Reporting Back: Local Councillor Report for Mendip South
My roles at Somerset Council:
- Associate Lead Member for Community Resilience
- Planning East Committee Member
- Lib Dem Ruling Group Chair
Attendance record: 100%
Ageing traffic signals to be replaced across Somerset
Somerset Council is replacing 30-year-old traffic signals at Stapleton Cross in Martock, the A37 Lydford Cross Keys, and the B3153 at Lovington. Work begins on 22 June, with phased closures and overnight works running through to November 2026.
New Speed Limits in Place on A361 Frome Bypass
New speed limits and safety improvements are now in place on the A361 Frome bypass, including a 50mph limit on the A361, a 40mph limit on the A362 approach, junction resurfacing, and central hatching along the bypass. The road, used by around 15,000 motorists a day, has seen five fatalities in the last five years. AI cameras installed last year in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police logged 4,500 offences in their first four months, including 4,407 instances of no seat belt being worn, 74 speeding offences over 80mph, and 119 cases of mobile phone use.
Could You Foster a Child in Somerset?
To mark Foster Care Fortnight, Fostering in Somerset recently held a series of informal drop-in events across the county, giving residents a relaxed chance to meet local foster carers and find out more. With more than 650 children currently in care in Somerset, more local foster carers are needed to help children stay close to their schools, friends and communities.
If the events sparked your interest, it’s not too late to take the next step. Visit the Get involved page or follow @FosteringInSomerset on Facebook, Instagram or X to find out more about fostering in Somerset.
Lib Dems Receive Vote of Confidence in Somerset By-Elections
The Liberal Democrats won three by-elections in Somerset on 7 May. In the Somerset Council by-election for the Mendip Hills division, Sam Phripp was elected with 1,534 votes — more than doubling the previous Lib Dem majority, on a turnout of 46%. The Lib Dems also won St Thomas’s Ward on Wells City Council and Pyrland Ward on Taunton Town Council.
Our Somerset Communities Are Our Greatest Asset
I am truly proud to have been appointed by the Somerset Council Leader to the role of Associate Lead Member for Community Resilience in the Council Executive — a recognition of the community work I have dedicated myself to, and a responsibility I do not take lightly.
My role is to support the Council Leader and champion the Council’s vision, working alongside and supporting the Council Executive to turn that vision into real, lasting change for the communities we serve.
Strong, resilient communities are the foundation of everything we want to achieve:
- Flood resilience and climate readiness — prepared neighbourhoods that protect people before crisis hits
- Wellbeing and mental health — thriving and connected communities where everyone can fulfil their potential
- Decisions rooted in our communities — community infrastructure, sustainable travel, and housing shaped by the communities they affect
About the Council Executive, read more.
Somerset’s First Electric Bus Launches in Frome
Somerset Council has launched its first public service electric bus on the 30 route in Frome. The 16-seat, low-floor, wheelchair-friendly vehicle is zero emission and provides a sustainable link for residents needing to reach town centre services
A39 Clarks Village Junction, Street — Traffic Signals Replaced
Six sets of traffic lights at the A39 junction with Clarks Village in Street have been replaced on time and on budget. The signals were over 30 years old and near the end of their working life. The upgrade includes modern energy-efficient technology, new surfacing, lining, signage, and a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
Somerset Council Builds Top Team to Seize the Opportunities Ahead
Somerset Council Leader Cllr Bill Revans has added new faces to his executive team, putting in place a leadership line-up best placed to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities facing Somerset.
Cllr Revans remains Leader with responsibility for Governance and Communications, alongside Deputy Leader Cllr Liz Leyshon covering Finance, Procurement and Performance. The nine-strong Lead Member team is completed by Cllr Sarah Wakefield (Adult Services, Housing and Homelessness), Cllr Heather Shearer (Children, Families and Education), Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts (Communities, Environment and Climate Change), Cllr Mike Rigby (Economic Development, Planning and Assets), Cllr Richard Wilkins (Highways and Transport), Cllr Evie Potts-Jones (SEND, Public Health and Equalities and Diversity) and Cllr Theo Butt Philip (Transformation, Human Resources and Localities).
Supporting the executive are eight Associate Lead Members: Cllr Ros Wyke (Active Travel), Cllr Cara Strom (Adult Social Care and Housing), Cllr David Woan (Business Strategy), Cllr Jo Roundell-Greene (Children’s Services and Education Strategy), Cllr Steve Ashton (Climate Change), Cllr Claire Sully (Community Resilience), Cllr Nicola Clark (Culture and Leisure) and Cllr Ewan Cameron (Transformation and Prevention).
Somerset Plans 580 New Council Homes by 2031
Somerset Council has adopted a new Social Housing Development Strategy with an ambitious target to build 580 affordable, energy-efficient council homes by March 2031. Developed jointly with Homes in Somerset, the strategy focuses on affordability, sustainability and meeting the needs of diverse communities across the county, including rural areas. Schemes already completed include Minehead’s Rainbow Way Development and Taunton’s Lavinia House, with Penlea in Bridgwater and North Woolaway in Taunton currently in development.
Somerset Council Sets Out New Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
Somerset Council has agreed a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2026–2030 with a focused set of priorities including improving access to services for digitally excluded people, tackling discrimination in schools, strengthening support for disabled employees, and demonstrating leadership on equality in the community.
Council Leader Cllr Bill Revans said: “Equality is not an add-on to what we do – it goes to the heart of how we serve our communities and employ people. Our aim is simple: a fairer Somerset where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Somerset Roads: Recovering from a Record Wet Winter
One of the wettest winters on record has caused a near 62% surge in potholes across Somerset, with 19,277 logged between January and early May 2026, compared to 11,908 in the same period last year. Extra teams and machinery were rapidly deployed, and 15,771 have already been repaired — averaging 876 fixes a week. March alone saw 4,964 potholes repaired.
The response goes beyond reactive repairs: 831,000 sqm of road have been surface dressed this year — a preventative treatment that extends road life and helps stop potholes forming — while a major resurfacing programme has already covered 31,000 sqm across the county.
Potholes logged
- April: 2,905
- March: 5,035
- February: 6,068
- January: 4,711
Repairs per month
- April (4-week period): 3,739
- March (5-week period): 4,964
- February: 3,554
- January: 2,541
If you spot a problem on the road you can report it quickly and easily via the Council’s Report a problem on the road webpage.
Follow @TravelSomerset on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for live travel updates, roadworks and other highways news.
Somerset Council Team Shortlisted for National Award
Somerset Council’s Major Infrastructure Programmes Group (IPG) has been shortlisted for the Team of the Year award at the CIHT Annual Awards 2026. Established in 2015, the team has delivered more than £110 million of highway infrastructure, including major schemes at M5 Junctions 23, 25 and 26, Colley Lane in Bridgwater, and Creech Castle in Taunton.
Councillor Richard Wilkins said: “Being shortlisted for this prestigious national award is a testament to the dedication, expertise and collaborative spirit of our Infrastructure Programmes Group. Their consistent track record of delivering high-quality projects that benefit our communities, while maintaining strong cost and programme control, sets a benchmark for infrastructure delivery across the public sector.” Winners will be announced at the CIHT ceremony in London later this year.
Somerset on Screen
Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office, exists to attract productions to the region — and last summer it helped bring one of the biggest: Masters of the Universe, the new He-Man film, which shot scenes at Wells Cathedral and Wookey Hole Caves. Last financial year, film and TV productions supported by the initiative brought an estimated £6.6 million into the local economy.
To mark the film’s release, Wells Film Centre is hosting a charity screening on 3 June in aid of Medicinema, which brings cinema to hospital patients across the UK. Tickets are £10 and include a drink. Somerset’s own James Purefoy features in a leading role as King Randor.
Masters of the Universe is released in the UK on 3 June, starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Camila Mendes as Teela and Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-At-Arms. Also released on 27 May is Season 2 of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder on Netflix and BBC, with the Somerset town of Axbridge again standing in as the fictional Little Kilton. A small city. A global franchise. And a council quietly making it happen!
Bulky Waste Given New Life Through British Heart Foundation Partnership
Somerset Council and collections partner SUEZ have teamed up with the British Heart Foundation so that suitable bulky items — sofas, tables, chairs and more — are taken to the SUEZ depot in Bridgwater and passed on for resale at the BHF’s Taunton store, rather than being recycled. When booking a bulky waste collection, residents can opt in to have their items reused, provided they are in good condition and carry the required fire safety tags.
Battery fires prompt recycling warning
Two fires — at a Taunton recycling facility and in a collection lorry — have led Somerset Council and contractor SUEZ to remind residents to dispose of hazardous items correctly. Both were likely caused by an undetected battery.
Lithium-ion batteries and vapes must never go in the rubbish; place them in a small clear tied plastic bag on top of a recycling bin. Gas canisters should be taken to a recycling centre. Further guidance here.
Reminder: Check or Renew Your Garden Waste Subscription
Somerset residents are reminded that garden waste subscriptions do not auto-renew, so an annual renewal is needed to avoid a break in collections. The service offers fortnightly collections for 50 weeks of the year. Residents can check their renewal date via the Council’s Check Garden Waste form, or renew and sign up via the Garden Waste subscription page.
Somerset Gaming Sessions Clock Up 15,000 Visits in Four Years
GameChanger, a free weekly gaming session for adults who are autistic, have learning disabilities, or identify as neurodiverse, is celebrating its fourth anniversary this June. Run by Love Community CIC across libraries in Taunton, Yeovil and Glastonbury and a community centre in Bridgwater, it has clocked up 15,140 visits across 581 sessions since launching in 2022.
There are no referrals, no assessments and no pressure — people come and go as they please. The aim is as much about social connection as gaming itself.
Somerset Food Waste Campaign Recognised at National Awards
Somerset Council and waste contractor SUEZ were finalists in the Food Waste and Organics Initiative of the Year category at the National Awards for Excellence in London on 13th of May. The campaign to boost food waste recycling delivered a 38% rise in food waste bin orders, a 5% increase in food waste collected, and savings of more than £40,000 in disposal costs.
New Food Waste Recycling Trucks Rolling Out Across Somerset
A new fleet of food waste collection vehicles, introduced by SUEZ in partnership with Somerset Council, means every household in Somerset — including flats and Houses of Multiple Occupancy — can now recycle food waste. The trucks feature illustrated livery explaining the journey from kitchen caddy to green energy and fertiliser. For more information on collections, visit the Council’s waste pages.
New Sexual Health Clinic Opens in Yeovil
A new SWISH (Somerset-Wide Integrated Sexual Health) clinic has opened at Summerlands Health Park on Preston Road, Yeovil. Commissioned by Somerset Council and run by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, it brings together sexual and reproductive health services under one roof for the first time in the town. The free, confidential service — open to all ages without a GP referral — offers STI testing and treatment, contraception including coils and implants, emergency contraception, HIV prevention medication, and sexual health vaccinations for eligible people.
Somerset’s Little Book of Health and Wellbeing Relaunched
Somerset Council’s Public Health team has relaunched its Little Book of Health and Wellbeing, a free, practical guide offering evidence-based advice on managing stress, improving sleep, diet and physical activity, and building resilience. It can be downloaded via the Healthy Somerset website. If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s mental health, call NHS 111 and select option 2 for the 24/7 mental health helpline, or call 999 in an emergency.
Help Shape Alcohol Support Services in Somerset
Somerset Council and Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) are inviting residents to take part in an anonymous survey to help understand why people don’t seek help for alcohol problems. Open to anyone aged 18 and over in Somerset, it takes just a few minutes and covers both personal experiences and those of someone you know. Findings will be used to shape how services are designed and delivered. If you need support now, visit turning-point.co.uk/services/sdas or call 0300 303 8788.
Report it first: Useful Links to share with your communities
Visit – Report a Problem on the Road – A list of all reporting pages to do with roads, pavements, lighting: Report a problem on the road
Potholes and road damage – Somerset Council repair potholes and other road defects, and maintain our roads, for the safe access of all road users: Potholes, road damage and edge loss
Report a problem with a street light – We maintain and repair street lights to national standards:
Report a problem with a street light
Road signs, markings and lighting – Includes bollards, pedestrian crossings, requesting a village nameplate or new road sign: Road signs, bollards and road markings
Speed limits – Request information about new or existing traffic calming measures: Speed limits
Traffic lights – We maintain over 200 traffic light locations throughout the County: Traffic lights
Street and roadworks – We maintain the roads and pavements managed at public expense in Somerset: Street and roadworks problems
Traffic updates and roadworks — follow: Travel Somerset on X and Travel Somerset on Facebook
All ongoing roadworks – available on the Somerset Council website interactive map:
Roadworks and travel information
Somerset Waste – collection days, replacement bins or recycling bags and missed collection reporting: Bins, recycling and waste
Travel and Tourist Information: Travel Somerset – Art, Culture, Events, History & More
Sign-up for the latest climate news from across Somerset: Climate newsletter sign-up
Open Somerset Council Consultations – which anyone can complete and take part in shaping the future of Somerset: Somerset Council – Citizen Space – Consultations
SOMERSET COUNCIL TELEPHONE NO – 0300 123 2224