Working 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…
Read MoreA371 road safety planned works update
Road safety at The Pecking Mill corner has been a cause of concern for local people for a long time. Lib Dem Somerset Councillor Claire Sully made it a priority to investigate the issues to find solutions. Claire has met with local residents, consulted with Avon and Somerset Police, organised road monitoring, liaised with Somerset…
Read MoreMendip South councillor report for August
Somerset Council disposal of assets in response to financial emergency Somerset Council has authorised the sale of non-operational assets, with a combined value of between £17m and £21m. A report recommending the disposal of several Somerset Council assets to help generate funds in response to the financial emergency was considered and approved by Somerset Exec…
Read MoreConfusion and uncertainty over EDF’s saltmarsh plan at Environment Agency “stakeholder” event
Yesterday, there was confusion and uncertainty over EDF’s plans to create a new saltmarsh at Pawlett Hams, near Bridgwater, replacing and destroying aquatic eco-systems and natural habitat, wildlife homes, as well as ancient farmland, businesses and valued community space for local people and school children. Many local people hastily attended the event hosted, with just…
Read MoreSuicide Prevention Work in Somerset Update
When I joined Somerset Council’s Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee, in 2022, I asked that suicide prevention was added to the work programme. Last week we had an update on a new (draft) Somerset suicide prevention strategy that is supporting a new national strategy, which was launched September last year. The draft strategy draws on…
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