Fresh Approach to Road Safety: Community and Business Collaboration Inspires New Way to Protect Our Roads
On May 6th, Councillor Claire Sully organised an important A371 Road Safety Discussion Forum at the Bath and West Showground, supported by Ansford Parish Council, who reached out to neighbouring parishes to help build a collaborative network aimed at improving road safety on the A371. The event was hosted by Carol Paris, CEO of Bath…
Read MoreA Survivor’s Guide to Local Politics, blog 1: What’s important to me?
Bandit: Well, looks like this is the end of the line. Any last words?Cowboy (calm and firm): Maybe. But I’ve fought for what’s right. I won’t turn tail now, even if it costs me everything.[The bandit hesitates, gun still aimed.]Cowboy: Do your worst. I’ll stand firm, till the very last shot. Hello. Are you one…
Read MoreSomerset Council calls for NHS dental contract reform.
We must maintain pressure on the Government to address the dental crisis in Somerset. The council’s letter to the Government was prompted by NHS Somerset’s report, which was presented while I was Acting Chair of the Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee. I wrote to the Lib Dem Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans, asking…
Read MoreExciting News: Joining the National Lib Dem Mental Health Group to Shape Policy
I am delighted to announce that I have been selected to join the newly established Mental Health Policy Group by the National Liberal Democrats party. This initiative presents a vital opportunity to address the pressing mental health challenges faced by our communities in Somerset and across the UK. As a Parliamentary candidate and Deputy Chair…
Read MoreDear Tim Lethaby, Editor of Somerset County Gazette
Hello Tim As the editor of County Gazette, I wanted to let you know I am concerned about how your newspaper’s recent posts on Facebook appear to incite hostility towards public officials like myself. There have been two specific posts regarding the remuneration of Councillors and MPs that lack context and balance. The resulting comments…
Read More“What has Somerset Council ever done for you, apart from what we do?”
Yesterday, during the Full Council meeting of Somerset Council, I responded to the annual report on Public Health. Below is what I said, along with some additional notes. Recently, I heard the remark: “What has Somerset Council ever done for you, apart from what we do?” Public Health is a crucial aspect of the Council’s…
Read MoreRoad Works Round-Up (2023 to date) – Evercreech Area
Extended reduced speed (40mph) scheme on A371 (including Pecking Mill corner): Lining work complete; sign installation imminent. Victoria Square Parking Improvements; lines installed, with bay timings consultation concluded. Discussions will continue with Evercreech Parish Council. Works Completed: Planned Maintenance:
Read MoreCouncil Tax Decision Explained
Somerset Council Leader Bill Revans has reiterated calls for expedited reform of local government funding by the Government, as councillors voted on a balanced budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year during the Full Council meeting on March 5th. As part of the budget proposal, the Government has authorised Somerset Council to increase Council Tax by…
Read MoreIn 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…
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