Latest News

Have your say about proposals for changing acute inpatient mental health services for adults of working age

Health and care services in Somerset are running a public consultation to gather feedback from local people about the future locations of acute mental health beds for people of working age. The consultation runs until 12 April 2020.

An acute mental health ward is where patients are admitted to provide them with the level of treatment and support they need. This might be because they need further assessment, they need to be kept safe or they need more intensive support than can be provided at home.

Health and care services are considering changing the location of the acute mental health ward at Wells for people aged between 18 and 65 years and moving it to Yeovil. The number of beds will remain the same.

The reason for the proposed change is due to concerns about patients and staff safety. Two of the four wards for people aged between 18 and 65 years are located in Taunton, with one ward in both Yeovil and Wells. These two are ‘standalone’ wards which means they are not close to other wards, and one of them is also a long way from the nearest Emergency Department.

All other existing services at Priory Health Park in Wells will remain, whatever the outcome of the consultation, and community mental health services available to people in the Wells/Mendip area will be expanded and enhanced: this includes a Crisis Café.

Health and care services would like to know what you think about their ideas. You can fill in the questionnaire here: http://bit.ly/FFMF-Mental-Health-Consultation

You can read the full consultation document on their website at www.fitformyfuture.org.uk or contact them by email [email protected] or telephone 01935 384119

Click for more details

Somerset County Council briefings

South Somerset District Council news and consultation

Please click here for a statement from Castle Cary Town Council.

2019 Christmas Treecycling – Castle Cary

GWR updates to timetable

Sorry folks…it looks as though the traffic lights may return for a while next week! https://one.network/?115692990

“Festival of Heavenly Stars”

Saturday & Sunday 14/15 December

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

All Saints’ Church, Castle Cary

A variety of Stars & Star-themed exhibits made by shops, businesses, organisations & individuals will decorate the whole church for 2 days, culminating in the Combined Carol Service

at 4 p.m. on Sunday 15th.

Refreshments available all day & there will be a stall selling

Christmas decorations & Christmas fare.

Admission free.

Donations invited in aid of All Saints’ Development Fund.

Supported volunteering details

Somerset County Council                                                                                                                                                           County Hall, Taunton

Somerset, TA1 4DY

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Have Your Say

School admissions arrangements for children who are due to start or transfer school for the 2021-22 school year, and those moving schools during the 2021-22 school year will be consulted on for a minimum period of 6 weeks ending 31 January 2020.

This consultation applies to a number of schools and academies throughout Somerset.

This consultation period allows parents, other schools, religious authorities and the local community to raise any comments or concerns about proposed admission arrangements.

To view the consultation (live from 9 December) please visit https://www.somerset.gov.uk/education-and-families/school-admissions-policy/.

Meet the Builder at The Market House – Shambles. On Thursday 21st November 4 – 6 p.m.

A construction firm called Engie is inviting residents to talk to them on Thursday this week. Engie is employed by the developers Stonewater to build the 125 houses on Wayside Farm on Station Road (this is the last site on the left when travelling towards the Station). This site is now apparently called “Mulberry Meadows”! Representatives from Engie will be able to answer questions such as “When will the site be finished?”

Stonewater, the developers, are currently seeking to renegotiate the number of affordable homes on the site and the amount of S106 money paid to our community. (This is a levy, agreed at the outset, to help the community improve infrastructure). (Planning applications 19/02353/DPO & 19/01411/DPO) There may be a representative from Stonewater present. It is to Stonewater that questions about therequested reduction in funding for local projects should be addressed.

We (the Town and Parish Councils) opposed this development and it was passed at appeal by a Government Inspector. We are where we are, and it is going to happen. Please remember that it is rare for developers/builders to engage with the community and in this instance, if attending, extreme politeness is likely to result in the best outcome!!!

Donate your Winter Fuel Payment so Somerset’s elderly

don’t have to choose between eating and heating

November 2019

As we head into winter, many of us face an expensive – but essential – bill for heating our homes, while many of our neighbours face a stark decision between eating and heating: a shocking one in eight households in Somerset live in fuel poverty. Thanks to the bright idea of one generous pensioner, hundreds of older people in Somerset are being supported to stay warm, safe and well every winter through Somerset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter campaign.

The campaign encourages people who don’t need their Winter Fuel Payment to donate some or all of it to help local older people who are unable to afford to heat their homes.

Last year, over 500 elderly people living in Somerset were helped through the cold winter months, thanks to generous local donors who donated over £100,000 to Surviving Winter.

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) are also taking part in The Big Give, and online donations to the campaign that are made during the week-long Big Give Christmas Challenge – midday Tuesday 3 December to midday Tuesday 10 December – will be doubled! So, not only will your donation be worth twice as much, but even more older and isolated people across the county will feel warmer and better connected this winter.

If you would like to donate to Surviving Winter, visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter or call 01749 344949.

We all need a bit of help from time to time.
We would like to set up a Good Neighbour Scheme here in Castle Cary.
The idea is that members of our community help each other with small tasks and acts of kindness, for those who need it most. If you like the idea then come along to let us know your thoughts.
(Refreshments Available)

Castle Cary Good Neighbour Scheme meeting

…7th November 19:30 in The Shambles….Agenda here: Open Meeting agenda

Important notice from the Post Office…from 7th November, undeliverable parcels and letters will be taken to Wincanton not Castle Cary Post Office. There will be an option to arrange redelivery so you shouldn’t always have to go to Wincanton.

See this letter for details: Letter re parcel collection from Wincanton

Information from Somerset Waste Partnership.

Click here: SORTED! e-newsletter

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ready-for-brexit-food-farming-tickets-75825705727

Brexit Readiness: Defra Food & Farming Briefing

 

Date:               Wednesday 23 October
Time:              12pm – 2pm

Venue:           Wessex Pavilions, Royal Bath & West Showground, Prestleigh, Nr Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN

 

Defra is working with the NFU, the Heart of the South West LEP and Mendip District Council to host a free ‘Ready for Brexit’ event aimed at businesses within the farming, food and drink sectors.

 

This event is open to all businesses in the Somerset and South West area and will provide information and signposting to the technical support and advice available to help businesses with preparing for Brexit.

Refreshments on arrival.

 

Registration for the event is through the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ready-for-brexit-food-farming-tickets-75825705727

 

Register your voice during National Democracy Week

As part of National Democracy Week, South Somerset District Council is encouraging its residents to register their voice and register to vote to ensure you can have your say at any upcoming election.

During National Democracy Week, SSDC will be posting lots of advice on our social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to help residents register to vote.

Roger Quantock, Elections Specialist at South Somerset District Council, said: “Lots of our residents call us each year to find out if they are registered, to ask whether they can vote and also how to register. All of these frequently asked questions we’re aiming to cover over National Democracy Week so that you, the elector, can make sure you have your say at any election that is coming up in the near future.”

National Democracy Week kicked off today, Monday 14 October 2019. The week is a celebration of democracy in society, and includes events, talks and fun activities across the UK.

The week also aims to encourage more people to get involved in our democracy and increase participation across the UK.

In South Somerset, there are currently 129,900 people registered to vote.

You can register to vote in the quickest and easiest way by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote  and filling in your details. All you need is your National Insurance Number and it takes about five minutes to complete the application. You can also change the way you vote – for example in person, by post or proxy using the website address above.

Earlier this year, residents had the chance to make sure they have the opportunity to have their say when SSDC carried out an annual check of the electoral register. This is known as the annual canvass. During the annual canvass, South Somerset District Council sends a form to every household in the district – around 78,000 – to check that the people registered to vote at that address are correct.

Every household is required to respond so that the authority can make sure the data they hold is correct and up-to-date. Even if someone in the property only recently registered to vote, the council still need a response to the form.

If you have still not completed your form, expect a knock at the door over the coming weeks as appointed council annual canvassers will be chasing the return of the form.

 

 

 

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Please click for the latest Somerset Waste Partnership Briefing, with news about:

• When Recycle More starts rolling out
• Recycling site winter hours and unchanged permit scheme
• Plans to cut the cost of garden waste collections
• Site entry fees end and changes to other charges
• Tackling delayed collections
• And the move away from landfill

Please see attached the Somerset Rivers Authority Annual Report 2018-19, introduced for you here by the SRA Chair Councillor David Hall:

I am writing as Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) to let you know that the SRA has just published its Annual Report 2018-19, showcasing some of the achievements of the SRA during that time.

People and places across Somerset have benefitted from extra SRA-funded flood protection and resilience. In 2018-19, the SRA spent just over £3.8million on actions designed to protect both people and property.

Because there is no one simple solution to Somerset’s flooding challenges, and everyone in the county is affected in one way or another, the SRA invests in a wide range of actions to reduce flood risks and increase resilience when floods do occur. All works are additional to those carried out by other Flood Risk Management Authorities in Somerset.

I have attached two copies of the Annual Report. A longer version gives lots of detail about SRA activities, and is helpful for exploring what’s been done at a more local level. The shorter version is still very informative, but more visual and selective.

I hope very much that you will enjoy reading the SRA Annual Report 2018-19, whichever version you choose.

If you have any comments or questions, or would like to know more, please contact the SRA on [email protected] or call 01823-355111

Thank you – Cllr David Hall, Chair, Somerset Rivers Authority

Somerset Rivers Authority 2018-19 Annual Report summary 1MB

Somerset Rivers Authority 2018-19 Annual Report full length version 3MB

On Monday 12th August a Blue Plaque was unveiled at Cumnock Terrace in Castle Cary, the birthplace of Douglas Macmillan. To find out more, watch the video composed by Macmillan…

This is the present timetable: 667 timetable 2018

…and here is the revised timetable: Service 667 Sept 2019 SCC

“Hello, 

We are NCS (National Citizen Service) and we are trying to end period poverty in Somerset.

 Unfortunately, 137,000 females in the UK have missed school as they were unable to afford sanitary products. Despite being a necessity to 50% of the population at some point, sanitary products are classed as luxury items.

 To help us, you can bring donations of sanitary products all this week and next Tuesday (27th August) to the Market House in Castle Cary.

 You can also spread the word on:

 

Facebook – Fund the Flow

Instagram – fund.the.flow

Twitter – fundtheflow

Email – [email protected]

 

Thank you for your support.”

Somerset Art Weeks Festival

21 September – 6 October 2019

This year’s Festival will host a diverse programme of inspiring art exhibitions, workshops, talks, films and installations in over 130 locations across Somerset, alongside exciting new

commissions, group shows and education projects involving over 300 artists.

2019 marks the Silver Anniversary of Somerset Art Weeks with the first event

in 1994 featuring 160 venues and artists, art groups, organisations and one-off

exhibitions all taking part. It is now the largest visual arts event in the county. Art

Weeks has evolved since 1994 with the essence of art at the heart of Somerset,

investing in the arts community and enriching lives.

www.somersetartworks.org.uk

Official result here: https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/media/2512/declaration-of-result.pdf

726 votes cast: 682 Yes: 43 No: 1 spoiled ballot paper

This is good news for our town as it means more influence on what developers can and cannot do, and also more money.

Many thanks to all who voted.

For those concerned about the current application for 200 more houses on the greenfield site that overlooks that station, please write as soon as possible to the South Somerset District Council. Letters/emails really do make a difference… the more the better…

For details of the application visit the Planning section of the SSDC website. The reference number is: 19/01840/OUT

The OUT means Outline – so you don’t need to pay attention either to the layout or to the design of the houses… only to the principle of building 200 houses on that field

Postal Voters should have received their ballot papers; the Referendum is on Tuesday 30th July, so why do we need a Neighbourhood Plan?

A Neighbourhood Plan gives a community some say over developments within its area… such as where building should take place and what the buildings should look like. It can also influence many other planning matters. It is a legal document which has to be referred to by the local planning authority as well as developers.

Without an NP a community has virtually no control over these things.

After numerous consultations with our community, the NP for Castle Cary and Ansford is completed, it has passed all the necessary examinations and other hurdles and now it is your chance to vote on whether it should be adopted. Remember without it we have no powers, with it we get some control over what happens to our Town.

Once a Neighbourhood Plan is adopted, we as a community can claim more money from developers than we otherwise could.

For more details and to download the full document, please go to: https://www.castlecaryansfordnp.uk/the-neighbourhood-plan1

There’s a vacancy for a Parish clerk in Ansford: http://www.parish-council.com/ansford/news.asp (average 8 hours per week)

VEGETATION OVERHANGING the FOOTWAY AND / OR CARRIAGEWAY 

Somerset County Council (SCC) undertakes highway management throughout the County and one of the duties is to maintain highways as a safe environment for all road users.

Grass verge management is carried out by SCC between May – August annually and details are published on the SCC TravelSomerset website.

The SCC South Somerset Area office received in excess of 350 concerns raised by the public relating to overhanging vegetation in 2018 and approximately 16% of those related to land owners and notice had to be served.

You can appreciate that this has an impact on clerk and officer resource where simple maintenance by land owners could be carried out to reduce or remove this issue.

SCC appreciate that growth occurs in bird nesting season, but hedge cutting works can be carried out providing an inspection of the hedge is carried out prior to any cutting works being undertaken. Generally the bird nesting season should be considered to be between late February and August but is dependent on weather conditions.

I hope that you will be able to co-operate to help reduce occurrences and help to protect the safety of the public.

There will be a road closure along Wyke Road for sewer repairs. See this document for full details: Wyke Road closure 12th August 5 days

 

See this document for full details: Cumnock Road Ansford Hill road closure

The Council seeks to appoint a Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer
(RFO). The appointment is for an average of 17.5 hours per month and the salary
will be as per the national recommended salary scale commensurate with part time
Clerks, LC1, Scale Point 20, (currently £19819 p.a. pro rata.) subject to experience
and qualifications. There is also a small annual home allowance for heat, light and
phone use. A laptop and printer are provided.

The Parish Clerk is the point of liaison for Councillors, residents of the village and
all external organisations. The Clerk is responsible for organising all meetings of
the Council, preparing the agenda (with liaison with the Chairman) and taking and
publishing minutes for meetings. You will deal with all correspondence and
administration, and as Responsible Financial Officer, you will be managing the
financial accounts of the Parish Council and the associated statutory obligations.
You will also update the Parish Council page on the village website.

Excellent literacy, numeracy, book-keeping, communication and IT skills required.
The ideal candidate will be efficient but also a responsive person, able to work well
with our friendly team of local Councillors and the community. Attendance at the
evening meetings of the Council is a requirement of the position. On average there
are 8-10 meetings per year, dates being set by agreement/availability of the Clerk
and Councillors. Preference will be given to candidates who have a relevant local
government qualification such as CiLCA, but training, including via Somerset
Association of Local Councils (SALC) courses will be provided, including expenses
(at the HMRC approved rate) for travel to training locations.

For further details, a copy of the job description and application form, please
contact the Council at [email protected]
For an informal chat about the role please contact the current Clerk, Lisa Wilson, by
email (as above) or by phone on 07587 211150.

Alternatively you can call the Chairman Stephen Crane on 01460 241412.

The closing date for applications is Friday 26 July 2019.

To apply please send a completed application form to the Chairman at
[email protected], or post to The Chairman, Stephen Crane at Little Orchard,
Merriott Road, Lopen, TA13 5JT.

Our Neighbourhood plan has been passed by both the Examiner and the District Executive.

This means we now go to a referendum.

The Question being asked is this:

‘Do you want South Somerset District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Castle Cary and Ansford to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?’

The Referendum, which is organised by South Somerset District Council is to be on Tuesday 30 July.

Voting will take place between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Castle Cary residents should vote in the Market House Shambles; Ansford residents should vote in Caryford Hall.

You will be issued with voting cards by South Somerset District Council and the process is very similar to a General Election, and the same postal and proxy voting rules apply.

If you’ll be away on 30th July, you can apply for a postal vote. You can download the form from this link, but have to send it by post to SSDC ( South Somerset District Council, Electoral Registration Officer, Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil BA20 2HT)

You can borrow a hard copy of the final version of Neighbourhood Plan from the Market House Information Point.

The final version of the Neighbourhood Plan will appear online within the next few days at: www.castlecaryansfordnp.uk 

Lots of information from Somerset Waste Partnership: SWP Briefing June 2019

Details of all the open gardens are on the website: https://www.somerset-hospice.org.uk/glorious-somerset-gardens

…after a run of Bank Holidays, this is the last one for a few months but rubbish & recycling this week will be one day later. Please put all bins out by 07:00 on Saturday morning.

The Castle Cary and Ansford Twinning Association are celebrating 35 years of Twinning with our friends from Remalard, France. We will be hosting 39 visitors to stay in our homes from Thursday 30th May until 2nd June. We have arranged a lunch at Haynes Museum Sparkford on Friday 31st May and a social at Caryford Hall with live music, food and dancing in the evening.

Castle Cary Town Council seek a part time cleaner for the Market House

3 hours per week over two days with a preference for one day being Monday morning. Additional hours available depending on lettings

Pay: £8.52 per hour

Preference given to a local person with experience of working to a very high standard and willing to work the occasional unsocial hours

References required

 

For more information please click here: Specification for Cleaner May 2019

Application forms from the Market House information point, open 9.30am-2pm weekdays or available to download here: Application for Cleaner May 2019

 

 

A vacancy has arisen for a Parish Clerk in Pitcombe. See the link for full details:

parish-clerk-vacancy

…from the meeting in March are available now here: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/dimmer-liaison-group-minutes-reports/    These include mention in Item 6.0 of a planning application for continutation of the composting operation that was conditioned to cease once landfill operations stop.

A link to the planning application is here: https://planning.somerset.gov.uk/Planning/Display/SCC/3595/2019 

Castle Cary Town Council, as neighbouring parish, has been granted an extension for observations, so this will be discussed at the next planning meeting on Monday 3rd June.

 

SWP Briefing: Somerset selects SUEZ as new contractor for Recycle More…more information here: SWP Briefing May 2019

At the Full Council meeting on Monday 13th May, four new Councillors were co-opted:

Steve and Philippa Biddlecombe, Nick Crowley and Rob Worth.

We welcome them and look forward to working with them in the future.

Joint Town & Parish Annual Meeting Agenda 2019

Castle Cary and Ansford Public Information Event by developers before submission of planning application.
3.00pm – 7.00pm
Wednesday 15 May 2019 in Caryford Community Hall

Please see the poster here for full details

 

On Thursday 2nd May the Election of Councillors for South Somerset District Council will take place. Castle Cary and Ansford are in the Cary Ward that has two District Councillors, so each elector can vote for two nominated persons.

The Notice of Nominated Persons as published on the SSDC website for Cary Ward is:

A clearer notice is available here.

 

 

Eat Festival: Castle Cary: 4th May 2019

 10.00 – 17.00: Town Centre location

Event Overview

• Over 70 primary food and drink producers in the town centre

• Court Productions background music/festival soundtrack – outside Market House

• BBQ masterclasses with chef BBQ Forte – all day outside Barclays Bank

• Punch & Judy in near the White Hart – on the hour from 11 a.m.

• Cook School in the Market House – 10.30 – 12.30 and 13.30 – 15.30

• Face painter by Home – all day

• Gardeners Question Time in the Market House – 4 p.m.

• Cary Rangers Netball – by the White Hart

• Griffin Cycles – by the Horsepond

Plenty to see and do. See these posters for more information. Map of the day What’s On

See you all on Saturday

Please don’t forget: a few parts of the Town Centre will be closed to traffic – details are here.  

 

Eat:Castle Cary Festival

4th May 2019

A leaflet is being circulated by a resident raising concerns about the Eat:Castle Cary Festival on 4th May.   Much of what is being said is untrue. Please read the Town Council website to see arrangements for parking, buses etc. https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/eat-castle-cary-update/

Local services, police, ambulance, fire brigade have all been notified and legal documentation has been completed by the organising company Eat:Festivals.

Anyone who is worried should contact: www.eatfestivals.org or email:[email protected]

We forward to seeing you at the free Eat:Festival

Somerset County Council has informed us that there will be a closure of Ansford Road between 09:30 & 15:30 for three days from 8th May.

See this document for full details and a map: Ansford Road 8th May

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ROAD CLOSURE HAS TO STAY IN PLACE OVER THE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

There will be road closures from 13Th April to 3rd May along the A371 from Grove Cross to Shatwell Lane. This document gives full details and a map of the closure: A371 road closure

It’s only just over a month until the Eat Festival in Castle Cary. For full details of the Festival & contact details of the organisers, go to the website: https://www.eatfestivals.org/castlecary

There will be road closures as shown in this document from Highways:

Notice of road closures 4th May

The Order will come into operation on the 4th May 2019 between the hours of 0700 hours and 2300 hours.
Exemptions are provided in the Order for emergency vehicles, residents requiring access and egress and any vehicles associated with the event.

For a clearer view of the map, click here: Plan_Eat_Castle_Cary_-_Temporary_Prohibition_of_Vehicles_and_Temporary_Suspension_of_One_Way

A Public Meeting
Thursday 14th March, 7.30pm,
The Shambles, Market House, Castle Cary, BA7 7AH

A Greener Cary?
We face a crisis. Plastic pollution, climate change, poor air quality and a shortage of landfill sites are just part of the problem. Some people just don’t think about it. Others think they can’t do anything. But lots of people are concerned and want to do something. Many of them in this town.
On 14th March in the Shambles at the Market House in Castle Cary there will be a meeting for organisations, businesses and individuals in the town who want to do something to make Castle Cary greener. We can’t solve the global problem, but we can do things which will improve the bit of the world we live in, and we can do things locally which have an impact for good elsewhere.
Just a few possibilities: we can reduce the amount of carbon we emit by improving our transport system so we rely less on vans, cars and trucks; shops can stock goods which have been transported shorter distances; we can eat food which has less impact on the environment; we can develop our local entertainment so there is less need to travel away. You no doubt have lots of other ideas.
As do other people in Castle Cary, Ansford and the villages round about, many of whom are already trying to do something. At the meeting on 14th March we will identify what we are already doing to make the Castle Cary area greener, gather ideas for another Green Fair on 14th September, and think of what we can do long term. Finally we’ll decide how we can take this forward.
If you’re concerned to make Cary greener, do come to the meeting. And encourage other people through your organisation or business to come too. There is a lot we can do, and we can do more together than as individuals.
Greener Cary
For more information contact: David Osborne at [email protected] or 01963 351275
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenercary/
How can we make Cary greener?
A Public Meeting
Thursday 14th March, 7.30pm,
The Shambles, Market House, Castle Cary, BA7 7AH

Please see the Parish Councils Notice of Election here.

Update 13th April: 9 people have been nominated for 13 places on the Town Council. Therefore they have been elected without a contest. See https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/media/2150/parish-council-notices-of-uncontested-elections.pdf

Please see the District Council Notice of Election here.

Castle Cary Town Council have received the following information from Somerset County Council:

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984,

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Barrow Road, North Barrow

I am writing to inform you that Somerset County Council as the Highway Authority have received an application for the temporary closure of Barrow Road from Somerset County Council.

This road will be closed from 06 May 2019 and is expected to last for 35 days to enable trenching across the carriageway to carry out masonry repairs and concrete saddling over arches to be carried out.

Please find enclosed a plan showing the length of the closure in RED and the alternative route in BLUE.

Every effort will be made to keep the duration of this closure to a minimum to reduce any further disruption.

For any further information please contact Somerset County Council – Structures Dept on 0300 123 2224

Yours sincerely

The Road Closure Team

Castle Cary Town Council
Job Vacancy
Town Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer
Salary within the grade LC2
(from 1st April 2019 SCP 24-32 £27905-£34788)
Subject to experience and qualifications.
Full-time 37hrs per week

Castle Cary Town Council is an innovative and energetic Council at the centre of a growing and active local community. The Council has Foundation status in the Local Council Award scheme and aspires to achieve Quality level following the May elections.

We are now seeking highly organised and committed applicants to undertake this key role which is responsible for all day-to-day organisation and management of the Council’s finances, staff, facilities and services. This is a demanding job and you will need vision, a high level of motivation, excellent leadership, accounting, management, administrative, inter-personal and IT skills in order to work successfully with staff, Councillors, our community, external organisations and stakeholders.

Ideally you should possess the CiLCA qualification and have a sound understanding of local authority organisation and management.

The post is full-time (37 hours per week) and some evening meeting attendance is required. We offer excellent nationally based terms and conditions of employment for this full-time post which involves evening and weekend attendance.

Please visit our website www.castle-cary.co.uk to download a recruitment pack and an application form.

For an informal discussion feel free to contact our current Town Clerk, Sue Hake on 01963 359631

Closing date for applications:  12 noon Monday 18th March 2019.

Interviews will be held on 27th and 28th March 2019. Candidates should ensure they are available to attend on these days should they be selected for interview at each stage.

Castle Cary Town Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Letter to Applicants; Job Description Castle Cary Town Clerk; Town Clerk person specification; Application form for Town Clerk

…

 

Traffic Lights

Please accept, on behalf of everyone at Emily Estate, our apologies for any inconvenience caused by the traffic lights on the A371 and the A359. The works on the A359 will provide a turning lane for traffic arriving at the Visitor attraction and hotel, providing a safer turning and avoiding local traffic being delayed. The A371 works will provide an underpass thus, as much as practicably possible, keeping estate and visitor traffic away from the main highway when accessing other parts of the estate.

Also, in conjunction with Somerset highways, we have taken this opportunity to even out the bend that has been the cause of so many accidents.  The contractors have been asked to ensure that the lights are serviced on a regular basis as we have been made aware that they are sometimes faulty.

18th/19th Feb: There is likely to be some disruption to the entrance of Green Lane opposite A359 gate of Emily Estate.

6-8 March: There will be a total road closure on Cary Edge Lane whilst the stretch outside the new visitor carpark is resurfaced. This is a fixed date for a formal road closure and will be signed and diverted accordingly.

18th March: (weather and programme permitting) will final surfacing on the A359 stretch. On this day, during short periods, there will be long delays at the works whilst the centre of the road is surfaced. There will not be a road closure but the traffic will need to be stopped and held for up to 15 mins, on 1 or 2 occasions during that day. This date is not fixed and it will be confirmed exactly which day it will be nearer the time. We will put signs up with advance notice a week prior.

22nd March: A359 traffic lights should be removed

31st March: A371 traffic lights should be removed

We do appreciate your patience and thank you for bearing with us.

15.02.19

Lloyd’s Mobile Bank parks in Wincanton at the following times:

Monday 9.30 – 11.00
Tuesday 9.30 – 12.45
Wednesday 13.00 – 15.00

Go into the Memorial Hall car park;  drive as far as you can into the walled car park.

A message from Somerset Waste Partnership…..

Apologies if your waste has yet to be collected. We know the areas affected, we are making every effort to get back to you, and much has already been achieved. Our hardworking crews will reach you as soon as possible.

With safety the first priority for collection crews and recycling site staff, kerbside services and sites were seriously affected on Friday. Indeed, we are aware that some communities on higher ground are still inaccessible.

To concentrate vehicles and crews on core tasks, garden waste collections have been suspended (as set out in the subscription terms and conditions).

We are making catch-up collections once usual services are completed, so do make sure your waste is out by 7am on Tuesday (or later if we face further delays).

To avoid litter from waste containers if windy, please squash all containers except glass and aerosols, and stack recycling boxes with heavier items – or the locked food bin – on top.

Recycling sites are all on their usual schedules and offer an option for those with excess waste or who are keen to clear materials, if they have time and transport.

All items in kerbside recycling (and dozens more, including household and food plastic pots, tubs and trays) can be recycled at recycling sites, except food waste.

If food waste cannot be recycled kerbside, it can be double bagged and placed in the skips for landfill burial.

Finally, if possible, please help older and vulnerable people in your community with any waste problems.

More site details: https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling/centres/

 

For more weather and waste advice, please check: https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/slider/waste-in-cold-wet-or-windy-weather/

For latest updates, like us on www.facebook.com/somersetwaste

And follow us on www.twitter.com/somersetwaste

Apologies again, and thank you for your help.

Regards

Somerset Waste Partnership

We manage waste and recycling services for all local authorities in Somerset

For information on our services and lots more visit: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk

From the Somerset Waste Partnership home page, sign up for our e-zine

 

 

 

 

Plan with https://www.travelsomerset.co.uk/

Also useful when there is no snow but may be roadworks etc….

Avon and Somerset Constabulary posted the following update last night (Wednesday 23rd January) about the incident in Castle Cary in the early hours:

A message from Avon & Somerset Constabulary:

We have this morning arrested a man wanted in connection with a robbery in the Yeovil area.

He was arrested from a property in the Park Street area of Castle Cary at about 4.30am, following a three hour operation, which involved firearms officers.

Sorry folks, bad news.
You may have seen  that builders are working on the Barclays Bank cash machine area.
The planning application by Barclays Bank, approved last year, was to install an access door from the road side to the doorway, which, with some internal reconfiguration, will result in the creation of a dedicated ATM safe room.
This will allow the ATM facility to be protected as a local facility regardless of what happens to the operation of the main building and offer a safer delivery of cash to the machine for personnel servicing the machine.
The builders were aiming to have it loaded and operational by Friday this week, however they have experienced some challenges and need to rebuild the wall for the ATM so it is likely to be another week; the machine may not be operational until Friday 1st February.
Please don’t interrupt the builders asking for cash; they cannot help and interruptions will delay their work…..

Do you belong to a Community Group that is prepared to start up a Table Tennis activity? If so, click on this link for details about funding: https://tabletennisengland.co.uk/news/featured-news/applications-open-for-fully-funded-ping-in-the-community-packages/

 

 N 

IMPORTANT – FOXES RUN
Planning Inspector to hold Appeal Hearing
at SSDC Wincanton Offices* on Tuesday 15 January 2019 starting at 10am

The outcome will decide whether to allow 27 dwellings to be built on land known
as Foxes Run adjoining Bridgwater Buildings/Mill Lane.
PROPOSAL
• The cul-de-sacs of Brookfields and Mill Lane/Bridgwater Buildings would be
removed.
• ALL 2 WAY TRAFFIC generated by the development would access and egress
the Foxes Run site via Brookfields/Torbay Road.
• ALL TRAFFIC entering Mill Lane/Bridgwater Buildings from Station Road would
be directed onwards via Brookfields making it a through road.
The result would be mayhem for the local road network. Children’s safety and
freedom to play would be severely compromised. The loss of amenity and risk to
pedestrians and all residents, especially in Mill Lane where there is no footpath,
would be extreme.

Please offer your support by your presence at the Hearing. Planning Inspectors do
take note of the level of local concern.
If you wish to speak, this will be at the discretion of the Planning Inspector. You
would need to arrive by 9.45am latest to register to do so. It is important to be
polite, brief and non-repetitive.
* South Somerset District Council Offices, Churchfield, Wincanton, BA9 9AG
Note: Foxes Run planning application number is: 16/03447/FUL

All members of Castle Cary Town Council wish the residents, visitors and friends of Castle Cary and Ansford a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!

The opening hours for the Information Point over the festive period are:

Closed Monday Dec.  24^th -Thursday  Dec. 27^th

Open Friday Dec. 28^th 9:30 – 12:30 and Saturday Dec. 29^th 9-12:00

Closed Monday Dec. 31^st and Tuesday 1^st January

Return to normal (09:30 – 12.30) on Wednesday 2^nd January

The 1st Castle Cary Scout Group is pleased to announce that the improvement works carried out at their Scout Halls are now complete and would like to thank Viridor Credits Environmental Company for funding this work via The Landfill Communities Fund.

We would also like to thank those organisations and individuals within our community who supported us with our grant application.

2019 marks 100 years of Scouting within Castle Cary and our new facilities will ensure that young people involved with Scouting will meet in a safe and modern environment as we progress through the coming years.

To celebrate the modernisation of our Halls, a Service will be held at All Saints Church on Sunday 24th February 2019 at 14:30 hours. This will be followed by the official opening and refreshments in our newly refurbished Halls.

All members of the community are invited to join us; if you would like to attend please contact Roy on 01963 351025 or e-mail [email protected]

 

 

Christmas waste, recycling and office arrangements

 

Collection of waste and recycling

 

Christmas waste and recycling collections will be running but with revisions to the day of collection as listed below:

 

Usual collection day	New collection day
Monday 24 December	No change
Tuesday 25 December – Friday 28 December	All two days later (including Tuesday collections on Thursday 27 and Friday collections on Sunday 30)
Monday 31 December	No change
Tuesday 1 January – Friday 4 January	All one day later (including Friday collections on Saturday 5)
Monday 7 January	All usual collections resume

 

Between 24 December and 4 January there will be no garden waste collections. They will continue as normal following Monday 7 January.

Recycling sites will follow their usual schedules but they will all be closed on 25-26 December and 1 January. They will also close at 4pm on Monday 24 and 31 December.

Office hours

All offices will be closed to the public from 4.45pm on Friday 21 December 2018, opening again on Wednesday 2 January 2019.

For a list of all our offices and normal opening times, visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/visit-our-offices.

It will be business as usual for our streetscene, enforcement and car parking inspector teams through the festive period.

To view all of our news releases, please visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/latest-news

Issued by:

South Somerset District Council Communications Team

Tel: 01935 462130

Please click here for details of our local police beat team.

A one day road closure will operate, on Friday 18th January, at the junction of South Cary Lane with Church Street. (09:30-15:30)

South Cary Lane

 

The usual road closures will operate for Big Christmas on Thursday 6th December…..

The Castle Cary and Ansford Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to South Somerset District Council, which has a duty to now carry out consultation prior to the Plan’s examination by an independent Examiner, to be appointed by the District Council. You have the opportunity to comment before the Examination takes place.

The consultation period runs from 29th November 2018 to 19th January 2019. Please see the Castle Cary and Ansford Submission Notice, which provides guidance as to how you may inspect the associated documentation and how comments should be made should you wish to do so. To make a response please use  this form.

Please be aware that a summary of all representations received will be publicly available and will appear on the South Somerset District Council website.

Following this consultation, the comments received will be passed to the Examiner, who will consider the representations and recommend whether the Neighbourhood Plan should be put to a community referendum.

Please ensure that any comments on the Neighbourhood Plan are received by South Somerset District Council no later than 19th January 2019.

Form more details of the Neighbourhood Plan, see the website: https://www.castlecaryansfordnp.uk

Town Councillor Hedge (was Hornbeam) recently married Mark Burley. We send many congratulations and wishes for their future happiness. Hedge is now known as Hedge Burley

Attack by Siegfried Sassoon

At dawn the ridge emerges massed and dun
In the wild purple of the glow’ring sun,
Smouldering through spouts of drifting smoke that shroud
The menacing scarred slope; and, one by one,
Tanks creep and topple forward to the wire.
The barrage roars and lifts. Then, clumsily bowed
With bombs and guns and shovels and battle-gear,
Men jostle and climb to, meet the bristling fire.
Lines of grey, muttering faces, masked with fear,
They leave their trenches, going over the top,
While time ticks blank and busy on their wrists,
And hope, with furtive eyes and grappling fists,
Flounders in mud. O Jesus, make it stop!

At 11:00 on 11th November 1918 the guns did, finally, fall silent. To mark this, and to show our respect for those that fought, and died, for the freedoms we have today, Cary 2000 will be setting off 100 bird scarers on Lodge Hill at 10:55 on Sunday 11th November. This will give us all a representation of just what it was like for our men in the trenches when ‘The War to end all Wars’ ended.
There will be several warnings over the next 10 days, published, online and via Cary Crier, so please let everyone know and ensure that animals are kept inside for these few minutes and that anyone who may be traumatised by the sounds has someone with them or is away from Cary.

​

Castle Cary & Ansford Centenary Remembrance of World War 1

This year the Armistice Remembrance will be marked with some different activities in our town. We will be positioning 150 large poppies throughout the town. This will be followed by flags placed at the back of the Horsepond, on the Market House and down the High Street, in shop windows and on flag poles. Many of our shops will decorate their windows and the War Memorial at the Horsepond will be draped with a cascade of poppies.

The poppy collections led by Bridget Laver will start in the town in the week beginning 29th October.

On Saturday 3rd November the Shambles will host an exhibition prepared by the Museum and Living History Group. This exhibition will be open whenever the Shambles is not booked for an event to view. The days are; Saturday 3rd November, Tuesday morning, Wednesday all day, Thursday morning, Friday all day and Saturday morning when it will transfer to the Museum for viewing on Sunday 11th November.
The Museum has extended its opening days until Sunday 11th November. It’s will be open from 10.30-12.30 and 2.00-4.00pm. It is full of memorabilia and a fabulous poppy quilt ‘In Flanders Fields’ made with love by Catherine Millar and lent to them for the occasion.

The Vintage Market will take place on 11th November and they will be having some appropriate music playing after the Act of Remembrance.

Both Churches will have displays and they be open for reflection in the week leading up to Sunday. The Creative Writing Group at the Shambles has written stories and poems about World War1 and one will be read in All Saints’ Church after 11.00 each day.

In addition there will be a few surprises to watch out for before the solemnity of the British Legion service at All Saints’ Church at 10.00am. The congregation will process round the town led by the Clergy and the British Legion to the War Memorial for the act of Remembrance. The men of Castle Cary and Ansford will be remembered by name after the silence. After the service there will be an opportunity to walk up to Ansford Church and the Ansford War Memorial to honour the dead.

We would like to make you aware that 100 bird scarers will be set off in very quick succession from the top of Lodge Hill to mark the moment the guns fell silent. They will go off before 11.00 am and will be followed by two minutes silence. Please keep your animals in and warn friends or relatives who might be alarmed. The Police have been informed.

These events have been planned by a small group of people from our community and supported by Cary 2000 and the Town Council

---

Many people in Cary will have known Peter Willcock. He and Paula moved to Camberley recently and, sadly, he died on 15th September. His funeral has taken place but Paula has planned a Memorial Service on 24th November at 2pm at the Methodist Church. All who knew him are welcome to attend.

Details of the proposals by the County Council for Somerset libraries can be found here: http://somersetlibraries.co.uk/redesign/

Castle Cary library is recommended for a Community Library Partnership

 

 

CCACS Press Release Childrens Carnival

Several upgrades are planned during the Autumn….https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/SWupgrade

180920 Press RELEASE – VA Big Lottery Success KR

In memory Barry Moorhouse who was an active member, and latterly Chair, of the Town Council his sons (Guy & Ben) will be cycle a 100 miles on the 23rd September to raise much needed funds for St Margaret’s Hospice.

They say:

On February 20th of this year, our wonderful Dad passed away after a battle with inoperable pancreatic cancer. An awful time, during which we needed whatever help we could get for Dad to give him and my step mum the best quality of life possible in his final weeks.

For us, this help came in the form of St. Margaret’s Hospice. Amazing people doing amazing work – giving everything to help people like Dad get every last bit of value out of what remains of their shortened lives.

My brother and I are supporting St Margaret’s, cycling 100 miles next month in my dad’s memory at the Vélo South sportive.

We would be so grateful if you could contribute whatever you can to our fundraiser – St. Margaret’s Hospice have limited financial support and need charitable donations to continue doing the vital work that they do.

Your help would mean everything to them and us.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/in-memory-of-barry

Greg Morter is running his new course The Human Story at the Shambles, Market House, Castle Cary

Wednesday 26 September 3-5 p.m. for 8 weeks

Cost £80.00

Enrol at the Market House (open Mon-Sat 9.30 a.m. – 12 noon)

The Human Story
From subsistence tribes to global village
If you’ve ever wished you had a better grasp of the broad sweep and patterns of human history, then this is the course for you. We’ll be covering the whole span of history while asking, and trying to answer, some big questions. Why, for example, did our ancestors survive when our cousins, the Neanderthals, became extinct? Why were plants domesticated in some places but not others?  Why did many places in different parts of the world experience very similar processes of urbanisation, centralisation of power and empire building? And why, in the nineteenth century, did Britain become the dominant global power rather than, say, China.

Somerset Open Studios…………..start on Saturday 15th September. For further details: https://somersetartworks.org.uk/openstudios2018/

…who was co-opted to Castle Cary Town Council at our Full Meeting last night (17th September 2018) We all look forward to working with her.

Council of the future: Our Transformation Programme

South Somerset District Council’s Transformation Programme is an ambitious and exciting project which is all about putting our customers first – that’s our residents, businesses and partners. It is about building the Council of the future – a modern, flexible and efficient council able to deliver better services and outcomes for South Somerset in the context of significantly less funding.

The Council is currently rethinking the way it operates with the aim of launching a new way of working, very different to how councils traditionally have operated, in January 2019. Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about the project:

Why does the council need to transform?

The Council is currently operating in a complex financial climate, where between 2017 and 2021, £6 million worth of savings need to be achieved, in addition to the £12 million already saved since 2010. SSDC has sustained a 70% reduction in its government grant funding since 2010 and further reductions are likely in the future whilst demand for and costs of many services continues to rise.

In order to achieve these savings without cutting services – like our planning service, the way we deliver benefits, our play parks and beautiful public spaces like Yeovil Country Park and Chard Reservoir – change is needed.

We won’t be cutting services – we are redesigning them in a way where our staff will be able to deliver everything you need as effectively as possible.

The Council is currently financially secure and Transformation will help us to maintain this position so we can continue to deliver for our communities.

What are the aims of Transformation?

Our aim for Transformation is to build a council that works as one team and is ambitious for South Somerset and the communities we serve. To do this we will be a modern and efficient organisation that is:
Great to work for
Excellent to work with
Leading the way in local government
And everything we do is focussed on delivering for our communities

What this means for our services and customers is we will:
Get more customers online and tackle more issues at the first point of contact
Have 24/7 online access for our customers
Continue to ensure that customers receive face to face help if they need it, at a place and time convenient to them
To develop a flexible workforce and create a new council structure based on customer needs.
Develop a Case Management approach to deliver excellent customer service and the outcome the customer wants

What does this mean and how will this affect residents, businesses and partners?

We’re finding ways to link our different service areas so that when you contact us, we have multi-skilled members of staff who can deal with as much as possible at the first point of call and get the different services delivered for you.

When your needs are more complex, you will be able to access specialist officers who can help you every step of the way.

A new customer facing website, with the option to create your own personal account (My Account), will allow users […]

Vacancy for a cleaner

Redesign of Council Offices at Petters Way in Yeovil will give customers better experience.

The front of house area at the District Council’s offices in Petters Way will see a redesign which will offer customers a better experience with a fresh, modern and contemporary environment.

Plans to redesign the area, which include submitting a planning application for a new entrance, will see a self-serve zone implemented and other facilities that will be technology enabled to promote self-service to customers.

Those customers who need face to face help will still be able to receive that level service to enable a fast resolution to customer enquiries.

The area will be focussed on the Council’s new way of working, with Customer focussed officers greeting customers to promote self-service by supporting them to develop skills and do more themselves. It will also provide a convenient location to get advice and access a whole range of services.

The new front of house will create a space for greeting customers/triage, self-serve, reception desk, informal meeting areas and private interview rooms.

Councillor Henry Hobhouse, Portfolio Holder for Property, Climate Change and Income Generation said: “It is critical we get the space right and we want to ensure the space increases customer and staff satisfaction. Officers have visited many other public sector organisations to try to find the best outcome for the front of house area”.

Customers can access services online at any time of the day by using the Council’s range of online services including paying Council Tax or other bills, reporting missed waste or recycling collections, registering to vote, applying for Housing Benefit, joining the housing list or making a planning application plus much more. Visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/online-services to see the range of services currently available.

In early 2019, a brand new website with personal online customer accounts will be introduced, making going online and dealing with council-related queries easier and more conveinient.

The application, which has been submitted to Planning Officers, to create a new glass-fronted entrance way at Petters House can be found on the SSDC Planning Portal at https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/planningdetails/

 

CASTLE CARY TOWN COUNCIL

NOTICE FROM PLANNING COMMITTEE

Planning Application Numbers 18/01602/FUL & 18/01603/LBC

Demolition of existing buildings, conversion of and alterations to listed buildings to form 11 No. dwellings, the erection of 70 No. dwellings (total 81 No. dwellings) and associated works, including access and off-site highway works, parking, landscaping, open space, footpath links and drainage infrastructure.

Former BMI Site, Cumnock Road, Castle Cary, BA7 7HR

Deferment request granted

Please be aware that the date for public comments on the above application has been extended from 13th & 16th July

to 22nd July 2018.

Signed ………………………………..Claire Craner-Buckley Deputy Town Clerk

Dated: 11.7.18

See here for full details: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/road-closure-on-b3153-alford-9th-august/

………for three days excluding weekends 07:30 to 17:30 See here for full details: Letter RCNSS9949 – Notice 1

See here for full details: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/road-closure-in-victoria-road-13th-august-for-nine-weeks/

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984,

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Victoria Road, Castle Cary

Somerset County Council as the Highway Authority have received an application for the temporary closure of Victoria Road from Wales & West Utilities.

This road will be closed from 13^th August 2018 and is expected to last for 9 weeks (24hrs) to enable gas mains replacement works to be carried out in this road.

Please find in these links: 180813 Victoria road letter 180813 Victoria Road a plan showing the length of the closure in RED and the alternative route in BLUE.

Every effort will be made to keep the duration of this closure to a minimum to reduce any further disruption.

For any further information please contact Wales & West Utilities on 0800 9122 999.

The Board of Governors at Castle Cary Primary School are looking for a new clerk. See here for details and contacts: Advertisement for a Clerk to the Board of Governors

Please put your rubbish and recycling out before 06:00 this Friday, 29th June: https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/

New arrangements for contacting the Planning service at South Somerset District Council have been put in place to allow the team to deal with a current backlog of planning applications.

The arrangements, which will commence from Monday 25 June until further notice, will give Planning Officers more time without interruption to allow for catch up and avoid demand failure whilst maintaining a good level of customer service.

Incoming direct calls to the Planning service will only be answered between 9.00am – 10.00am and 4.00pm – 5.00pm daily. During all other hours, calls will go to voicemail and be actioned when the Planning Officer becomes available.

The Duty Planner service will only operate from 9.00am until 1.00pm daily. Duty Planner calls are received by calling 01935 462462. After 1.00pm messages will be taken and passed to Planning Officers to action.

Should you need to contact a known Planning Officer who is dealing with a case that is currently live, we advise you email the Officer direct.

Until further notice, there will be no Planning Officer cover for walk-ins at the Brympton Way, Petters Way Wincanton and Chard offices. If you are coming to any of the offices looking to speak to a Planning Officer, a message will be taken and emailed to a specific Case Officer or to the Duty Planner.

Councillor Angie Singleton, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning said, “We want to ensure we offer a good level of service to customers and residents whilst dealing with the current backlog of applications and to do that, we need to ensure Officers have sufficient time to deal with applications.

“We understand it can be frustrating when you can’t immediately get through to who you need to speak with, but this new arrangement will allow Officers to register and assess applications quicker. If you need to discuss an issue about an application that is already live, it’s advised to email the Planning Officer direct who will then deal with your email when time allows. We thank you for your understanding of the current situation and your patience with this matter”.

There is a comprehensive guide to the Planning service at South Somerset District Council online. If you are looking for advice or guidance, please visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/planning. Current or previous planning applications can be viewed at www.southsomerset.gov.uk by entering the planning reference or a keyword into the Planning search box on the homepage.

South Somerset District Council (SSDC) is offering help for small businesses to improve their profile on the internet and encourage more visitors into town centres.

South Somerset District Council is offering a Digital High Street grant of up to £500 to be used for digital improvements including commissioning photography, film, branding, artwork design and website set-up or upgrade.

The grant is available for small business and not for profit organisations based in Wincanton, Bruton, Castle Cary, Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Langport, Martock, Milborne Port, Somerton and South Petherton. 

Applicants need to contribute 50% of the required funds and the grants will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis to businesses that meet the criteria.

The grants scheme was conceived by SSDC’s Market Towns Investment Group (MTIG) following an audit to assess the digital presence of the town centres.  MTIG draws passionate advocates for the market towns from across the district – town and district councillors, regeneration groups and business representatives – to work together to improve the public realm and raise the profile of South Somerset.

Councillor Angie Singleton, Portfolio Holder for SSDC’s Market Town Vision, says: “We want the scheme to reach out to people running small businesses and attractions in our market towns.  This is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of your business in the exciting digital world.”

You can apply for a “Digital High Street” grant for your business by emailing: [email protected] or pick up an information leaflet at the Wincanton, Chard and Crewkerne Community Office SSDC Community Offices.

Things are moving on apace at Fairfield!

May saw the opening of the pump track which has proved to be very popular and the installation of the meadow gym. The gym is at the Clothier Meadow end of the field and will give all adults the chance for a good workout in the open air. We recommend that children should only use this equipment with adult supervision.

This month should see the installation of the children’s adventure trail and over the summer months we will be requesting help to plant the sensory garden.

The project for transformation of the agricultural field into a green open space with activities for all the community is coming to fruition. We are planning a grand opening for Saturday 1 September  SAVE THE DATE and wait for more news.

 

 

 

Recycling: plastic food pots, tubs & trays are now being recycled in Somerset, BUT kerbside collections will not start until 2020. The good news is that the organisers of our Tuesday market have nobly offered to collect these items and bulk deliver them to Dimmer…..Altruism lives! Kerbside collection of plastic bottles continues – please remember to remove all lids, spray tops etc as these are usually made of a different sort of plastic. Please rinse all items

Welcome to Hedge Hornbeam who was co-opted as a Town Councillor in our Town Council meeting on May 21st. We still have one vacancy so please let us know if you’re interested in joining our team. [email protected]

 

Please join the Castle Cary Chamber of Commerce for a

CCCoCtail Party

Tuesday 5^th June 2018

6pm-8pm

The Gallery Bar
Chat with other local business people

Eat pizza

Share ideas

Discover how the Chamber of Commerce can help business in the town

Find out how to get involved

 

RSVP: Jeanne Cox

[email protected]

07885 879626

 

 

Dear Friends of Care4Cary

We have good news!

Community action has made a difference once more
The Planning Inspector has dismissed Andrew Hopkins’ appeal to locate a parking and valeting site for 991 cars at Dimmer. Richard Jones is the third Inspector who has agreed with local residents’ concerns about the poor safety and amenity of the B3153 for local residents and road users. The language of the dismissal was very clear. Click on this link to read it http://cip.southsomerset.gov.uk/Planning/lg/GFPlanningViewDocumentInDialog.page?DocNo=8498554. Huge thanks to the many people who wrote letters, sent photos and made lengthy submissions. It is clear from the Inspector’s report that your arguments were pivotal.

Together with other interested parties, Care4Cary is planning to present to Somerset Highways a dossier on this stretch of the B3153, which will include a report from an independent traffic consultant and incontrovertible traffic data. We will not give up until Highways recognises that there is a serious issue with the road between Lydford Cross and Ansford Bridge, and that something needs to be done about it.

THE CASTLE CARY TOWN CRIER

The Castle Cary Town Crier is an email information service run by the Town Council. Every now and then, it sends out snippets of news about events or issues relating to the town (or Ansford) that may be of interest or concern to residents – and nothing else.

We promise not to allow any individual, company or organisation to have access to our mailing list. And we will not send you rubbish.

We reserve the right to refuse items sent to us and to edit acceptable items if necessary.

This is an ‘opt in,’ service and many of you have done this in the past. However, because we cannot prove this, we are asking those of you who are already signed up to contact us at [email protected] and ask to ‘opt-in’ again. (If we have already contacted you about this and you have replied there is no need to do so again.)

Our old email list will become obsolete (due to the new General Data Protection Regulations) on 25th May….

For those of you who have not already signed up, here are a few of the comments about this service which we have received this week from some of our members who are opting to stay on the list.

• I’m in, thank you for all the hard work & info.
• Keep up the good work and thank you for this service.
• Well done, Cary Town Crier, you do a great job and we definitely opt in!
• I would like to continue to receive your emails as you provide a very useful information service.
• Thank you very much,
• Your efforts are much appreciated.
• Thank you (for all your continued hard work)!
• Please keep me informed about events in Cary and environs as you have been doing. Much appreciated.
• Yes please. Most certainly. Many thanks for keeping us informed.
• Your service is wonderful and much appreciated.
• Please continue to email me, as I find the info very useful.
• Yes please, very useful and interesting.
• Yes. I love receiving them. Brilliant service. Thank you.
• Yes please – it’s a really useful service!

It appears that some people are having problems receiving emails from Cary Crier ([email protected]) This is probably because they are sent out in bulk and may be deteced by your email provider as spam. If you suspect this may be the case, please check your spam/junk folder and, if Cary Crier emails are lurking there, make them as ‘not spam’. Hopefully that will solve the problem.
If you haven’t yet signed up to receive emails about important or interesting events, consultations, etc., please go to: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/sign-up-for-cary-crier-our-to…/

Tomorrow morning (Friday 13 April) HRH the Princess Royal will be landing by helicopter on the Donald Pither memorial field and she will be taken by car to the Save the Children shop on Fore Street where she will be shown round by Ainslie and introduced to staff.

Please don’t forget

There is a public consultation about our draft Neighbourhood Plan on Saturday 17 March in the Market house (9.30 – 2.30)

This is your chance to let us know your views on, and suggest improvements to, the Castle Cary and Ansford draft Neighbourhood plan.

You can view the plan online at www.castlecaryansfordnp.uk or borrow a paper copy from the Market House Information Point.

So do join us on Saturday or email [email protected] or drop your comments off at the Market House.

All responses must be in by 1 May 2018.

Sue Moorhouse and family

Invite you to join them

at

Caryford Hall, Maggs Lane, Ansford,

Castle Cary BA7 7JJ

on

Friday 6th April at 2.00pm

For tea and cakes

To reflect on and celebrate Barry’s life

Many thanks to all the many heroes who helped clear roads and paths, shopped for others and shared meals, kept the shops open, helped to get people to work in their 4x4s and generally kept us safe in the last few days. The sight of young people and their parents building snowmen, snowboarding and tobogganing on our very own ‘ski slopes’ warmed everyone’s hearts.
Keep shopping locally #lovecastlecary

……………..in this extreme weather please take the time to ensure that people who are elderly or confined to their homes, are managing to keep fed and warm.

If you are able to clear the path outside your house, please do – let’s try to make it a safe journey for all.

If you know of someone who needs some support, please let us know and we will try to address their need.

In the meantime, a Lent lunch of warming soup and bread will be served in All Saints’ Church on Friday 2nd March from 12.30 pm.  Everyone is welcome

On Saturday 3rd March there will be a coffee morning in the Shambles, (not the Undercroft! ) where you can come to talk to us about anyone you are concerned about and we will try to help.

At the coffee morning you can also view the progress on the Fairfield development.

 

Thank you to everyone who is being a good neighbour in our compassionate community.

 

The draft NP is now available in printed form from the Market House information point. 

All Town Councilllors, staff and volunteers are devastated to hear that our recent Chair of Council Barry Moorhouse died early this morning.
He’d been active on Facebook recently extolling the care he was receiving from St. Margaret’s Somerset Hospice in Yeovil, and several of us had visited him in the past couple of weeks. His wife Sue has asked us to share the news on Facebook and here.
We send our deepenst condolences to Sue and all Barry’s family who are together this week to mark what would have been his birthday on Thursday.

Highways England are currently consulting on the proposal to upgrade the A303 between

Sparkford and Ilchester to a dual carriageway.  Here is the consultation brochure and below is the link to the on-line consultation.

https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/he/a303-sparkford-to-ilchester-statutory-consultation/

This statutory consultation is your Town or Parishes opportunity to express your views on the design of the proposed scheme in advance of the application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise construction of the project.

Businesses, local authorities, public bodies, road users and the communities and neighbouring areas can play an important part in the development of the scheme design. Your feedback is therefore essential to this consultation as it will enable Highways England to improve the scheme before they start the planning process.

The consultation closes on 9th March 2018.

Local Ward boundaries are set to change.

Further details here: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/news/electoral-review/have-your-say-on-new-political-map-of-south-somerset

The proposal for Cary Ward is as follows: “There is a development taking place in Castle Cary that will prompt Cary to have electoral inequality by 2023 (16%) if its present ward boundaries are retained.
We received one submission regarding Cary, as part of the Officers’ proposal for the district.
This proposal suggested moving the parish of Babcary into Camelot ward and the parish of Yarlington into Camelot ward. We are recommending a draft Cary ward comprising the parishes of
Alford, Ansford, Castle Cary, Lovington, North Barrow, North Cadbury and South Barrow.

Cary ward will have good electoral equality by 2023.”

However, there is a lot more detail in the link above and below.

https://www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/south-west/somerset/south-somerset

 

There will be a road closure on the A359 (see map) from Monday 26th February to Friday 23rd March, including weekends.

We have been asked to publicise Smart Meter roll out on our website. However, while government and Ofgem believe that all consumers will benefit from having smart meters, they aren’t compulsory and you can choose not to have one.

Choosing not to have a smart meter installed may mean you don’t have access to all the available tariffs on the market, some of which could be cheaper.

If you do not want to have a smart meter installed now, you will still be able to have one installed (free of charge) at a later date.

Here is the information about domestic smart meters and here is information for non-domestic properties.

There will be a drop in event to discuss the proposed Library changes, on 14th March from 2.30 to 5.30pm in The Market House.

EatCary Community Garden and its future: EatCary runs the community vegetable garden between Ansford Academy, Maggs Lane and the A371 – there is a footpath up to it on the corner.

The future of the EatCary Community Garden is uncertain!

It needs additional leadership and fresh input. There are too few of us with too little time, to run it. There is lots of space – lots of growing space outside, a large polytunnel, equipment, etc   It isn’t allotments; it is a shared growing space, and we share the produce.  We want to encourage everyone to grow vegetables and enjoy eating them.

If you or your organisation is interested in finding out more, please come to

a Public Meeting in the Shambles at the Market House

on

Tuesday March 6th at 7.30pm

If you cannot come to the meeting do contact Laura Tilling for more information.

Ring 01963 351461 or email [email protected]

Somerset County Council need your opinion on their proposed changes to the library services in Somerset. There will be a drop in session at The Market House on Wednesday 14th March from 2.30 to 5.30pm when staff will be on hand to answer questions.

See the links to the consultation for the Castle Cary area here

MARKET DAY IS TUESDAY.
The Shambles at the Market House will be open from 12.30pm to 1.50pm on Tuesdays, so once you are “shopped out” come in for a warm, dry and friendly wait and rest until it is time to go for your bus.

See here for the Bus times for Tuesday Market and Shopping
There will be local information for you to browse, free papers to look at. You may have a library book you want to start reading (remember, Castle Cary Library is open from 10am – 1pm on Tuesdays, as well as in the afternoon). Or you may just want to chat with friends or sit and rest before you walk home with your shopping.
DO JOIN US.

…in order to be fair to all businesses in Castle Cary, Ansford and the immediate area, Castle Cary Town Council has an advertising policy: Policy for advertising on the Castle Cary Town Website and Facebook page

If you have a local business that’s not listed on the Town website, you can submit a listing here:
https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/business-directory/… If you’d like your listing edited, please email the webmaster (address at the bottom of each page)

 

..to all in Castle Cary & Ansford..

Castle Cary Town Council, and Gabriella, their angel, currently on show in All Saints’ Church,  would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Many of our local shops, including Dave Marsh Hardware (Christmas lights and tree stands), will be opening on Christmas Eve. As most of the shops are independently owned and run, let’s show our appreciation of their hard work all year and support them….

..at Caryford Hall car park until 22nd January…

 

PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting on 20th February at Ansford School 19:00

 

There will be the usual road closures on Thursday 7th December for Big Christmas.

The Town Council has been informed today that there will be a notice in the Western Gazette tomorrow about proposed new double yellow lines at the junction of Upper High Street and Chapel Close, and in the Market Place, and formalising the disabled bays in the Market Place.

Here is the formal letter with a link to the consulation: TRO notice of consultation

…and here are the maps for Castle Cary. Castle Cary Plans

The plans above are not showing all details when viewed on a smartphone or tablet so here are screenshots:

The consultation runs from 23rd November until 14th December.

The Post Office building and business in Castle Cary is for sale. There has been much discussion over the last 24 hours on social media in the town. Here is the link to the sale particulars:
https://runapostoffice.co.uk/home/result/show/castle-cary-post-office-castle-cary-ba7-7bp
So, at present there is no plan to close the business.
If there were a threat of closure, the Town Council would engage with all stakeholders and do its utmost to keep a Post Office in the town.

….is on Thursday 7th December from 17.30

The Local Plan is drawn up by South Somerset District Council (SSDC) and it covers the whole South Somerset District area.  (It should not be confused with the Neighbourhood Plan which covers Castle Cary and Ansford only)

The Local Plan is being revised by SSDC and a draft is now ready for public consultation.  If you are concerned with planning issues, this should be of interest.  There will be a drop-in session in the Market House (Shambles) on Tuesday 7 November from 4pm – 7pm.  Your opinion is being sought on their suggestions for further housing developments and so on between 2014 and 2034.

Please attend if you can and give them your views.

 

…from Somerset County Council.

 

Tenders are invited for the above contracts. Full details here.

Concerning news about Nippy Bus today. See their website for updates. www.nippybus.co.uk

…Thursday 26th October from 2.30pm at The Balsam Centre, Wincanton.

 

Click below for details of lots of events in Castle Cary this month!

October 2017

Lots of information from the CCAS here

Admiral Nurses Newsletter – Autumn Winter 2017

Notice of a road closure (22.00 to 06.00) on Monday 16th October, for inspection of the railway bridge over the B3153 near Dimmer Lane. Dimmer Lane will still be open.

The Local Government Boundary Commission is carrying out an electoral review of South Somerset District Council.
The aim of the electoral review is to recommend ward boundaries that mean each councillor represents approximately the same number of voters. We also aim to ensure that the pattern of wards reflects the interests and identities of local communities as well as promoting effective local government. To achieve these aims, we need to re-draw ward boundaries across South Somerset.

For full details click on the link below:
https://www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/south-west/somerset/south-somerset

Viridor have given Castle Cary Town Council some information regarding the prevention of fires in landfill.

They have done some proactive work with Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service to draw the public’s attention to how these fires may start through putting the “usual suspects” in their bins. Here are links to the news items in case you missed them:
BBC Points West: https://youtu.be/yB58iEO5tJ8
ITV Westcountry: https://youtu.be/gEb3Gi_q5Kg
Somerset Live: http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/dimmer-landfill-site-management-issue-413762

Viridor work closely with the educational trust Carymoor Environmental Trust which celebrated its 21st birthday recently. More than 100 schools from across Somerset visit the site each year to see the landfill site and learn of ways to reduce waste, as well as exploring some of the created habitats.
https://blog.viridor.co.uk/2017/09/12/viridor-helps-eco-charity-carymoor-celebrate-21st-anniversary/

Castle Cary Town Council would like to share the following information received from Viridor in response to a request for details of the fire and the response by Viridor:

Details of fire at Dimmer Landfill 28th August 2017

LEARNING AT THE MARKET PLACE (LAMP) – update
We have advertised a number of our own and other people’s classes in the Shambles at the Market House for this term and now need to update you.

Creative Writing with Emma Craigie, Wednesdays 6pm – 8pm starts on 13 September. There are three spaces left; so take action quickly if you want to join.

French Conversation with Denise Magill was to have been on Thursdays, 6.30 – 8pm, but sadly we do not have enough students. Do let us know if you are interested as we hope to start it at a later date.

The Film Buff one-off sessions have been rescheduled. The first is on Thursday 19 October, and will look at Hitchcock’s “Rear Window”. See separate details.

All SS&L (Somerset Skills and Learning) classes have been postponed because of funding problems. They were offering Painting and Drawing, and Breadmaking at the Market House. Do let us know if you were interested in either of these.

Please ring 01963 351461 to express an interest in any of these courses.

See here for full details of the exciting 40th Anniversary year of the Castle Cary & Ansford Carnival Society….and keep up to date on their Facebook page Castle Cary & Ansford Carnival Society Facebook page and their website www.castlecary-carnival.org.uk/

From 2nd September until 18th November, there’s a Carnival somewhere every weekend, sometimes two, and some in the middle of the week…see the  2017 Carnival leaflet here…

There will be a road closure on Wyke Road from 16th October for 12 days. See here for details and a map of the diversion.

Nat West is changing its hours from 14th September to 10.50 – 11.50am

…….no more cash payments at recycling sites, August Bank Holiday collections, safe battery disposal & Carymoor’s 21st birthday..SWP briefing August 2017

The proposed closure of Barclays means that Cary will be without a bank. The banks are also closing in Wincanton which means that there will be no bank for miles.

It is important that as many people as possible complain about this.

If inspired please write to one or all of the following

John McFarlane, Chairman
Barclays Bank PLC
1 Churchill Place
London
E14 5HP

other options (same address, we guess)
Jes Staley, Group Chief Executive Officer
Paul Compton, Group Chief Operating Officer
Ashok Vaswani, CEO Barclays UK

Please copy your letter to our MP:
David Warburton MP
House of Commons
LONDON SW1A 0AA
Email: [email protected]

Cary Town Council will discuss this matter at 6.30 pm on Monday 31 July in the Shambles. You are welcome to attend this meeting on the understanding that there is very little that the Council can do about this but people power can sometimes work miracles.

The Town Council has just been informed that Barclays Bank in Castle Cary will be closing at the end of October. This is the letter informing customers: Barclays Bank closure

Care4Cary is pleased to report that on Wednesday 12 July South Somerset District Council’s Area East planning committee refused Andrew Hopkins’ application for change of use from B2 (general industrial) to B8 (storage and distribution) at his Dimmer site. He had applied in order to store and valet up to 991 former fleet vehicles on this rural site.

Ward Councillor Henry Hobhouse moved that the application should be refused, with Ward Councillor and Committee Chair Nick Weeks seconding. The motion was carried by six votes (including that of our County Councillor Mike Lewis) to two against, with two abstentions.

Many thanks to town and parish councillors who made submissions in advance and spoke at the meeting. Strong objections were also made by residents of Ansford, Dimmer, Castle Cary and Lydford, alongside Care4Cary. It was clear that the SSDC planning officer and Councillors had taken note of the two letters from Care4Cary’s expert planning lawyer who had pointed out the inadequacy of information provided by the applicant, the adverse road safety and amenity impact along the B3153 particularly in Clanville, and that the Planning Officer was incorrect on a piece of planning law ignoring the comments of two planning inspectors.
While this Committee has refused the application on the grounds that the applicant had failed to demonstrate the impact on local traffic/road safety and amenity, we may well have to face an appeal.
Councillors seemed as frustrated as we are at the saga at Dimmer and made some constructive suggestions as to how to bring groundhog day finally to a close. More of that anon.
Best wishes and many thanks for all the support!
Care4Cary
16 July 2017

…..and there will be one way traffic with traffic lights for 7-11th August…….

SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT OF SOUTH SOMERSET, PARISH OF BRUTON
Temporary Closure of Quaperlake Street
TAKE NOTICE that in pursuance of Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations
Act 1984, as amended by the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991, the
County Council of Somerset propose to make an Order PROHIBITING ALL
TRAFFIC from proceeding along Quaperlake Street from the junction with
Coombe Street, north-eastwards for a distance of 445 metres.
This order will enable Somerset Highways to carry out prep and resurfacing works in
this road.
The Order becomes effective on 14 August 2017 and will remain in force for
eighteen months. The works are expected to last for 12 days (excluding the
weekend & Bank Holiday). While the closure is in operation an alternative route will be signed as
detailed here.

This Wednesday, 12 July, South Somerset District Council (SSDC) Area East planning committee will consider Andrew Hopkins’ application to use land at Dimmer to store 991 vehicles. These former fleet cars will arrive and leave the site on massive vehicle transporters via the B3153, most likely through Clanville. Hopkins is requesting a change of use of the land from B2 to B8. The SSDC Planning Officer Dominic Heath-Coleman is recommending approval.

 
Representatives of Castle Cary Town Council, and Ansford, Cary Moor and Lydford Parish Councils will attend to raise serious concerns. We need to show the strength of local feeling by turning up in numbers. You don’t need to speak – just being there will make a difference.
Care4Cary has taken advice from an expert planning lawyer who has on our behalf sent two written submissions raising objections, pointing out that It is impossible to deduct from the application the potential impact on our local community from road safety, amenity and environmental perspectives. For example, it is not clear whether the cars will be valeted on site, or not. It is not clear exactly how many transporter trips will be made per day as the application merely quotes what happens at another site in Henstridge – 12 transporter movements per day. The application does not give a forecast for what would actually take place at Dimmer. The transporter figure could be higher! Our councillors should not be put in the invidious position of making a decision from totally inadequate information.
Some people have suggested this may be the least worst option for the site of Dimmer. We disagree.  And, it may well be that once a change of use to B8 (which includes large industrial warehousing) is granted Mr. Hopkins could submit a quite different application resulting in even more HGVs on the already overloaded B3153 and surrounding roads.
The meeting is taking place at SSDC Council Offices, Churchfields, Wincanton BA9 9AG. SSDC has notified us that the planning section of the agenda will start no earlier than 10.15 am this Wednesday.
Both public and press may attend the meeting. Should you wish to make your views known as an objector, you should arrive well before 10.15 am so that you can register that you wish to speak. Do remember that each person has a maximum of 3 minutes in which to speak and that they should avoid repetition of points already made.
Please come to the meeting if you can, even if you do not wish to speak, as it will help demonstrate to the Councillors on the Committee the strength of local opinion. Together, we can and do make a difference!

Care4Cary
9 July 2017

A Brief History of Castle Cary

(an illustrated talk by Will Vaughan)

Saturday 8 July

Caryford Hall, BA7 7JJ

6.30 pm (doors open 6 pm)

Tickets £5 now on sale in Bailey Hill Bookshop.

full details here….http://www.johnlawsonscircus.co.uk/2017-tour/

…….who has just joined the Town Council! We all look forward to working with her.

Here is the report given to the Annual Town Meeting on 16th May 2017

 

Chair’s Report Annual Town Meeting 2017

Annual Town Meeting 2017 Draft Minutes will be approved at the 2018 Annual Town Meeting.

The ANNUAL TOWN MEETING will take place on Tuesday 16th May in Caryford Hall

You can download an official Agenda here.

Fairtrade tea & coffee will be available

At 6.30 pm there will be a chance to view and comment on the Neighbourhood plan, catch up on the latest news on The Fairfield Project, see displays from local organisations about their activities and to meet Town and District Councillors to discuss local issues

The FORMAL MEETING STARTS AT 7.30 pm:

AGENDA
1 Welcome and introduction of Councillors
2 Apologies for absence
3 Approval of the 2016 Annual Town Meeting minutes
4 Chairman’s report
5 Presentations by Town Councillors & others:
Planning
Neighbourhood Plan
Marketing & Communications
Youth
Properties & Infrastructure
Finance

6 Presentations from Ward Councillors
7 Questions, answers and other matters for discussion
8 Thank you and good night.

….have had a busy Spring….

Our 2017 walk programme began from the Village Hall, Oakhill where conditions were very wet and muddy underfoot as one would expect at this time of year. However, our spirits were lifted at the first signs of spring with early snowdrops and catkins on trees.

Early February did not deter many to walk in the rain from Alfred’s Tower towards Park Hill Camp near Stourhead. We then congregated to enjoy our post-Xmas lunch at the Bull Inn, Bruton.

Beginning of March remained wet but enjoyed a walk from Charlton Horethorne. Abundant spring bulbs appeared with vibrant colours. Witnessed our first Skylark hovering above in the dull grey sky with their distinctive chorus.

Mid March took us by train to Chetnole, in the Dorset countryside. A warm, mild and sunny day with lots of wild primroses and daffodils among hedgerows. Crossed typical Blackmore Vale pastureland, taking in Melbury Osmond, Melbury House in wonderful parkland and Melbury Bub.

Late March we re-visited Stanton Drew. After viewing the Bronze Age stone circles there, we proceeded towards Norton Malreward. We then climbed up to the Iron Age hill fort on Maes Knoll offering wide ranging views over Bristol and beyond.

Mid April tooks us through old Bruton along the Rive Brue towards South Brewham returning via Hardway to Hauser & Wirth. Saw wild blackthorn blossom and cowslips.

We meet at lower Millbrook car park on alternate Wednesdays and leave promptly at 9.30am. For more information contact Anne Pitt on 01963 359621.

Waste collection Bank-Holiday-dates-2017

Lots of detail and a link to the online survey here: A303 Sparkford to Ilchester proposals and survey

‘Help about Cary’ will support people affected by cancer

If you are or have been affected by cancer you can share your views on the type of practical support that would be helpful and in doing so shape ‘Help about Cary’ a new volunteering scheme which will launch later in the year.  Please take part in the survey either online or by collecting a paper questionnaire from your GP surgery.   ‘Help about Cary’ is being set up by local residents with the assistance of Macmillan Cancer Support.  It will aim to offer practical help to cancer patients and their families in Castle Cary and the surrounding areas.

Link to survey: HelpAboutCary survey

Castle Cary Town Council: two Town Councillor Vacancies

Are you interested in your local community and how it is developed in the future?
Do you have concerns about what happens in your community and the surrounding area?
Are you interested in making sure that the best possible services are available and maintained for residents?

You can probably answer “yes” to at least one of these questions but have you ever considered becoming a Town Councillor?

All that is required is genuine desire to help the community and a commitment to attend Town Council meetings. Good quality training is available. To find out more about becoming a Town Councillor either talk to an existing Town Councillor and/or Town Clerk, visit the National Association of Local Council’s web site: www.nalc.gov.uk

The Town Council is made up of a total of 13 Town Councillors. It serves an estimated population of 2000 people. Full Council Meetings are held every month on the third Monday evening at 7.00pm at the Market House with other Committee meetings held at 6.30pm. The Town Council is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Market House and The Shambles, the Donald Pither Memorial Ground and Pavillion, the children’s play area, the Town’s Cemetery and chapel along with other smaller assets including the Millbrook Car Park toilet facilities and The Roundhouse. It also has to make sure that spending is kept within the agreed precept limit.

It is very important that the Town Council has its full complement of Town Councillors so that any decisions are made in a democratic way. The Town Council represents the opinions of residents in discussions with the district and county councils, especially decisions that concern the future development of the town.

If you are interested, please contact:

Mrs Susan Hake, Town Clerk
c/o The Market House, Castle Cary
tel: 01963 359631 or email: [email protected]

See the poster for full details of the Castle Cary Recycling bonus

CASTLE CARY TOWN COUNCIL
PUBLIC NOTICE

VACANCIES ON CASTLE CARY TOWN COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 87 of the Local Government Act 1972 that due to recent resignations there are now two vacancies on the Castle Cary Town Council to be filled.

Unless a request for an election to be held is submitted in writing to the Proper Officer of South Somerset District Council at the Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2HT before 20 February 2017 by ten electors for the electoral parish of Castle Cary, the Town Council will proceed to fill these vacancies by co-option.

Susan R Hake
Clerk to the Council
1 February 2017
DO YOU WANT TO BE A TOWN COUNCILLOR AND SERVE THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
Unless at least 10 electors apply in writing to the Proper Officer of South Somerset District Council to request a By-election (as detailed in the public notice above) the Town Council will proceed to fill these vacancies by co-option. The next meeting of the Town Council at which this can be dealt with is due to be held on Monday 20 March 2017.
If any local elector wishes to become a councillor, please notify the Clerk to the Town Council in writing, giving full details of your background and interests. Anyone who is interested in serving the community in this way is welcome to contact the Clerk to discuss this in more detail.
Susan R Hake
Clerk to Castle Cary Town Council

[email protected]

A new rural crime initiative has been launched by Avon & Somerset Police this week.

There’s a new text number – 81819 to help the Police to prevent and detect rural crime.

Rural communities and businesses are asked to help the Police by providing information and intelligence about suspected crime in their area. Texts will go directly to the Rural Crime Team, who will be able to assess and action the intelligence quickly and efficiently.

The number won’t be monitored 24/7 but the team will be looking at it when they are on duty, it therefore shouldn’t be used for reporting crimes, or anything which requires an immediate police attendance.

In those circumstances please dial 999.

Inspector Joanna Mines, from the Rural Crime Team in Somerset, said: “We are trialing the number for three months.

“Many people who belong to our FarmWatch scheme had said they wanted a facility to be able to pass on information and respond to messages quickly, and this new number will allow that.

“We want to hear from anyone who has information about any suspicious or potentially criminal activity in their area, for example – details of people/vehicles seen behaving suspiciously, potentially stolen goods or livestock being offered for sale either to the public or at markets, sightings of stolen vehicles we might put out an alert for.

“No matter how small or insignificant people may think information is, it may be a vital piece of a jigsaw that helps us fill in the gaps and either prevent a crime or bring offenders to justice.

“We have had real success using a text number to facilitate reporting of drink drivers in the past and we hope this will prove as effective.”

Messages are currently sent out via text message and email to members of the Neighbourhood, Farm and Horse Watch schemes to alert them to crimes and incidents in their area. This new number will allow people to text back information quickly and easily.

Anyone can use it if they have information about rural or agricultural crime in their area, and isn’t just for Watch members.

The launch of the number happens to coincide with a recent livestock theft in Somerset (16/01) and we are hoping that the public will help provide vital information to help the investigation. 40 calves, 10-15 months old, of Friesian/Limousin/Angus breeds were stolen from Henton, near Wells. The calves had been wormed using Bimectin the day before and it’s therefore vital they don’t get into the food chain.

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Rural crime affects the livelihoods of farmers, smallholders and rural businesses and presents some real challenges for the wider rural areas.  I know the Rural Crime Team, working closely with our local communities are committed to tackling and preventing crime.

“I know from speaking to residents and farmers that there is a real desire to engage with the police […]

The text below has just been sent out to all those who have opted to receive messages from the Castle Cary Town Crier.  To receive messages about important town issues and events, contact [email protected] and ask to be put on the mailing list.  You will not be bombarded with rubbish and your email address will not be given to anyone else:

Outcome of Planning Enquiry

Many of you will be aware that there has been a public enquiry relating to an application to build 125 + 75 new homes on either side of Station Road.  (This is in addition to the 165 + 45 + 75 for which planning permission has already been given in this area.)  Your Town Council, Ansford Parish Council and South Somerset District Council objected to the application on the grounds that the additional 200 homes would be excessive for our roads and infrastructure, and lack of jobs would lead to out-commuting and so on.  However, in line with current planning policy, the Government Inspector has taken the developers’ side. In other words – we have lost. Sorry – we tried really, really hard.

If you are interested the inspector’s decision and the reasons for it, the documents are on our town’s website…. www.castle-cary.co.uk

If you are at all concerned about the current planning process and lack of respect for the views of local people, there are two Government petitions you can consider signing…. If they get 10,000 signatures the Government will look at the issue, 100,000 and it will be debated in Parliament.

“Give communities back the right to decide where houses are built.”

Here is the link:

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/177333

“Protect us from speculative housing development. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) needs modification……”

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/176809

Many of you will be aware that there has been a public enquiry relating to an application to build 125 + 75 new homes on either side of Station Road.  (This is in addition to the 165 + 45 + 75 for which planning permission has already been given in this area.)  Your Town Council, Ansford Parish Council and South Somerset District Council objected to the application on the grounds that the additional 200 homes would be excessive for our roads and infrastructure, and lack of jobs would lead to out-commuting and so on.  However, in line with current planning policy, the Government Inspector has taken the developers’ side. In other words – we have lost. Sorry – we tried really, really hard.

If you are interested the inspector’s decision and the reasons for it, please click on the following links:

Appeal covering letter

Silverwood appeal decision

Wayside Farm appeal decision

 

If you are at all concerned about the current planning process and lack of respect for the views of local people, there are two Government petitions you can consider signing…. If they get 10,000 signatures the Government will look at the issue, 100,000 and it will be debated in Parliament.

“Give communities back the right to decide where houses are built.”- petition.parliament.uk/petitions/177333

“Protect us from speculative housing development. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) needs modification……” petition.parliament.uk/petitions/176809

Castle Cary Museum opens for the 2017 season on Monday 3rd April.

Are you interested in local history, feeling community-minded or just have some time on your hands?

We are looking for a few new museum stewards to join our small friendly team.

The sessions are: Mon-Fri. 10.30 – 12.30 and 2.00 – 4.00. Saturday: 10.30 – 12.30

If you can you spare two hours regularly per week (or possibly per fortnight) to volunteer, please contact Anne Ross, tel. 350416 or email:  [email protected]

www.castlecarymuseum.org.uk

The Market runs from 8.30 to 2.00 pm every Tuesday at the Market House.

Our dedicated traders look forward to offering you:

·  Fish, Meat, Veg (including ORGANIC),

·  Bread, Gluten-free products, Pickles, Jams,

·  PLUS occasional casual stallholders.

Do come and have a chat and a look around, enjoy a coffee and visit our High Street too!

The Use Less, Share More Group have produced a recycling leaflet, in their quest for the £8000 local grant prize money from
Somerset Waste Partnership if we manage to increase the rate of recycling in Castle Cary.

See the leaflet below for full details:

Recycling flier 17 Nov 2016

 

In an effort to reduce costs to the Town Council, and therefore the Council Tax payer,
and after discussion at a previous Properties and Infrastructure meeting, it was decided at the full
Town Council meeting on 17th October that the men’s and women’s toilets in Millbrook car park would
be closed for a trial period of two months from 1st November.
The disabled toilet will be adapted for use as a unisex facility and have baby changing facilities.

This is the current draft of our Neighbourhood Plan.   There will be a formal public consultation period within a month or so at which point your views on the plan will be sought.

Click here for the draft: Castle Cary and Ansford Neighbourhood Plan – updated draft

Care4Cary have sent out an update on the proposed developments along Station Road and details of a Public Enquiry starting on Tuesday 4th October.

See here for full details: Public Enquiry re Station Road

This has been posted on the Notice Board outside the Market House: Notice of Public Right to inspect accounts

Unaudited Statement of accounts ended 31 March 2016

By appointment only

If you would like to make an appointment please contact

Netia Carr on 01373 580500 or by email – [email protected]

Castle Cary library page

If your business is in Castle Cary and you have not yet submitted a listing for our directory please do so on this page: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/business-directory/ The listing will be moderated and approved by our editor as soon as possible then published….it’s up to you!

The  CARY CRIER  is proving extremely popular

This is an email information service set up by the Town Council to inform residents of important issues as soon as they arise.

The purpose of this service is to ensure that residents can personally receive information from the Town Council such as:

• Reminders of upcoming events in the town.
• Issues relating to the town for which consultation is needed
• To ask for volunteer help either on a regular basis or for one-off events.

It will not be used for any other purpose and members will only be contacted if there is news, or views/help is needed.

The list of recipients will not be made available to any other individual or organisation.  BCC (blind carbon copies) will be used at all times for group mailings.

Residents of Castle Cary, Ansford and the surrounding area are invited to contact [email protected]  and ask to be put on the list.