Posts by Cllr Claire Sully
In Memory of Ruth Ellis: Bridging History and Hope for Future Generations
I dedicate today, International Women’s Day, to the memory of Ruth Ellis. Ruth, who died at age 28, was the last woman to be hanged in this country on July 13, 1955. She was convicted of murder. Ruth’s life and death is a poignant reminder of the struggles many women have faced and continue to…
Read MoreDistress with Dentistry in Somerset – we can’t fix this crisis alone say NHS Somerset
Dentistry in Somerset is currently facing a crisis, as reported by NHS Somerset, a part of the Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), which is responsible for planning and delivering local health services. In a stark warning delivered to Somerset Council’s Adults and Health (Feb 27th, 2025) Committee, NHS Somerset said, “the gap between patient needs…
Read More“Because sometimes you have to do something bad to do something good.” Oscar Wilde
Yesterday, Somerset Council held a Full Council meeting, which I attended as the Unitary Councillor representing the Mendip South division. This meeting is a critical step in the budget-setting process scheduled for March. In an urgent effort to balance the books, we voted to transform the Council’s workforce, which will involve a reduction of around…
Read MoreDoes Somerset Need a Dry January?
Somerset is home to an estimated 5,202 individuals who are alcohol-dependent, with approximately 80% (around 4,000) having unmet treatment needs. While we should approach this figure with caution, national trends suggest it may actually be an underestimate. Alarmingly, alcohol-related hospital admissions in Somerset are higher than the national average, particularly among women under 40. One…
Read MoreWorking together to save lives on our roads
I was invited to a Road Safety Forum organised by Avon and Somerset Police & the Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody yesterday evening, along with the families of road collision victims, Councillors/Officers from Bristol and Somerset and road safety charities. We discussed ways of working together, across the region, to save lives on our…
Read MoreParliament to discuss Pawlett Hams – an empowered community that is a beacon for other communities
On Oct 9th, there will be a Parliamentary debate about the environmental impact related to EDF and Hinkley Point C’s wish to make a change to their Development Consent Order (DCO). EDF Energy secured planning consent for the power station back in 2013, with construction beginning three years later. EDF is now seeking to make changes…
Read MoreWe need to talk: World Suicide Prevention Day
A recent poll* found that only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts, compared to 74% who said they feel comfortable talking about mental health. World Suicide Prevention Day is a chance to change this. By talking more openly about suicide, we can give people the chance to express…
Read MoreSaving Pawlett Hams, a community campaign in the spirit of David and Goliath!
It seemed a mammoth task to get EDF to reconsider its plans for a giant saltmarsh at Pawlett Hams near Bridgwater. A saltmarsh that would have destroyed aquatic eco-systems and natural habitat, wildlife homes, as well as ancient farmland, businesses and valued community space for local people and school children. EDF have listened, backed down…
Read MoreCommunity Bank Holiday!
Sun shining on the wonderful community events over the bank holiday. Huge gratitude to all the communities and the volunteers, who put in the hard work year after year to make it all happen.
Read MoreAccolades for Alhampton
When the Alhampton Inn was closed abruptly in November 2022 a spirited local community were having none of it. Utilising the skills and determination of villagers, they reopened the pub in just a matter of months. Fast forward to the summer of 2024, the Ally has received national recognition: being awarded the prestigious 2024 Prince…
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