have received notification of a date change to a temporary road closure at Pound Road, Broadway CP for approximately 409 metres.

The new date for the works to commence is 22nd January 2024 and is expected to last until 23rd January 2024 between the hours of 08:00 - 17:30.

These works are for O'Connor Utilities to carry out duct laying works.

The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is permittedon this occasion.

The link to view the new Notice is as follows: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/06-notice-3-road-closures_136484348_3655506_ad61492a04.pdf

For any further information about this closure please contact O'Connor Utilities on 0771 727 4677 quoting reference: N3 - ttro941206S.

Please visit one.network https://one.network/?tm=136484348 where you will see the map of the affected area (in red), together with the recommended diversion route (in blue).

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=135929120 and the link for the Notice 2: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_135929120_3661943_7456a7b4d5.pdf

The order becomes effective on 01st February 2024 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 7th February 2024 and last for 2 days to enable Utility Services Ltd to replace a pole on behalf of Openreach.

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 Utility Services Ltd on 0191 303 9782, quoting reference: ttro540026S.

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=136203224 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_136203224_3655978_a2cfdd64e3.pdf

The order becomes effective on 25th January 2024 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 29th January 2024 and last for 6 hours (09:30 - 15:30)

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 this closure please contact Sunbelt Rentals on 0370 050 0792, quoting reference: ttro831034W(TD).

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent) road closure at Windmill Hill, Ashillwhich will commence on 8th January 2024- 12th January 2024 (00:00 - 23:59) for a total of 5 days.

This will enable Wessex Water to carry out works to repair leak..

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: ttro559647S.

PCC Mark Shelford has launched a survey asking if local people support his proposal to increase the precept – the policing part of the council tax – by at least £10 a year for the average band D household.

He says;

"The PCC is responsible for setting the amount of money residents contribute to local policing through the precept. The Government determines the maximum amount by which PCCs can increase the precept each year.

Our current financial planning assumes the precept will be increased by £10 next year. Even with this assumed increase savings still need to be made. The size of the savings needed will likely result in about 250 staff roles being cut across the next few years. These cuts will have an impact on front line services such as visible policing and the ability to investigate crime.

We know that, with cost-of-living crisis continuing, this is a big ask from residents. Therefore, we want to hear what local people think about this via our survey and we are asking for your support to share the survey amongst your contacts, colleagues, and channels.

The survey and information about the precept can be found here: https://www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/working-for-you/precept/

The survey closes on 22 January. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know."

Somerset residents will soon be able to dispose of some DIY waste free of charge at Somerset recycling sites – but they will need to book ahead.

Following a recent change of legislation, from 1 January 2024, current charges for disposing of construction and demolition materials including: asbestos, plasterboard, hardcore and rubble from household DIY projects will be removed.

Each calendar month every household will be able to bring up to eight, 50 litre sacks (or equivalent 2m sheets of asbestos or plasterboard) free of charge to a recycling site over a maximum of four visits in a month. For example, two visits bringing four bags each time, or a single visit bringing eight bags.

Households will need to pre-book trips to dispose of this DIY waste, telling the council:

· the amount of material they are disposing (up to 8x50 litre sacks per month)

· the number of times they will need to visit (up to four visits per month)

If residents need to dispose of asbestos, plasterboard, or hardcore/rubble in excess of their free allowance they can pay for this online through the Somerset Council website.

Should residents need to dispose of asbestos and/or plasterboard before 31 December 2023, they can still do so by paying online using the ‘Do it online’ section. Disposal of hardcore/rubble can be paid for on site until 31 December.

Bookings can be made online from 2 January(through thewaste and recycling section of the council’s website). Anyone who cannot access the online form can call Customer Services on 0300 123 2224.

Not all sites accept asbestos and/or plasterboard, residents should check online to find what is accepted at each site.

Free disposal is only available to the Somerset householders. Construction and demolition waste from trade is classified as industrial waste and this is not entitled to any free disposal.

Biffa can accept trade construction and demolition waste (excluding trade asbestos) and a charge is payable to Biffa at the site. Please note not all sites accept plasterboard.

With the festive season in full swing, Somerset Council is reminding everyone to put recycling the Christmas tree onto their list.

The best option is to compost it at home or turn it into a wildlife corner, though we appreciate that will not be possible for many people.

Garden Waste Service subscribers can leave their decoration-free tree out with their first collection of the year, so long as its smaller than 2 metres (or 6ft). The service will resume from Monday 8 January.

Trees will not be collected from the kerbside unless you subscribe to the Garden Waste Service.

Many charities, community organisations and groups are running tree collection or drop-off services, raising money for good causes.

These include St Margarets Hospice and Dorothy House Hospice Care. Please check online for details.

Trees can also be taken to any of Somerset’s recycling sites and put it in the garden waste skip.

Recycling sites will be closed on Bank Holidays but will be open for their usual hours at other times, check online for details: www.somerset.gov.uk/waste.

Cllr Dixie Darch Executive Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change said:

“Although there’s festivities still to come, don’t forget to plan what to do with your tree following the seasonal celebrations.

“I’d encourage residents to think green and make sure that Christmas trees are sustainably disposed of, contributing to making Somerset a greener, more sustainable county”.

When it comes to the environmentally friendly choice, the Carbon Trust say that having a real tree rather than a plastic one is often better (depending on where and how it was grown). To even out the carbon used to produce a fake tree, it would need to be used for at least 10 years.

Plastic Christmas trees cannot be recycled. Consider giving unwanted fake trees to charity or offer them up on a reuse platform such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Any fake trees that have lost their Christmas cheer should be disposed of via the Energy from Waste skip at any of Somerset’s recycling sites.

For more tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle at this time of year visit: www.somerset.gov.uk/SeasonalWaste

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 areas, as well as a small part of South Somerset.

Anyone with a change to their collection day schedule will be written to twice before anything changes, first with a letter in January. Roughly, three weeks after the letter arrives, residents will receive a service guide which includes a collection day calendar for the next 18 months.

It is important that residents know their new collection days – crews will not be able to come back for either recycling or refuse if you miss your new collection day.

Because some towns and villages will be covered by more than one route, days may change for some households but not others.

Residents may have:

• a change to collection day
• a change in week that their rubbish is collected
• a one-off interim rubbish collection

There will be no changes to:

• collection days for garden waste subscribers
• clinical waste collections
• communal property collections with shared collections (such as blocks of flats, houses of multiple occupancy and retirement developments)
• schools waste collections

Changes to routes and collection days for the rest of the county – in the former Mendip and South Somerset areas – are expected to be introduced in June 2024.

Councillor Dixie Darch, Executive Lead Member for Climate and Environment said:

“We’re writing to every household that will have a change to their collection day. Please keep an eye out for your letter in the New Year. If you don’t receive a letter this means that your day is staying the same.

“The changes will make the collections more efficient and help us to reduce carbon emissions.

“Please make a note of your new collection day and possible interim rubbish collection. Crews can’t return for missed collections where bins are not out on the right day.”

Further information can be found online at somerset.gov.uk/waste

Road Closure - Park Barn Lane.

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=135390084 and the link for the Notice 2: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_135390084_3630832_b42ae5344f.pdf

The order becomes effective on 30th November 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 4th December 2023 and last for 2 days (08:00 - 16:00) to enable Utility Service Ltd on behalf of 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 this closure please contact Utility Service Ltd on 01913 039 782, quoting reference: ttro199472S.

Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, you will need to register for free with www.One.Network

Taunton Recycling Site will reopen on Monday (13 November) after a month-long closure caused by a major fire.

Demolition of an unsafe building badly damaged in the fire is due to be finished by the end of this week, meaning the site can be safely used by the public again from Monday.

Wellington and Bridgwater Recycling Sites, which have been open seven days a week since Taunton closed, will revert to their original opening hours from Monday – Wellington will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Bridgwater closed Wednesdays.

Somerset Council is warning that the reopened site in Priorswood is likely to be very busy in the first few days. Residents are urged to wait if they can and to check the online queue camera before setting off.

The site, which is run on the council’s behalf by Biffa, was forced to close after a major fire took hold of the neighbouring Material Recovery Facility (MRF). The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Fire damage to the MRF was severe and structural engineers deemed it damaged beyond repair.

From Monday 13 November, Taunton Recycling Site will be open seven days a week between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. During busier times staff will meet and greet visitors to help with the flow of traffic.

Councillor Dixie Darch, Executive Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change said: “We know that residents have been waiting patiently to access the recycling site – we thank you for your understanding and patience during this period of closure.

“Safety had to be our priority and we couldn’t open the site until it was safe to do so. The first few weeks of reopening are likely to be extremely busy, if you are able to continue to safely store your waste, please hold off your visit for the time being.”

Taunton Recycling site has queue cams which visitors can check ahead of their visit to help plan for a quieter time.

For opening times and a list of everything accepted at the recycling site visit: www.somerset.gov.uk/locations/taunton-recycling-centre/

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=135359535 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_135359535_3629433_2ac8f9bad6.pdf

The order becomes effective on 23 November 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 30th November 2023 and last for 2 days (08:00 - 16:00) to enable Utility Services Ltd to replace a pole on behalf of Openreach.

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 Utility Services Ltd on 0191 303 9782, quoting reference: ttro691240S.

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=135358103 and the link for the Notice 2:https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_135358103_3629377_cc2b57be56.pdf

The order becomes effective on 23rd November 2023 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 30th November 2023 and last for 2 days (08:00 - 16:00) to enable Utility Services Ltd to replace a pole on behalf of Openreach.

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 Utility Services Ltd on 0191 303 9782, quoting reference: ttro334444S.

If you're in touch with anyone in your area who is experiencing power issues, please share the advice from Devon and Somerset Fire Servicebelow.  Information can also be found on social media channels:  Facebook, Twitter/X, Threads and Instagram.

Power cut safety advice

If you are affected by a power cut, it is the Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO) who is responsible for maintaining physical electricity supplies to your home or business. You can contact your local DNO by calling 105.

If you need to light your home when you’re without power, we would prefer if you used torches and battery-powered candles rather than candles. If you must use candles, follow our candle safety advice.

Don't try and cook using barbecues or using fires inside your home such as wood-burners.

Turn off any appliances that may be a fire risk if they switch on when the power comes back on (such as hair dryers or electric hobs).

If you're using a portable heater such as oil or gas, keep it a good distance (at least 1 metre) from people or furniture. Do not cover them with anything that could catch fire such as clothing.

ASHILL VILLAGE HALL

There will be a meeting in the Ashill Village Hall at 1930 on Thursday 21^st September 2023 to discuss the future of the hall.

All Ashill residents, and any other interested parties are invited, and the hall committee hopes that anyone who is interested in retaining the hall for use by the community will come along.

Progress will also be given on the current on-going project of replacing the hall roof, which was originally installed in 1935.

Enquiries to hall secretary: Jane Simmonds-Short: email janesimmondsshort@gmail.com or tel. no: 07480 692429

The 2022-2023 Annual Return and Accounting Statements are now available to view, as confirmed in the following document:

The Think Travel website has been launched by Somerset County Council to support more local people to access public and community transport.

If you don’t own a car - or you want to leave it at home and travel more sustainably, Think Travel can help you with your transport options. Whether it’s getting to the doctors, shops, travelling to work, college, or school, or just into town to meet friends or family, the new travel planner shows you what’s available. It covers public transport, community transport, the Slinky demand responsive transport service and car sharing.

You can take a look at Think Travel here:https://somerset.thinktravel.info All you need to do is enter your journey start point and destination in the planner and Think Travel will find the available options for you. As well as information on train and bus services, there’s also a dedicated car sharing notice board you can sign up to, where offers or requests for car sharing journeys can be posted. The aim is to grow this facility and encourage local car sharing networks to evolve.

Spark Somerset have launched a website that shows community groups and venues across Somerset are providing a warm, welcoming space for anyone who needs it. Visit the Warm Welcome Somerset map to find one near you.

Every Warm Welcome space has something different to offer; some may be able to provide free food, activities, support with your wellbeing, or even somewhere to charge your phone or use a computer.

For more information please follow this link: https://sparksomerset.org.uk/find-warm-welcome