Latest News
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A TOWN COUNCILLOR AND
HELP TO MAKE CASTLE CARY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE?
We currently have five vacancies on Castle Cary Town Council,
which the Council will be seeking to fill by co-option.
This is a process whereby the Council considers applications
from interested persons and can then select applicants to fill
the vacancy.
If you are interested in becoming a Town Councillor, please
write to the Town Council including a brief resume of no more
than 250 words which indicates:
• why you would like to become a councillor
• how your knowledge and/or experience would help you in
your work as a Town Councillor.
If you need information about eligibility for being a Castle Cary
Town Councillor or information about the role of a councillor,
please contact the Town Clerk via email at
[email protected] or 01963 359631.
The deadline for written applications is Monday 9th May 2022.
Applicants will be expected to attend for an interview prior to
the Town Council meeting, on Monday 16th May 2022.
Notice of Election – Parish Councils
Notice of Election – Somerset County Council
Inspector’s report on the Appeal Decision for the 200 houses on Ansford Hill
Just in case you have not already heard………. the developers wishing to put 200 houses on the field above the station, have won their appeal.
If you are interested in the reasons given, please find a link to the report here – Appeal Decision 3259668
Castle Cary Town Council, Ansford Parish Council. South Somerset District Council, Care4Cary and the CPRE all vigorously opposed this development.
Yet again, greed has triumphed over common sense, our Neighbourhood Plan has been ignored and local opinions have not been respected.
Don’t forget the Joint Annual Parish and Town Meeting next Tuesday 24 May at Caryford Hall, 7 pm.
Joint Annual Parish and Town meeting – Tuesday 24th May 2022 6.15pm for 7pm start
You are invited to the JOINT ANNUAL PARISH and TOWN MEETING for the civil parishes of Ansford and Castle Cary on Tuesday 24th May 2022 at Caryford Hall from 6.15pm. 7pm start.
Cafe Scientifique Somerset – Tuesday 10th May – The Market House – 6.30pm for 7pm
Cafe Scientifique Somerset – Tuesday 10th May – The Market House – 6.30pm for 7pm
How Healthy Is Your Home? Facets of Indoor Air Quality
You’ll be surprised to find out just how many pollutants find their way into our homes from everyday substances! Prof. Paul Harrison, environmental health and toxicology expert, enlightens us as to what’s there and how we can create a healthier indoor environment. Join us next week! Free entry. For further information contact Colleen on 07375 890751
Spring Booster Vaccination
Spring Booster Vaccination
People aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed are now being invited to book their Spring Booster vaccination.
The UK Health Security Agency published guidance on the spring Covid-19 booster offer for those aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes and those aged 12 years and over with a weakened immune system. Further info can be found here.
Appointments are now available through the National Vaccination Booking Service. Please encourage those eligible to go online and book their jab, or call 119 for an appointment. You are also able to visit a walk-in vaccination site for your Spring Booster.
Castle Cary Museum opens again on Saturday 9th April
Castle Cary Museum will re-open this Saturday 9 April 2022 at 10 am.
Plus: Coffee, Raffle, Bric-a-Brac, Cake stall, Local History Book stall and a chance to become a Friend of the Museum and/or volunteer to help by becoming a steward – or in other ways.
The Museum is having a makeover. The reception area now tells the history of the town, while the upper rooms have been greatly enhanced and present a rich and amusing collection of weird and wonderful bygones. (Work still in progress)
Currently our opening hours are:
Weekdays 10.30 – 12.30 and 2 – 4 pm
Saturdays 10.30 – 12.30
When we know the schedule of building works planned for the Market House – we hope to extend these hours.
The Museum is a registered charity, and admission is free.
Donations are always welcome!
PUBLIC INQUIRY: the proposed 200 house development at Ansford Hill near the Railway Station
The Inquiry opened on 9th November 2021 at Caryford Hall as an ‘in person’ public Inquiry (as a result of strong representations to the Planning Inspectorate by Castle Cary Town Council and Ansford Parish Council) when CCTC, APC and other groups and individuals spoke as third parties against the development. It was adjourned by the Secretary of State’s appointed Inspector Hayley Butcher (because of venue limitations, Covid risks and poor IT) and re-opened online on Tuesday, 29th March. The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) enabled third parties to attend along with SSDC and the Appellant. The Inquiry was also Livestreamed for the public on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with over 200 viewings each day. Friday’s meeting could not be Livestreamed because of a technical problem but was recorded and is promised by PINS to be available. The Inquiry concluded on Friday, 1st April with final addresses by Mr Robson, counsel for SSDC, and Mr White QC, counsel for the Appellant. The Inquiry saw contributions from expert witnesses on both sides with continual references to a vast quantity of documents, technical discussions about landscape and planning matters, examinations of witnesses by both counsel and questions by the Inspector. Some third parties including CCTC made comments ‘behind the scenes’ to SSDC to inform their case. It is now for the Inspector to review all the evidence, written and oral, including the several contributions made by CCTC, APC and others about, for example, the Neighbourhood Plan, safety on the A371, access to the town’s facilities, drainage pumping, etc., before it was adjourned.
It is not possible to say when the Inspector’s decision will be published but probably it will appear only after some weeks given the quantity of evidence, the time to consider it and the need for the decision to take account not only of the evidence but also planning law, regulations, official guidance, case law, professional standards and so on.
In this short layman’s note it is not possible to do justice to the issues raised, to reflect the technicalities or to be comprehensive. Mr White QC raised concerns about the national housing crisis and the time taken to progress the development application and the appeal. The value of the landscape of the Brue valley and the visual impact of the development were clearly central points but other issues include whether the site is inside or outside the town, the current lack of a 5 year Housing Land Supply (HLS), the prospect of a solution to the phosphate neutrality problem affecting the Levels (which holds up otherwise consented housing delivery), whether the site is within or without the ‘direction of growth’ of the town (a factor related to the significance of the Local and Neighbourhood Plans which in turn depends on the HLS), the heritage associations of the Victorian Railway Station and the Monarch’s Way footpath, and other matters. All these are material to some degree, even factors not yet completed, but their weight depends on the Inspector’s view. In some cases there were fundamental […]
200 houses Public Inquiry 29th March-1st April 2022
Councillor elections in May
There are to be elections on 5 May 2022 to choose your Town/Parish councillors. (This will coincide with the County / Unitary Council elections).
If you would like to become a Town/Parish councillor – you need to apply by 5 April. Existing councillors will need to re-apply,
To apply you must complete a nomination form. These are available from the Town Clerk in Castle Cary Market House – and help in filling in the form can also be provided.
The nomination forms must be hand-delivered to the SSDC Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil BA20 2HT between 9.00 am on Monday 21 March and 4.00 pm on Tuesday 05 April (the office will be open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm each day to accept nomination forms except the final day when it will close at 4.00 pm)
If you want to know what it is like being a councillor – there will be two ‘Meet the Councillor’ sessions in the Market House Shambles – come, chat and ask questions! These are on:
Saturday 12 March 10 am – 12 noon
Saturday 26 March 10 am – 12 noon
A message from the Somerset Bus Partnership Team
Our Buses Are Under Threat
April 2022 was meant to augur in a new era for our buses. It was the month when the £3 billion as part of Bus Back Better, National Strategy for Buses for England, could be used to improve bus services. People could be invited to abandon their cars and opt for the ‘greener’ option of going by bus on journeys to nearby towns and villages.
To improve buses across the county, Somerset had put in a bid for £163 million of Bus Back Better money. That was the sum of money Somerset needed because Somerset bus services currently are the worst rated of any county in England. But the Bus Back Better fund has been over subscribed 8 times by all the bids from across England and so it’s unknown how much money Somerset might get. But it’s unlikely to get anything like what Somerset needs.
The 2 years of Covid with endless warnings not to use buses has seen bus passenger numbers down 40% on pre Covid levels. This has meant the Government has had to step in and subsidise bus services in order to keep them running. To fund this the Government has diverted more than half of the £3 billion pot allocated for transforming our bus services to just maintain our current bus services.
Worse still, the Government has still not said whether it will keep funding our existing bus services from April.
If it doesn’t, then without this subsidy, bus services across the county (including here in Somerset) could “fall off the side of the cliff” (as said by Wera Hobhouse, Bath MP). It’s been estimated 30% of bus services would go. Some bus services could even disappear completely.
Without this Covid Bus Recovery Grant, a leading bus operator has said, “The bus sector is hurtling towards disaster.”
So what can we do?
Could you please … today … send an email (doesn’t need to be long) to the Government Buses Minister demanding that the Covid-19 Bus Recovery Grant funding is continued beyond April. Send it to BARONESS VERE OF NORBITON (Buses Minister) – email [email protected]. Also copy your email to your MP:
o DAVID WARBURTON (Somerton and Frome) – email [email protected]
Please also copy in Somerset Bus Partnership to any emails too. Our email address: [email protected] .
Additionally, if you should speak to any of the candidates for the Somerset Unitary Council May 5th elections, please ask them what their plans are to protect and improve our bus services here in Somerset. There’s never been a time when our bus services in Somerset have been at so much risk.
Somerset Bus Partnership Team
Surface water Torbay Road/Fulford Cross
The following is a response from John Nicholson at Somerset County Highways department about the current drainage issues at the bottom of South Cary Lane:
‘We had received various other enquiries relating to this recently and I visited site last week (wc 14th Feb 2022) to investigate further. I noted that the recent works to the watercourse remain effective however, the gully within the junction is slightly proud of the road surface and the works to adjust that height difference and a localised patch to shape the carriageway are still pending with our contractor, this requirement was unfortunately noted shortly after the works to that watercourse were completed. I also noted the algae starting to accumulate within the entrance to Barrow Road and a sweeper is being requested to agitate and remove that as an interim measure.
I would note that the surface water issue is in fact emanating from private land and without that surcharge the surface water issue here would be minimal, therefore I have discussed this with FWAG and they will be contacting the land owner to advise and assist that land owner with some protection works, this would be on private land to remove this land drainage overspill. They only received the information last week so this is still ongoing.’
Funds on offer for new ideas to boost Somerset’s tourism economy
Funds on offer for new ideas to boost Somerset’s tourism economy
A new grant scheme has launched which will help expand Somerset’s tourism offer as the county’s visitor economy recovers from the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Grants of between £25,000 and £40,000 are available for Somerset SME businesses (small and medium size businesses of up to 250 employees), business partnerships, or community organisations wishing to introduce and implement a project that delivers genuinely new provision for visitors to the county.
The grant is part of the Visitor Economy Support Programme (VESP), an initiative developed in partnership by Somerset’s Local Authorities (Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West & Taunton Council, and South Somerset District Council) working closely with business representative bodies and wider stakeholders including Visit Somerset, Visit Exmoor, and Exmoor National Park Authority.
Projects supported by the Visitor Economy Innovation Grant will need to be completed in 2022, but applicants must also demonstrate that they will be sustainable for future years.
The grant has been designed to enhance Somerset’s tourism offer by backing genuinely new service provision, creating more ‘shoulder season’ opportunities to extend the main tourism season, targeting higher spend customer markets, and developing new partnerships to consolidate activities into visitor-friendly packages.
The deadline for applications to the Visitor Economy Innovation Grant is Monday, 14 March. Visit Somerset Visitor Economy Innovation Grant Scheme for more information about applying.
The Visitor Economy Support Programme is being funded through a Business Rates Retention pilot scheme that allows councils in Somerset to retain a proportion of the business rates income locally to invest in developing the economy and improving the way local authority services are delivered.
The VESP initiative has been designed to strengthen small and medium size businesses in the sector so that they become more resilient and build their competitiveness.
As part of this work there are also a number of VESP Skills Sessions running in the coming weeks, each tackling a specific area such as improving your business website, direct marketing, and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Click here for more information on the tourism workshops on offer and how to apply.
70th anniversary of H M The Queen’s accession to the throne
Today marks Her Majesty The Queen’s 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
We pay tribute to her for her dignified and stable constant commitment to public service in our challenging world. We would like to express our sincere thanks to her for her unselfish dedication and commitment to our country and the Commonwealth.
Temporary Closure of Part of Bridleway WN 2/36 at Castle Cary Station from 5th February
or click on the link for the document: Temporary Closure of Part of Bridleway WN 2/36 at Castle Cary Station
Manor Farm / A359 bridge proposals – public consultation events
Emily Estate (UK) Limited
Hadspen House – Castle Cary – Somerset BA77NG
01963 359 172 [email protected]
Manor Farm / A359 bridge proposals – public consultation events
We will be holding public consultation events at Castle Cary Market House on
Thursday 27th of January between 1300 and 1730
&
Saturday 29th of January between 1000 and 1300
We will be exhibiting information and able to answer any questions about our two planning applications:
- Replacement of the existing Manor Farm with a new purpose-built farm on adjacent land
- New pedestrian and agricultural vehicle bridge over the A359
Please feel free to drop in and have a look over the plans and ask any questions you may have
If you can’t make it, and have any questions, please feel free to drop an email to [email protected]
Ed White
Project Manager
Emily Estate
Registered in England & Wales – Company No. 849 6160 Reg Office: Estate office, Hadspen House,
VAT Registration No. 166 7088 75 Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7NG
No Nat West van on Thursday 13th Jan!
Unfortunately the Nat West van is being repaired and so will not be able to visit us tomorrow Thursday 13th Jan. Hope fully all will be back to normal next week.
Town Councillor vacancies
Castle Cary Town Council currently has two vacancies for Councillors.
Memory Cafe back 2nd February
Hello all Memory Cafe guests and happy new year! We have decided to postpone our January sessions but look forward to welcoming you back on and after Weds 2nd February. See you there!
Cafe Scientifique Somerset – 11th January
Tuesday 11th January sees our next Cafe Scientifique Somerset session. Professor Martyn Tranter talks about his Deep Purple project investigating the growth of algae on the polar icecaps. What does this mean and how does it link with climate change? Come and join us: it’s free! Science in an informal setting, with a drink and discussion. 6.30pm for 7pm. 07375 890751 for further details
Ordering Lateral Flow Tests from a pharmacy
Do you need lateral flow tests? They can be picked up from pharmacies but you require a code: https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/collect-lateral-flow-kits
Castle Cary through time in 21 Objects is now in book form!
This brand-new publication is based on the Cary21 exhibition which was held in the Market House this summer. It is a slim volume of 52 pages with well-written texts and lots of colour illustrations.
It provides insights into key moments in the story of our town, starting with a stone-age axe-head found in Churchfields in the 1970s through to modern times.
It has been produced by the Cary History Society.
Due to the current Covid situation it has been decided that it would be inappropriate to hold the planned book launch. The book will therefore be on sale from Monday 6 December in the Market House information point (open mornings only) and Bailey Hill Bookshop.
The special pre-Christmas price is £10.
It can additionally be picked up – or delivered – by arrangement – just contact [email protected]
All profits will be donated to The Market House project and Castle Cary Museum
A unique chance to buy a special piece of Cary’s history!
Slates from All Saints’ Church roof repairs were saved and have been reworked into an attractive range of gifts.
These will be on sale at our Tuesday Market from now until Christmas and at the Town’s Big Christmas event
(Thursday 9 December 5.30 – 8 p.m.) at a stall located by the Market House Holly Tree.
Prices from £4 to £25.
THERE IS A LIMITED QUANTITY, SO DON’T MISS OUT!
All proceeds will go towards the Church’s clock and refurbishment funds.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ADMINISTRATOR VACANCY
An exciting opportunity has arisen to help increase bookings and events at Town Council properties and promote Castle Cary as a lively and vibrant town. Please see advertisement under Vacancies and Contracts.
Website tender
Invitation to Tender
Website Design, Build & Maintenance
Castle Cary Town Council is calling for tenders for the redesign, building and ongoing maintenance of the town website. Tender documentation, including specification, key dates and selection criteria, can be obtained from: The Town Clerk, Castle Cary Town Council, Market Place, Castle Cary, BA7 7AH. Or by email to: [email protected] The tender closes on 7th January 2022 at 5pm.
Inquiry adjourned – update
Although the Inspector announced the Inquiry would resume virtually on 24th November, CCTC has now been informed that the resumed Inquiry will continue from 29th March to 1st April 2022 inclusive.
PUBLIC ENQUIRY LINKS 10th NOVEMBER
YouTube link as before: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSDst3IHGj9WoGnwJGF_soA
Please find the meeting code for 10th November Zoom meeting for the Inquiry
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81871265282?pwd=K0EyWW9JVHhaa0c0Ym1ZVUtpaXc0QT09
Meeting ID: 818 7126 5282
Passcode: 857350
PUBLIC INQUIRY LINKS 9TH NOVEMBER
There was an amazing turnout for Day 1 of the Public Inquiry for Castle Cary and Ansford regarding the field above Castle Cary station, so much so that the Inspector was extremely concerned that Caryford Hall was overcrowded.
Therefore it was adjourned to allow those who are happy to watch and participate online to get home. The links for the YouTube channel and the Zoom link for today (9th November) are below:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSDst3IHGj9WoGnwJGF_soA
Zoom link to the Public Inquiry, Due to the Council having to stream via YouTube there will be a new meeting every day. The new links will be emailed at 5pm the day before. Please check your spam folders.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89330256545?pwd=MXNpZFZkY3h6cTJyZlFqWUgyS3ZLZz09
Meeting ID: 893 3025 6545
Passcode: 867462
PUBLIC INQUIRY at Caryford Hall at 10 am on Tuesday, 9th November
PUBLIC INQUIRY at Caryford Hall, Maggs Ln, Ansford, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ with the facility to participate virtually
The Inquiry opens formally at 10 am on Tuesday, 9th November at Caryford Hall.
Members of the public are entitled to attend and are strongly encouraged to do so. Please be respectful of the Inspector, barristers and witnesses: shouting out, booing, etc., is always counterproductive.
If you plan to attend you may want to arrive a bit before 10 am. Hand washes and spare masks will be provided by SSDC and it is expected that masks will be worn.
Doors are likely to be open for ventilation so you may wish to wear something warm. If you plan to speak be prepared to identify yourself when the Inspector asks for third party speakers, usually early in the first session. It is almost certain local residents will be asked to speak on the first day.
We understand that the event will be live streamed on South Somerset District Council’s You Tube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSDst3IHGj9WoGnwJGF_soA
Members of the public may attend the Inquiry and, at the Inspector’s discretion, express their views.
If you wish to participate in the Inquiry virtually please contact the Local Planning Authority (email: [email protected]) for details of how to do so.
If you, or anyone you know has a disability and is concerned about facilities at the inquiry venue, you should contact South Somerset District Council ([email protected] 01935 462462) to confirm that suitable provisions are in place.
Documents relating to the appeal can be viewed at the SSDC offices by prior arrangement or on the SSDC website: https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/services/planning/planning-inquiries/appeal-by-wyke-farms-ltd-andrew-hopkins-concrete-ltd/
Where applicable, you can use the internet to see information and to check the progress of cases through GOV.UK. The address of the search page is – https://www.gov.uk/appeal-planning-inspectorate
Latest testing advice for Somerset residents
Latest testing advice for Somerset residents
Somerset’s Public Health leaders are advising people to retest if they are still displaying Covid-19 symptoms after receiving a negative PCR test result. The advice follows today’s national announcement regarding the suspension of a laboratory processing Covid-19 PCR tests.
In recent weeks there have been concerns around a number of people receiving negative PCR test results after they have previously tested positive on a Lateral Flow Device (LFD).
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), formerly Public Health England, today released a statement to announce that testing of PCR samples at Immensa Health Clinic Ltd in Wolverhampton has been suspended following NHS Test and Trace investigation.
UKHSA say that while investigations are underway into the precise cause, NHS Test and Trace estimate that around 400,000 samples have been processed through the lab since September. The vast majority of which will have been negative results, but an estimated 43,000 people may have been given incorrect negative PCR test results between 8 September and 12 October, mostly in the South West of England.
For those cases that were some time ago there is no need for further action.
NHS Test and Trace is however contacting the people who were tested more recently and could still be infectious to advise them to take another PCR test. Close contacts who are symptomatic will also be advised to take a PCR test in line with normal practice. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should book a PCR test. Those with a positive LFD test should also get a follow up PCR test to confirm they have Covid-19.
This has been confirmed as an isolated incident attributed to one laboratory and all samples taken after 12 October are now being redirected to other laboratories.
Professor Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health for Somerset County Council, said: “This is an unfortunate incident that will have affected a significant number of PCR test results across the South West. At present, we are being advised that NHS Test and Trace will be in touch with people that could still be infectious to advise them to take another test.
“However, if you are in any doubt at all about yourself or a loved one still displaying symptoms and tested before 13 October, please retest using either a home PCR testing kit or by getting a PCR test at one of the local testing sites.”
Councillor Clare Paul, Cabinet Member for Education and Public Health, said: “People should feel reassured that there are no technical issues with the LFD or PCR test kits themselves and no issues at any testing sites; people should continue to test as normal. All other labs are working normally.
“Our advice remains, if you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19 or have a positive LFD test please stay at home and self-isolate for ten days to avoid infecting others and get a confirmatory PCR test within 48 hours.”
If you will lose income by completing the self-isolation process or staying at home looking after a child who is self-isolating, you can apply for a support payment by visiting: Claiming financial support under the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme – […]
Petition against 200 houses above the station
Welcome to Bob Sherrard!
At the Full Council meeting on Monday 20th September Bob Sherrard was co-opted on to Castle Cary Town Council. All Councillors welcome him and look forward to working with him.
Meanwhile, we currently have two vacancies on Castle Cary Town Council, that the Council will be seeking to fill by co-option.
THE OLD SCHOOL, QUEEN CAMEL
Day Care Centre now open and ‘The Clinic’ opening in November: https://www.oldschoolqueencamel.org.uk/news/
Apple Day Art Lecture – Correction to Details
Apple Day in Castle Cary is not long away! 10th October brings our free celebration of all things apple at The Market House from 11am-3pm. Please note a change of time for our later illustrated lecture, organised by the Cary History Society: Forbidden Fruit: A History of Art as told by Apples . The speaker Colin Wiggins was former Official Lecturer at the National Gallery. This will be at Caryford Hall starting at 5pm. Doors open at 4.30 – refreshments available. Tickets £5 from Bailey Hill Bookshop – and available on the door only if there are any left.
Hope to see you at The Market House and at Caryford Hall!
Town Councillor vacancies
Can you spare a little of your time, brainpower and community spirit? Why not consider joining the Town Council? You don’t need experience, just a desire to make a difference and work towards shaping a better community experience. It also gives you skills and knowledge your job may not and looks good on your CV! Simply email [email protected] if you’d like to find out more.
Cafe Scientifique Somerset at The Market House starts Oct 12th
October 12th, 7pm, sees the start of the first ever season of Café Scientifique Somerset sessions at The Market House, Castle Cary. Café Sci is a place where, in an informal café-style setting, there are free monthly talks and debates about the latest thinking in science and technology from researchers and experts across the science, technology, engineering and mathematics spectrum. The audience is decidedly non-expert and the talks are aimed at anyone who would like to know more about the developments that will impact our future, with a distinctly local and social feel. Attendees can take a glass of wine or cup of coffee and join in the debate and meet like-minded people. This is the first such venture in rural Somerset and is well supported by the academic and industrial community with a fascinating line-up of speakers already confirmed. It takes place as part of our LAMP (Learning At the Market Place) programme. The first session will see Professor James Ladyman of Bristol University discussing science as a complex system and debating the very nature of science itself – a thought-provoking beginning to an intriguing set of sessions which will take place on the second Tuesday of every month from October to June. For more information: [email protected]
Apple Day, 10th October 2021
Sunday 10th October is Apple Day in Castle Cary! This will be a free celebration of all things apple so there will be plenty of apple produce stalls, food and drink to complement the apple -cheese, pork and cider- and many apple-themed activities. There will be apple art trees and feeding Peppa Pig apples for the children, apple pressing, live music from Hello Hopeville for the adults and an exploration into the science behind apple production all at The Market House in Castle Cary from 11-3. Later there is a lecture, organised by Cary History Society, about The Apple in Art with a speaker from the National Gallery. This will be at Caryford Hall from 6.00 pm. Further information from Colleen Bower, 01963 351763 or email: [email protected]
Cary 21 & the ‘Cary Hoard’
Cary21: Cary through time in 21 objects
Market House (top floor)
The Exhibition closes on Sunday 5 September at 4 pm.
This free show is open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm
& Sunday 29 August 3 – 5 pm & Sunday 5 September 10 am – 4 pm.
The show gives residents and visitors a chance to see the top floor of the Market House (now owned by the Town after 50 years of being in private hands) and to see the Town Council’s plans to install a lift and make other improvements.
PLUS: (Don’t Miss This……..)
On both Friday 3 and Sunday 5 September, the REAL Cary Hoard will be paying a visit from Southwest Heritage Centre. 152 silver coins from the 16th & 17th century discovered in Paddock Drain in 2006. The hoard will be on show in the Shambles 10 a.m. – 3.p.m with a Curator to answer your questions.
AND
On Sunday 5 September a “Finds Officer” from the Southwest Heritage Centre will be on hand in the Shambles from 10 am to 3 pm to identify those ancient objects you have dug up in your garden.
Ultrafast Broadband Boost for Castle Cary …..
Ultrafast Broadband Boost for Castle Cary and Bruton …. a message from Gigaclear:
Gigaclear, the UK’s largest rural alt-net, has started work in Castle Cary and Bruton to connect the two towns to its ultrafast full-fibre broadband network.
Gigaclear’s network is already present across much of rural Somerset. Now, the broadband provider has the opportunity to continue to expand its existing network on a commercial basis, to underserved market towns in the county, where internet speeds are still extremely poor.
Castle Cary’s existing broadband speeds are around 32.6Mbps, while Bruton’s stall at 33.3Mbps, both well below the national average of 80Mbps plus*. Gigaclear’s full-fibre upgrade will bring speeds of up to 900Mbps to just over 2,000 homes and business premises across the two towns. In total the project will require over 28,000 metres of fibre which will be laid via trenching as well as through existing duct and pole infrastructure.
Jo Scarrott, South West General Manager at Gigaclear, comments: “We’ve already been building our network in rural Somerset where we’ve focussed on bridging the digital divide and addressing inadequate broadband provision. Now that we’ve got a well-established network here, we can turn our attention to its market towns, like Castle Cary and Bruton, which are calling out for better internet.
“Fast broadband speeds are a necessity for a modern economy. The way in which we live and work depends on the internet, something that has been sharply underlined by the pandemic. We believe in digital inclusion for all and we’re excited to bring our network to more people so they can enjoy the life-changing benefits that come with world-leading connectivity.”
The expansion of Gigaclear’s network build to Castle Cary and Bruton is expected to be completed by Spring 2022.
To find out more information, or to check if your property can connect to the network, please visit www.gigaclear.com and use the postcode checker.
Road closure Fulford Cross/South Cary Lane
Road closure to clear the blockage and reroute the water currently flooding at the bottom of South Cary Lane
Full details here: 210906 South Cary Lane
Road closure Upper High St & North St
7th September 2021 and 8th September 2021 (07:30 – 17:30)
Full document here: 210907 road closure
Good News for Walkers!
We now have in Castle Cary a ‘Footpath Officer’. His role is not as a policeman or contractor, but he will report any issues concerning footpaths to Somerset County Council which is responsible for their upkeep.
Our Footpath Officer is Tim Barker ([email protected]) and he will be assisted by a small team of volunteers. The volunteers will walk footpaths in the parish of Castle Cary from time to time, armed with secateurs and will try and clear paths at important points. Issues such as broken stiles and fully blocked paths etc will be reported to County Council for action and followed up by the Town Council.
Please email Tim if you would like to join this group of volunteers. Whilst you are out walking, why not do a bit for the community!
We will hold a volunteer’s meeting at 11.00 on 25 August, in the Shambles so do come along if you would like to be involved.
Bruton High Street: road closure
We all know that Cary is the best town in Somerset, but, if you have to go to Bruton, be prepared for a bit of a diversion! See below for full details:
Advice on vaccinating children and young people
Advice on vaccinating children and young people
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised this week that all 16 and 17-year-olds will receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. |
The updated advice means that young people will be afforded around 80% protection against hospitalisation, following their first dose. |
It is expected that protection will probably be even higher as younger people respond better to vaccines and some will have already had the Covid-19 infection, meaning this first dose should act as a ‘booster’ to their immunity. |
The second dose will extend protection for an even longer period, for example when those young people start work or go to university, or if we begin to get another wave of cases in winter. It is likely that, when the second dose is offered, this will be from 12 weeks after the first dose. |
Fulford Cross
Good news! The permanent works are due to commence 6th Sept 2021, duration of approx. two weeks to complete. This will, as previously advised, involve a road closure. We shall update when details are known.
Somerset Waste Partnership service update
Tuesday 03 August 2021
Somerset Waste Partnership service update
Returning for missed collections: If waste is not collected, report it after 7pm on the due day via My Waste Services at somersetwaste.gov.uk. We aim to return for reported missed rubbish within two working days, and reported missed recycling on the next scheduled day. If recycling is missed and reported twice, it should be collected within two working days. For delayed recycling options, including food waste, visit Recycling options.
Suspended garden waste collections: Due to restart from Mon13Sep, this has freed staff to help recycling collections. All subscriptions have been automatically extended by eight weeks. News, contact form and phoneline details here: Garden waste suspension.
Today’s collections and return collections: Apologies; while most collections complete correctly, some may be missed. Situation changes during the day; not finalised until crews return. More details: Service update.
Return recycling, South Somerset: Back Tue03Aug for collections missed Mon02Aug in-around Yeovil, and collections missed Tue27Jul in-around Barwick, East and West Coker, Yeovil.
SWP and contractor SUEZ sincerely apologise for the disruption. Similar pressures on many waste authorities. More disruption is likely. The national LGV driver shortage is more acute in Somerset, given its role as a distribution hub, worsened by higher pandemic waste levels, Covid “pingdemic” isolations, training and testing delays, EU driver departures, and reopened retail demand. Recruitment of 25+ new LGV driver/loaders underway – see: suez.co.uk/en-gb/join-our-team-in-somerset, email [email protected], call 07970 724559 – and other SUEZ staff now training as LGV drivers.
Covid self-isolation: Self-isolation exemption for waste workers has not begun; those “pinged” must isolate. SUEZ is working to confirm and start the exemption request process.
Castle Cary features as a top Day Out on Radio Ninesprings
Listen to the one minute feature here:
Somerset Rivers Authority Annual Report
Hundreds of places across Somerset have benefitted from extra flood protection and resilience works funded by the SRA. In 2020-21, the SRA spent £3.344 million on actions designed to protect people, properties, businesses and roads, while enhancing local environments, in accordance with the objectives of Somerset’s 20 Year Flood Action Plan.
Everyone in Somerset is affected directly or indirectly by issues with flooding, so the SRA invests in a wide range of actions countywide to reduce flood risks and increase local resilience when floods do occur.
More information on the SRA page of this website: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/somerset-rivers-authority/
Important information about Homefinder Somerset
This is a reminder that some important changes are being made to Homefinder Somerset this summer. This includes improvements to the website and the online application form. These changes are being made following feedback received from people registered with Homefinder Somerset and organisations who work with them.
What the changes will mean for applicants
Applicants have been advised via bulk email, web message and a notice on the Homefinder Somerset website that:
- No homes will be advertised next week (week beginning Monday 26th July). Homes will be advertised again from Wednesday 4th August.
- It is currently not possible to make changes to their application. Applicants will be able to make changes to their application again from Monday 2nd August.
- From tomorrow (23rd July) it will not be possible to send web messages from their Homefinder Somerset account. Applicants have been advised to contact their local housing team if needed
Applicants have been advised that the changes will not affect their application. Applicants will keep the same Band and be able to bid for the same size of homes as now.
Whilst there will be some temporary disruption as the changes are being made, the changes will see the following benefits for people seeking a home:
- Applicants will be able to set up Property Alerts. If homes are being advertised that match what someone is looking for they will receive an email to let them know
- There will be a simplified application form
- The Homefinder Somerset website will be updated to make it easier to use. The new website has been largely been developed (the property search functionality is still to be done) – please click here to see what it will look like. Please note that the website address will remain the same (www.homefindersomerset.co.uk)
Key Dates
Please see below a reminder of the key dates for the transfer:
- Wednesday 21st – Sunday 25th July: The last letting cycle on the current website
- Week beginning 26th July: No properties will be advertised
- Monday 2nd August: The new website & back office system will go live. Applicants will again be able to update an existing application or submit a new application.
- Wednesday 4th – Sunday 8th August: First letting cycle on the new website
UPDATE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION IN SOMERSET
Announcment from Somerset County Council (One Somerset)
21st July 2021
We wanted to let you know that the Secretary of State for Local Government has today announced that the proposal for a single unitary authority, One Somerset, has been chosen as the future structure for local government in the county. The decision means that all five councils in Somerset – the County Council and the four district councils – will be abolished and a new single unitary authority created and in place by 2023.
Somerset County Council is delighted that the Secretary of State has backed its ambitious plans to give Somerset the resilient, unified, and dynamic system of local government it deserves. The success of partnership work throughout the pandemic to support our most vulnerable and roll out the vaccination programme has clearly demonstrated what we can achieve in Somerset when we work together.
In reaching its decision, the Government carried out extensive consultation, open to all Somerset residents, businesses, and stakeholders, including town and parish councils, the NHS, police, fire and public service organisations. The Government based its decision against three key tests – that any proposal should improve the area’s local government, command a good deal of local support across the area, and have a credible geography between 300-600,000 in population.
One Somerset is simple, it is clear, and it delivers what our residents want – better services, better value for money, decisions made locally, and an end to the confusion and bureaucracy of having multiple overlapping councils.
The One Somerset business case sets out how a single council for Somerset will benefit everyone, with:
• One council listening to the needs and concerns of residents, businesses, and communities, providing clear accountability.
• One point of contact for all local services, ending confusion and frustration for the public.
• One strong voice to champion Somerset on a regional, national and international level and secure funding to help the county recovery from coronavirus.
• One council but with 15 to 20 new Local Community Networks (LCNs) established reaching every corner of Somerset to give local people the chance to shape their own communities. These will have real constitutional powers to scrutinise, impact and take decisions
• One plan to free up £18.5 million of funding every year which can be reinvested in improving public services and lives across Somerset. With one-off implementation costs of £16.5m, this means a unitary bonus of £52.6m in the first five years.
It is important that everyone now gets behind One Somerset, and we recognise that working with the 278 town, parish and city councils across the county is going to incredibly important. Establishing the new unitary authority would, we believe, be a huge opportunity to look at this relationship and to seek to devolve decision making, services and assets in a way that benefits our communities and both the unitary and local parish, town and city councils.
This devolution of power and resources to the councils and organisations that are at the real heart of our communities, […]
Somerset Tourism Awards
Do you run a business in town which caters for tourists? It could be accommodation, hospitality, shops, spas or other attractions. Why not enter the Somerset Tourism Awards and give everyone else the chance to see what fantastic work you do? You can enter specific categories or maybe you are just the most dog-friendly or age-friendly or ethical business around? Or have you innovated as a result of the pandemic? Click on this link before 31st August and see how to enter and make the town proud of you!
https://www.somersettourismawards.org.uk/
Cary21: Cary Through Time in 21 Objects – Major new exhibition at The Market House
As part of a number of Summer events, Castle Cary is pleased to announce a fascinating display in the Town Centre. This is a joint venture by the Cary History Society, Castle Cary Town Council, and Castle Cary and District Museum, supported by The Newt in Somerset, and will take place at the top of the historic Market House in the newly acquired Victorian Assembly and Billiard Rooms.
Explore the story of the town over time from the Stone Age through the Roman and Norman invasions, the Civil War and right up to date as the gateway to the Glastonbury festival through a selection of intriguing objects and accompanying video presentation. Illuminated by a 4000 year old axe head, a Roman House-God, the story and model of the castle, a hoard of hidden coins, the Horsehair Factory and more, visitors can see how the town has developed through the ages. They can also see the plans for the renovation of the top floor of the Market House to include a lift and so explore aspects of Castle Cary’s past and future in one place. There will be a ground floor presentation of the display by appointment for those unable to manage the stairs.
The show will run from 24th July to 5th September, 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday and 3-5pm on Sundays. FREE Entry
A303 Sparkford to Ilchester Dualling Scheme Briefing Summer 2021
Update: a virtual exhibition will be available from Thursday 22nd July on the Highways England website: https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/south-west/a303-sparkford-to-ilchester/
Castle Cary Town Council has received the following information from South Somerset District Council
about the dualling of the A303 from Sparkford to Podimore: A303 Briefing Note July 2021
Decision on relocation of the Post Office in Castle Cary
Castle Cary Town Council has been told by The Post Office that a decision has been made on the relocation of the Post Office: click here for the document
Please come to celebrate the reopening of Caryford Hall
Saturday 10 July 2021 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.
Coffee and biscuits (table service).
Hear about plans for the next phase of the extension project and upcoming events.
All welcome.
For the benefit of new residents – Caryford is a multipurpose, independently run, Community Hall for the use of the residents of both Castle Cary and Ansford. It has spacious parking and a splendid new kitchen. Further improvements are planned.
Caryford Hall, Maggs Lane, Ansford, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ
Ultrafast broadband in Castle Cary
You may have noticed, and may have had details, of the roll out of ultrafast broadband in Cary/Ansford by Gigaclear.
Here are Gigaclear’s contact details for residents that may have an issue with the build – or have any queries? Gigaclear has specialist Network Build Care team and they can handle the majority of questions:
Barrow Market 17th July – Bring Out Your Treasures!
Our next Barrow Market will be on Saturday 17th July from 2pm – 5.30pm. This is a free event for the whole community. All you need is to have or borrow a barrow to bring your preloved items or attic treasures to the Cobbles in front of The Market House and hopefully find them a new owner! It is free to have a pitch but you will need to book by emailing [email protected] or call 01963 351763. Then simply pitch up, enjoy the summer afternoon vibe and take home some cash!
Opening of Millbrook Hub Community Larder 29th June
Castle Cary Town Council is delighted to announce the opening of our Community Larder at Millbrook Hub by the car park, in collaboration with Churches Together and Cary Cares. This is a food sharing venture which means people of the community can both bring surplus larder food and produce for the advantage of others, and take home others’ tasty items for themselves. It is totally free, staffed by volunteers and supported by local businesses.
We see this as having both environmental benefits -reducing food waste – and community benefits – helping top up pantries and sharing good harvests.
Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 8.30am – 10.30am and 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Saturdays 10.00am to 12 midday.
For further information contact Castle Cary Town Council 01963 359631
Update from Somerset Waste Partnership-service disruption
Update from Somerset Waste Partnership
Service disruption
SWP’s collections services have been under significant pressure in recent weeks, leading to unacceptable levels of missed collections.
We apologise for the disruption and have been working hard with our collection contractor, SUEZ, to address the immediate issues as well as the underlying causes of them.
Crews have been working long hours for a long period of time to keep our services relatively stable throughout the vast majority of the pandemic, and we thank them for that.
The current pressures are primarily down to a nationwide shortage of HGV drivers, a situation made worse by Covid (which has meant a backlog of HGV driving tests) and Brexit which has seen some drivers move back to EU countries.
Locally there is also a more general shortage of agency staff which, combined with recent heavy holiday traffic and continued Covid-related heavy loads, has seen an increase in missed collections in various parts of the county in recent weeks.
Update from today
- Many crews are still on their routes and today has been a more positive day. Only a small number of incompletions are expected, all of which will be returned for tomorrow.
- When we have more detail these they will be shared locally through social media and summarised on the SWP website.
- Progress has been made on clearing a backlog of garden waste collections. We expect more progress tomorrow when additional crews will be tasked to address this.
Actions taken
- Although drivers are in huge demand across the country, SUEZ is transferring several to the Somerset contract on a temporary basis to help get things back on track.
- Extra vehicles brought in to minimise the impact of any mechanical issues.
- Sedgemoor recycling collections were rescheduled from Tuesday to this Saturday, freeing up crews to tackle the backlog.
- Crews will be working this Saturday to collect the rescheduled Sedgemoor recycling from Tuesday and reduce/complete the backlog of garden waste collections.
- Took the decision that any missed recycling collections from Monday, Tuesday or the tail end of last week that had not yet been caught up will not be collected until their next scheduled recycling collection day. These properties will be prioritised and collected first. Additional recycling waste, ideally sorted into containers, will be collected.
Free digital training for retail businesses
Please find attached details of free digital training for retail businesses. The sessions will be held on Monday 28th June, Wednesday 30th June and Friday 1st July. The topics covered include Social Media for Online Businesses, Selling Online and Digital Marketing Essentials.
Dimmer Transfer Station Fire
A message from Viridor:
A fire was discovered at Viridor’s Dimmer Transfer Station in Castle Cary, Somerset, at 9.30am today (Thursday, 10 June, 2021).
Viridor staff discovered the fire as they were loading non-recyclable waste onto vehicles for its onward journey to Avonmouth Energy Recovery Facility, near Bristol. They immediately alerted the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and implemented site safety procedures, including an evacuation of the site. There have been no injuries.
Four fire service appliances remain on site to extinguish the fire, the cause of which is not yet known. The Environment Agency has been notified.
The known causes of waste site fires include hot barbecue coals, gas canisters, and batteries, including lithium ion batteries (commonly found in a variety of products such as eCigarettes, mobile phones, toys, cameras and laptop computers). Viridor advises residents to leave the ashes of barbecue coals to cool for at least 48 hours or thoroughly wet the ashes before placing out for collection. Items with lithium ion batteries should not be added to general waste but disposed of at recycling centres.
Viridor is very grateful to the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service for its assistance.
The company has advised Somerset Waste Partnership and has contingency plans in place. There will be no disruption to services.
We shall provide you with an update once the fire has been extinguished.
Follow the travel traffic lights: red, amber and green
Follow the travel traffic lights: red, amber and green
The ‘stay in the UK’ order was lifted just over a week ago, meaning people can now travel abroad for leisure. But strict border control measures, including testing and quarantine, remain in place. |
Different levels of restriction apply to those returning to England from countries based on the traffic light system, which will be regularly reviewed and informed by public health advice: Red, amber and green list rules for entering England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) |
The “green” list of countries is a guide to where people can safely visit without needing to quarantine when they return to England. People should not travel to ‘amber’ and ‘red’ countries for leisure. |
Passengers arriving from all destinations will need to provide a passenger locator form and show proof of a negative pre-departure test taken within 72 hours before their return journey. |
Ten-day managed hotel quarantine requirements will remain in place for those permitted to return to England from ‘red’ countries, and quarantine at home alongside stringent testing will be required for those returning from ‘amber’ destinations Quarantine and testing if you’ve been in an amber list country – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) |
People in England who have had both vaccine doses will be able to demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccination status via the NHS app. If you cannot access the app you can request a letter from the NHS proving their vaccination status by calling 119. GPs cannot provide letters showing your COVID-19 vaccination status. |
The government has also published the Passenger COVID-19 Charter, detailing how holidaymakers can travel safely this summer. It includes information on passenger rights and responsibilities, what to do if things go wrong and how to stay safe abroad. |
Remember that all holiday accommodation, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs, can reopen in England now and can be used by groups of up to six people or two households of any size at the moment – so a holiday is still possible. |
Two things: Plant sales and IT equipment
IT EQUIPMENT
Have you unused IT equipment tucked away in a cupboard such as laptops, IPads, PCs and phones?
You could donate it to Laptops4Learners and it will be used by the pupils in Castle Cary Primary School.
Blackmore IT will wipe all data, upcycle and renovate the equipment free of charge before it is given to the School.
Monitors, displays or printers are not accepted.
Apple products must be released from their ICloud accounts before donating.
You can drop your donations at Phillips Tyres, The Triangle, Castle Cary.
Hugs, pubs, hotels and more ….
The latest advice from Somerset County Council: Hugs, pubs, hotels and more /
Castle Cary Town Council is back to meeting in person from today.
Castle Cary Town Council is back to meeting in person from today.
Food support for families over May half-term
Food support for families over May half-term |
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Somerset County Council will continue to provide help to families in need of food support over the May half-term period. At its Full Council meeting on Wednesday, May 5, the Council Leader Cllr David Fothergill confirmed plans to allocate a total of £250,000 of funding to schools in Somerset to fund food vouchers over the May half-term. This will provide vouchers for the 14,509 children in Somerset eligible for Free School Meals, plus an additional allocation which schools can use to provide help to other families who they feel would also benefit from support. Somerset County Council has been working to tackle holiday hunger during the pandemic, providing funding for food and vouchers over October half-term, Christmas, February half-term and the Easter holidays. Cllr Fothergill said: “We are determined to ensure no-one in Somerset goes hungry. This has undoubtedly been a difficult year for many families, and it is good that we can provide this funding to help at this time. “Importantly, we have made sure that anyone who receives food support is made aware of the network of further support that is available to help them address other underlying issues, including financial advice and mental health support, housing advice and help with transport.” Further support has been provided for young people in Somerset who qualify for Free School Meals through the Holiday Activities and Food programme supported by the Department for Education. Somerset County Council joined forces with the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) to deliver food and fun activities to more than 2,500 children during the recent Easter holidays. Work is currently underway to expand the programme for the upcoming Summer holidays. Somerset’s wider emergency food response to the pandemic has seen more than 500,000 meals and items of food delivered to communities, families and individuals across Somerset through the Somerset Food Resilience Taskforce. The Taskforce is a great example of partnership working involving Somerset’s Local Authorities, Village Agents, Fareshare, and numerous voluntary and community groups. Work is underway to establish a sustainable model of food support for post-Covid which will continue to provide the appropriate support at the earliest opportunity and enable people to get the help they need. This includes supporting the development of community pantries and food projects, and continuing our close relationships with the Village Agents, Citizens Advice and community and voluntary groups. […] 905, 2021 We need your help!We need your help! This summer (from 24 July for about 8 weeks) we are putting on a display called Cary21: Cary through time in 21 objects. This is taking place in the Market House top floor Assembly Room (recently acquired by Cary Town Council) and is a joint venture between the Cary History Society, the Town Council and the Cary Museum. The show will give residents a chance to see and find out about an interesting collection of objects relating to the history of our town, from the Stone Age to the present day and will include a model of the Castle. It will also be a great opportunity to see both the impressive Assembly Room and the adjacent former Billiard Room. It is the Town Council’s wish not only to restore these Victorian rooms but in addition to provide a lift for those unable to climb the stairs to the second floor. To do this we will need community support. We already have architect’s plans and are in discussion with Historic England but have yet to apply for listed building consent. How can you get involved? We are looking for volunteers to look after the display during opening hours. This will be in 2 or 3-hour slots – say 11 am – I pm and I pm to 4 pm. We will need at least 2 people on duty for each session and we may be open all week. Full training will be given!!! We may also need volunteers with muscles to help move heavy things, and people with vehicles to collect loans etc and possibly others with carpentry skills! We need someone familiar with digital display screens! And if Covid allows a reception, we will also need canapé makers and helpers with handing round, pouring drinks and so on. If you have other useful skills, please let us know! If getting involved appeals to you, please reply to this message and we will start lists of helpers – please say briefly what you are offering to do and give a vague idea of your likely availability! At this stage you will not be making a commitment. Please reply to this email if you can help or if you have any questions. We hope to hear from you! With best wishes Pek (acting secretary on behalf of the CHS committee – below) Prof Will Vaughan (Art Historian/Historian/Curator) Chris Culpin (Historian/Writer/Teacher) Maureen Wincott (Historian) Kate Jarvis (Archaeologist/Archivist/Curator) Graham House (Geographer/Treasurer) Pek Peppin (Historian/Art Historian/Educator) 205, 2021 Who can I vote for on Thursday 6th May?This election will be held on Thursday 6 May 2021. You will have two votes (although you can choose to vote for only one camdidates) and can choose from five candidates in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Police force area. 2904, 2021 Our Post Office is moving.To give your views click on the link below (or copy it into your address bar) and complete the online survey. The Castle Cary Proposal Letter and Frequently Asked Questions sheet give more detail. 2704, 2021 Apply for money to develop your community food growing spaceThis is a quick way of applying for up to £5,000. You can apply for money from here if:
2304, 2021 Paid Election Volunteers Needed in SomersetLocal authorities are looking for paid volunteers to work at polling stations or counts for the elections which are taking place between 6 May – 10 May. Safe and secure polls are the cornerstone of our democracy and this is a great opportunity to support local elections teams to deliver COVID-secure and effective elections. Paid Election Volunteers Needed Last year, various local elections and polls were postponed because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. They are now going ahead on 6 May 2021, and local authorities are looking for paid volunteers to fill a number of different roles between 6 May – 10 May. They need your help to make sure the polls can run in a COVID-secure and effective way – safe and secure elections are a cornerstone of democracy. If you are over 18 and entitled to work in the UK you could be a:
Pay offered will vary by role and local authority, but is likely to be between £135 and £250 per day. The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 25th April. To find out more about the positions and to apply, please complete the Cabinet Office survey via this link.
Voting arrangements If your application is successful, your nearby local authority may allocate you a role at a polling station which is different to the polling station you have been assigned to vote at on your poll card. As you are required to remain at the polling station you are working at during the hours that the polls are open and the postal vote registration deadline has now passed, we would encourage you to apply for a proxy vote, whereby you can assign someone to vote on your behalf.
1204, 2021 National Mourning for HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.12th April 2021: Please note that, due to the eight day period of National Mourning for HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh from Friday 9th April, the Full Council Meeting due to take place on Monday 19th April will be rescheduled to Monday 26th April, and the MCC Meeting scheduled for that evening will now take place on Tuesday 4th May 2021. 1204, 2021 Ways to vote on Thursday 6th MayAnyone who is registered to vote can apply for a postal vote, whatever their reason, so long as they submit an application form to the Electoral Registration Office (The Electoral Registration Officer, South Somerset District Council, The Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2HT) before 5pm on Tuesday, 20 April. The deadline for a proxy vote application is 5pm on Tuesday, 27 April. For anyone concerned about voting at a Polling Station, postal voting is available and you should consider applying for a postal vote sooner rather than later. However, a lot of work is going in to making Polling Station COVID-secure and here are seven ways we are making Polling Stations safe to vote in. 1004, 2021 Tributes to HRH The Duke of EdinburghTributes to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
904, 2021 HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh![]() It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He truly lived a life of service. We send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the whole of the Royal family.
Councillors and Staff of Castle Cary Town Council 3004, 2021 eat: Castle Cary 1st May – road closureSee these documents for full details of the road closures and change to one way system for Saturday 1st May 07:00 to 19:00 704, 2021 Free coronavirus testing will be available to allFree coronavirus testing will be available to all
2903, 2021 Look out for your polling cardLook out for your polling card Poll cards will start to arrive at households in the coming days ahead of the elections on Thursday 6 May when residents in South Somerset will have their say on who should be the next Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, together with some town and parish council by-elections and also neighbourhood plan referendums in Queen Camel and Martock are also taking place. Your poll card, which should start arriving from Wednesday 31 March, gives you all the information you need, including the day and time of the election and where your polling station is. It also gives details of how you can make arrangements for a postal or proxy vote. Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for a postal vote, whatever their reason, so long as they submit an application form to the Electoral Registration Office (The Electoral Registration Officer, South Somerset District Council, The Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2HT) before 5pm on Tuesday, 20 April. The deadline for a proxy vote application is 5pm on Tuesday, 27 April. For anyone concerned about voting at a Polling Station, postal voting is available and you should consider applying for a postal vote sooner rather than later. However, a lot of work is going in to making Polling Station COVID-secure and here are seven ways we are making Polling Stations safe to vote in. Poll cards have been sent to voters who have registered to vote before 10 March only. If you have registered after this date, you will still receive a poll card, but not until closer to the election. If you believe you are registered to vote but don’t receive your polling card before Friday 9 April, you should check that you are actually on the Electoral Register by contacting the local Electoral Registration Office on 01935 462462.You can also check by emailing [email protected] providing your name and address. This year residents in South Somerset could be voting in two different elections, depending on where you live:
Alex Parmley, Local Returning Officer said, “We are able to provide a convenient way for anyone to place their vote whether it be postal, proxy (someone who votes on your behalf) or, indeed, by coming along to your nearest polling station. We have worked hard to ensure all our polling stations are Covid safe for voters and colleagues running the stations. The council aims to provide as much assistance as possible to the people of South Somerset to enable everyone to cast their vote. Polling Station staff are there to assist […] 2903, 2021 Covid restrictions update 29th March 2021
From Monday (March 29), lockdown restrictions will continue to be eased. And while we all want to make the most of the new freedoms, we must be careful too. Whilst the new freedoms are a much welcome step in the right direction, the next few weeks will determine how the Government decide to move forward with the next phase of the roadmap; we mustn’t do too much too quickly and allow our rates and case numbers to creep up again. Enjoy new freedoms, but please stay safe and remember hands face space! 2603, 2021 2603, 2021 WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A TOWN COUNCILLOR AND HELP TO MAKE CASTLE CARY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE?WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A TOWN COUNCILLOR AND HELP TO MAKE CASTLE CARY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE? 2303, 2021 Future of Local Government: HAVE YOUR SAYStronger Somerset? or One Somerset ? In your council tax bills you will have had a flyer telling you about the Government’s wish to have two tiers of local Government. Currently in Somerset we have three tiers:
You can see the present roles for the Councils here: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/town-council/about-the-council/
There are two suggestions on the table & you are being invited to have your say by April 19th.
https://www.strongersomerset.co.uk/SiteAssets/Files/Plans/Summary.pdf
https://docs.somerset.gov.uk/wl/?id=47PPoiRFSYc4NAbS1U66i1YHcCEOLSCp
To have your say please follow this link https://consult.communities.gov.uk/governance-reform-and-democracy/somerset/ 2303, 2021 eat:Castle Cary: Saturday 1st May 2021Castle Cary food and drink festival returns to the town on Saturday 1 May – social distanced, but still full of great local food and drink. In its second year eat:Castle Cary is a free all day market that showcases some fantastic local food and drink producers and the organisers hope to bring lots of free entertainment too (COVID guidelines permitting). eat:Castle Cary on Saturday 1 May will have over 50 food and drinks producers set up in Bailey Hill, outside the Market Hall, on Fore Street and the High Street. The stalls will have a wide variety of goods including farmers’ markets favourites like ales, bread and cheese alongside top quality street food with world flavours made with local ingredients. The team hope to have some strolling balloon artists and street entertainers – all with a sound track of some laid-back music – but are guided by Government restrictions and best practice. Organiser Sarah Milner Simonds told us: “We are really pleased to be working here again – creating a great free day out for the whole family. We have attracted some excellent food and drink producers and we hope that visitors will be interested in the stories behind the produce. The feedback from our producers was fantastic in 2019 and we know that there was a big demand for a repeat. This last year has been challenging for everyone and we are aiming to create a warm, safe welcome to this spring’s event. We will be providing additional hand sanitizer opportunities, our stewards will be on hand to remind people of their obligations, a new layout with more room between stalls and taking on board the latest government roadmap recommendations.” Organisers are urging residents to walk or cycle into the event and if they are driving in to park responsibly and ensure clear access for emergency vehicles on all roads. The event is fully accessible and there are plenty of gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and dairy free options as well as smaller portions. The festival is also single-use plastic free and all food to go packaging is fully compostable – so don’t forget your shopping bags. The festival opens at 10am and runs until 4pm. Find out more at the festival Facebook page or website www.eatfestivals.org 2303, 2021 Community Council of Somerset NewsPlease click here for news from the Community Council of Somerset: Community Council for Somerset April News 1503, 2021 Census Day is Sunday 21st March 2021…you should have received postal information and a code for logging in; you can complete your form before Sunday if you have all the information. See the Census website for full details, including how to request a postal form. For help: Phone free on 0800 141 2021 for help Find your nearest Census Support Centre. Use the Text relay system: (18001) 0800 141 2021 Phone the free language helpline on 0800 587 2021 Large print formats are available 1203, 2021 Greener thoughts from SSDCFrom the latest SSDC ‘Get Sussed’ information:
1103, 2021 Voters urged to register in time to have their say in MayOn Thursday 6 May residents in South Somerset will have their say on who represents them at the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner election, some town and parish council by-elections and also neighbourhood plan referendums in Queen Camel and Martock are also taking place. In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register. With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, South Somerset District Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. This year residents in South Somerset could be voting in three different elections, depending on where you live:
Roger Quantock, Elections Specialist for South Somerset District Council, said: “These elections are an important opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in South Somerset. If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote.” Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “You can’t have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It’s quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.
“If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote.
“If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don’t need to take any action. If in doubt, you can check with your local authority on 01935 462462.” Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April. For more information on the Town and Parish Council elections in South Somerset and the Neighbourhood Plan referendums, please visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/elections-and-voting. For more information on the Police and Crime Commissioner election please visit www.avonpccelection.org.uk. Virtual briefing for candidates and agents at the election of the Police and Crime Commissioner People interested in standing as a candidate at the Police and Crime Commissioner election are invited to attend a virtual live […] 1003, 2021 VACANCY ON CASTLE CARY TOWN COUNCILSee details below: Parish Vacancy Notice 25 February 2021 803, 2021 503, 2021 Somerset County Council Covid update 4th March 2021Update from Somerset County Council on school opening & care home visiting:
On Monday, the first of the stages in gradually easing lockdown take place, and our children return to face to face education. Clinton Rogers’ latest Somerset Covid Catch Up film visits one of our Primary Schools to discuss this, and you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dfLPphYr2o
Another very important change from next Monday is that our care home residents will be allowed one regular visitor, provided they are tested and wear PPE. However, it is very important to remember that next Monday is not the end of lockdown – far from it. The Government has outlined four steps that must be met before restrictions are gradually lifted, and there will be a minimum of five weeks between each step: four weeks for the data to reflect changes in restrictions, followed by seven days’ notice of the restrictions to be eased. You can read more about that in this update: Somerset COVID Weekly Update 4 March
503, 2021 Rail improvements this weekendJust a quick reminder that Network Rail will be carrying out improvement works this weekend, ensuring that the railway remains safe and reliable for customers. On Sunday 7th March, buses will replace trains between Westbury and Bath Spa/Chippenham. For more information, please go to https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/wessex London Paddington will also be closed on Sunday 7th March, as Network Rail upgrade the overhead electric lines to improve the reliability and performance of the railway. No trains will run to/from London Paddington, and most long-distance trains will terminate at Reading. A limited train service will also run between Reading and Ealing Broadway. For more information, please go to https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/london-paddington.
203, 2021 Please clean up after your dog!We’ve had reports of dog fouling in our lovely Town-if you own a dog you have a duty to clean up after your dog; a person who doesn’t clean up after their dog may face an on-the-spot fine of up to £100. These fines are known as fixed penalty notices. If a person refuses to pay they can be taken to the local Magistrates Court for the dog fouling offence and fined up to £1,000.
2402, 2021 Another 200 houses in the field above the station?200 house risk re-appears – on the field above the station The refusal by South Somerset District Council of an outline development application to build 200 houses on land at Ansford Hill is now being appealed to the Planning Inspectorate despite the strong objections previously put forward by Ansford Parish Council, Castle Cary Town Council, and SSDC. The objection is supported by an expert visual impact study. SSDC’s refusal notice stated that; ‘the development, by reason of its scale and location, represents a visually obtrusive encroachment beyond the town’s obvious physical and topographically informed limits and into the open countryside, to the detriment of local and landscape character. This harm would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal’. It is vitally important that local people make their views, on this wholly unacceptable development, known to the Inspectorate. You can write to The Planning Inspectorate, 3/10b, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, BRISTOL, BS1 6PN or email teame1@pins.gsi.gov.uk quoting reference APP/R3325/W/20/3259668 before the 17 March 2021. For more information about this and links to important documents, visit our Town website: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/planning-updates/ 2402, 2021 Schools to return from 8th March … a message from Somerset County CouncilSchools to return from 8 March as roadmap on lockdown easing published
902, 2021 Call for people aged 70 and over to contact NHS for Covid jab
802, 2021 Food support for families in February half-termFood support for families in February half-termSomerset County Council is continuing to provide food support for families during the upcoming February half-term. The Council has used funding from the Winter Covid Grant Scheme to ensure families with children eligible for Free School Meals will receive food or vouchers during the holiday and has asked schools to help deliver this targeted food support. Somerset County Council has also provided additional funding so that more families and children needing support over half-term can receive help. Councillor Frances Nicholson, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “Somerset County Council has been working closely with partners throughout the pandemic to ensure there has been sufficient food support for those who need it. “As we promised last autumn, we are pleased to be able to continue this work by providing funding for the February half-term which will ensure food support is available for Somerset families over the holiday period. “I’d also like to express our thanks to all of the school staff who have been instrumental in arranging the extra vouchers for families.” Somerset County Council used funding from the Winter Covid Grant scheme to provide food vouchers over the Christmas holidays, and during term time allocated an additional £427,000 to Somerset schools to enhance the level of food provided and meet dietary requirements. Support for schools is just part of a much wider network of support in the county during the pandemic which has ensured people in Somerset have access to food, personal, financial and emotional support. Somerset’s local authorities are working with organisations including foodbanks, FareShare, HIS Church, Somerset Community Council Village Agents and many voluntary and community groups across Somerset to provide food items and frozen meals for immediate use, as well as supporting the development of new community pantries and larders to help communities have longer term sustainable solutions in place. The Somerset Coronavirus Support Helpline number, 0300 790 6275, is open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm, offering a range of support – from help accessing food or medicines, to emotional and financial support, and employment, skills and business advice. 702, 2021 Danger at Fulford CrossWarning
Please take care if you are using South Cary Lane or Blackworthy Lane. At the junction (Fulford Cross) the river is still rapidly running across the road. To cross you have to walk on the grass bank and jump over the gap where the bank has been washed away.
The grid that was stopping all the rubbish going into the culvert is now lying on the river bed. It would be best to avoid it in a car until it is rectified.
This has been reported several times to SCC Highways but if they don’t deal with it before the weather changes it will be lethal. To report please click on this link. https://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/report-a-blocked-drain-on-the-road/ 502, 2021 Missed collections …A message from Somerset Waste Partnership …. UPDATED – Sorry; missed recycling, back tomorrow Saturday Due to coronavirus-related staff shortages, recycling collections will be missed today Friday in some streets in and around Castle Cary. Road list below. Collections missed today will be returned for tomorrow Saturday from 6am. To help crews, have recycling containers out with no contamination, and materials sorted and segregated. Check here what goes where: somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling-collections/ Observe coronavirus safety advice for collections, including washing/sanitising hands before and after handing waste containers, disinfecting handles, and maintaining social distance from waste staff. Coronavirus safety measures and the change to 6am starts – details here: facebook.com/SomersetWaste/posts/3741870462515672 If you need extra recycling containers, order them via My Waste Services at somersetwaste.gov.uk Apologies, Somerset Waste Partnership Roads at risk: ANCASTLE AVENUE ANCASTLE TERRACE ANSFORD HILL ANSFORD ROAD ASHLEA BARNES CLOSE CATHERINES CLOSE CHAPEL CLOSE COOMBE CLOSE CUMNOCK ROAD FOURWAYS CLOSE HALLETT ROAD HIGH STREET HIGHER ANSFORD LOWER ANSFORD MAGGS LANE MARKET PLACE MULLINS WAY NORTH STREET OLYMPIC DRIVE ORCHARD CLOSE PARK LANE PARSONAGE CRESCENT PARSONS GATE ST ANDREWS CLOSE TUCKERS LANE UPPER HIGH STREET WOODFORDE GREEN YEABSLEYS WAY 302, 2021 Who Cares for the Carers? We Do.Over 63 Village Agents are ready to support unpaid carers in Somerset. ‘Unpaid Carer’ means someone not EMPLOYED to be a Carer for a person, and who may or may not receive a Carers Allowance. The person being cared for can be a friend, family member, partner, child or neighbour. 102, 2021 Welcome to Farès!At our Full Town Council meeting on 18th January, Farès Moussa was confirmed as a Town Councillor. https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/fares-k-moussa/ 3101, 2021 Find the Fountain!Queen Victoria Jubilee Drinking FountainA drinking fountain was erected by the town in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. It was taken down some 20 years later to make way for the War Memorial that now stands proudly in the Horse Pond. When it was removed in C.1920, it was apparently relocated to a private garden in the town. We are trying to track down where it might be. This is in support of a project to install a drinking fountain next to the Horse Pond to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. If you can provide any information could you please get in touch with Simon Bebbington on either 01963 548009 or 07587180639. Here are a couple of photos of the fountain in situ: 2801, 2021 Early waste collections from Monday 1st February6am start from Monday 1 February Full details here: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/somerset-waste-partnership-swp-updates/ 2501, 2021 National Holocaust Memorial Day-27th JanuaryJust a quick reminder that National Holocaust Memorial Day is on the 27th of this month. I would like to encourage all RBL members, supporters, friends, family and members of the public to participate along with the rest of the Nation to light a candle (if and when safe to do so) and spend 2 minutes at 8:00pm on the 27th Jan, either on your doorsteps or suitable place of contemplation to reflect on those that perished during the Nazi occupation.
2401, 2021 Keep updated …..Don’t forget that there is lots of help available from various organisations and Councils during this pandemic; the pages are updated at least weekly so please check back if you need answers: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-and-updates/ 2101, 2021 2101, 2021 Help needed!Help Needed! Do you have a background in finance? Could you give a small amount of your time to help your community? Caryford Hall is seeking assistance on a voluntary basis to establish some new financial systems. The Hall has recently been successful in registering as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and needs to set up systems to manage grant funding and the re-tendering and contract for the completion of our vital extension project. This could be short- term involvement, supporting the Management Committee over the next few months, or the role could be extended, as we have a vacancy for a Treasurer to deal with financial matters and oversee day-to-day activities such as bookkeeping. If you can help – please contact Ian Bynoe: [email protected] 1801, 2021 Your Invitation to the Bruton and Castle Cary Solar Streets Q & A SessionYour Invitation to the Bruton and Castle Cary Solar Streets Q & A Session on Thursday 28th January at 7.30pm Following the distribution of their offer in the Winter Town Newsletter, IDDEA are offering an online Zoom session where they will answer all of your questions about the scheme. You are cordially invited to attend by clicking on the link below that allows you to pre-register for the event. Hi there, You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. From Claire Craner-Buckley Deputy Town Clerk Castle Cary Town Council Tel: 07561611756 1601, 2021 Businesses urged to claim Tier and Lockdown grantsA message from South Somerset District Council: Businesses in South Somerset are now able to apply for grant funding to support them through the current restrictions. Due to existing data that the Council holds we have already been able to pay over £2.5m in business grants covering the national lockdown period. Emails have been sent to 750 other businesses who will need to reply confirming their details are correct and anyone who hasn’t applied for a grant since spring 2020 will need to apply online. SSDC has processed a range of mandatory and discretionary grants throughout the various tier restrictions and lockdowns each with differing criteria and application windows. Businesses grants are being administered by local councils on behalf of the Government. The simplified claims process is split between Business Rate Payer and Non Business Rate Payer applications. Business Rate Payers that have been mandated to close If you’re a business rate payer and you’ve previously been paid a grant for Tier 2, we have automatically made a grant payment for the December restrictions and January lockdown periods. If you are a business rate payer and you’ve previously been paid a grant for the November lockdown period we will contact you with further instructions to apply. You will need to reply to an email to confirm that the details we hold for your business are correct and confirm your continued eligibility. We will then make the appropriate payment based on your rateable value. If you have not received a grant covering the November lockdown and further tiered restrictions you will need to apply online. You can apply online at www.southsomerset.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport by selecting the ‘Business Rate Payer’ application dropdown. The application is now live.
Non Business Rate Payers (Discretionary Scheme) and severely affected Business Rate Payers
If you do not have a business rates account or your business has not been mandated to close (but you have been severely affected) you may still be eligible for grant funding through our discretionary business grant fund. You will be able to apply online at www.southsomerset.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport by selecting the ‘Non Business Rate Payer’ application dropdown. This application process is now live and we would encourage businesses to apply as quickly as possible. If your business was unsuccessful in our previous discretionary scheme we would encourage you to apply again. We have been able to broaden the criteria as a result of additional funding from Government. Councillor Val Keitch, Leader of South Somerset District Council, said: “Our staff have been working tirelessly to implement systems for business grant applications and through their hard work many businesses have already been awarded these vital grants. I would encourage businesses to check their emails and visit our website to apply for further support.” SSDC has delivered funding of over £39m to eligible local businesses so far including payments totalling £1.6m for the second National Lockdown period, £500,000 for Tiered restrictions and over £2.5m for the third National Lockdown.
Visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for information on a range of different matters that […] 1401, 2021 Beware of vaccine fraudstersAdvice from Somerset County Council; please pass on to anyone you know without internet access: Vaccines: Be aware of fraudsters14 January, 2021
Action Fraud is warning the public to remain vigilant as criminals begin to take advantage of the roll out of the coronavirus vaccine to commit fraud. Remember: 1201, 2021 Somerset County Council updatesLatest updates from SCC re vaccinations, BBC TV school programmes & ‘Every Mind Matters’, amongst other items… https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/latest-coronavirus-updates/ 901, 2021 Upper High Street road closure-07:30-17:30 11-15th January 2021Although we had notice before Christmas that these roadworks (resurfacing) were delayed until February, the one.network website is showing that they will go ahead ( & notices are up) 501, 2021 Castle Cary LibraryCastle Cary Community Library SORRY WE ARE CLOSED until further notice PLEASE NOTE:
405, 2021 Castle Cary Post Office & alternativesCastle Cary Post Office will be open 09:00-13:00 on Wednesdays & Thursdays only until further notice. Alternatives are at Wincanton: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/400549x/wincanton Bruton: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/4205499/bruton or the mobile Post Office that visits North Cadbury at various times during the week: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/7085494/north-cadbury-mobile-service 3112, 2020 Tier 4 from 31st December 2020Somerset enters new Tier 4 restrictions Somerset will be escalated to Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions from midnight tonight (31 December) following an announcement from the Health Secretary Matt Hancock this afternoon. The Tier covers all four districts – Mendip, Sedgemoor, South Somerset and Somerset West and Taunton. Leader of Somerset County Council David Fothergill said: “In the last three weeks in Somerset the number of Covid-19 cases has almost trebled. Rising from 473 cases per week to 1,299. In the most recent week, the rate of new cases increased by more than a third (37 per cent). “Tier 4 restrictions are tough but very necessary if we are to get back in control of our rising rates and cases. We’ve just heard the new Oxford vaccine has been approved, so the vaccination programme will gather pace but now is not the time to be complacent. I urge you all to do your bit, follow the new restrictions exactly and help everyone in Somerset to get back to a more normal way of life.” For Somerset residents living in a Tier 4 area, this means you must not leave or be outside of your home except for specific purposes. The essential guidelines are set out below:
201, 2021 Woodcock Street road closure 4,5,6th JanuaryAs you’ll have seen from the notices in Woodcock Street:
1812, 2020 712, 2020 Avian influenza update-birds must be housed/netted from 14th DecemberThe Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland and Wales have agreed to bring in new measures to help protect poultry and captive birds, following a number of cases of avian influenza in both wild and captive birds in the UK. The new housing measures, which will come into force on 14 December, mean that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease. Full details in the follwoing link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-bird-flu-national-prevention-zone-declared
312, 2020 Online Christmas carolsLast call for submissions If singing Christmas carols is your thing… then read on…
On 20 December there will be an online Town Carol Service which will include a mass community sing of ‘Silent Night’ To join in, follow the instructions below. Access the backing track on Youtube (https://youtu.be/e70wzk6p4ZM) on all devices. Record yourself singing to that backing track. Recordings by mobile phone are fine. If you can use headphones, (so the only thing on the recording is your voice,) that would really help with the mixing. Send your recording via this uploader https://driveuploader.com/upload/6Ejlu4ahOK/ (if you are under 16 please ask a parent to do this for you).
This is open to everyone of any age, any creed and any standard.
Deadline for submissions is 4th December. 212, 2020 Big ChristmasBig Christmas can’t happen this year but our High Street shops are all open from today (2nd December) and we have THE best independent shops in our lovely High Street. There’s lots of takeaway food offered by the pubs and cafés. Castle Cary’s Big Christmas will be back next year but for this year it’s shop ’til you drop in Castle Cary ? 2611, 2020 No Scout post this ChristmasWe understand that due to Covid 19 there will be no Scout Post in Town this year. 2611, 2020 CARYFORD COMMUNITY HALL ASSOCIATION ONLINE GENERAL MEETINGCARYFORD COMMUNITY HALL ASSOCIATION ONLINE GENERAL MEETING
A Special General Meeting of Association members and residents is to be held online on Tuesday 15 December at 7.30pm. This is to discuss and approve a resolution to implement the following plan. The Hall Committee believes that the Association should convert the charity into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It has written a new draft Constitution which has been checked by a solicitor. To view and download a copy of the proposed resolution, the draft constitution and a note explaining why we are proposing this, please go to www.caryfordhall.co.uk/cio-conversion
To register to attend the meeting please email [email protected]. If you cannot attend but want to send us your views, please write to The Chair, CCHA, Caryford Hall, Maggs Lane, Ansford, Castle Cary, BA77JJ or email [email protected] 3012, 2020 2211, 2020 Road closure North St & Wyke RoadSee here for full details and a map of the diversion: 23rd November North St & Wyke Road closure 1611, 2020 Avian influenza (bird flu)Poultry and other captive birds An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (PDF, 39.1KB, 6 pages) (AIPZ) has been declared across the whole of England effective from 5pm on 11 November 2020. All poultry keepers in England (whether they have commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions. If you keep poultry (including gamebirds or pet birds) or other captive birds, you must act now to reduce the risk of disease in your flock by following the relevant biosecurity measures required within the AIPZ. Your stock needs to be feed and watered under cover to prevent contamination from wild birds. Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry diseases such as avian influenza and limiting the spread of disease in an outbreak. All bird gatherings within the AIPZ are prohibited therefore the general licence that had permitted bird gatherings has been revoked. For more guidance please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) Public Health England advises that the risk to the public’s health is very low. Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19). Voluntary registration You can choose to register fewer than 50 birds, or birds you keep as pets. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) encourages you to register even if you do not have to by law. By registering,
1311, 2020 Vacancy on Ansford Parish CouncilVacancy for a Parish CouncillorAnsford Parish Council has a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. If you are interested and would like more information please contract the Parish Clerk at [email protected] If you would like to get actively involved with local issues and help with our plans to improve essential facilities for our parishioners, we would welcome your assistance. Our current and long-term objectives are now being formulated, in preparation for an increasing number of new homes in our neighbourhood, and this will require an expansion of local amenities and services, to serve the needs and aspirations of all age-groups within our community. With your help, Ansford Council could then provide more resources in which to plan some important improvements to local infrastructure projects, such as Road Safety/Transport links, Recreation & Leisure and Health & Social Well-being. Another crucial matter we are keen to develop, is the care and maintenance of the local Environment, and to encourage people to help with a variety of small-scale rural projects involving volunteer groups. By joining our small team of councillors, we can set our sights on becoming a greener and more sustainable place in which to live, for the benefit and satisfaction of all our parishioners. 911, 2020 The Market continues …..Just to confirm that the TUESDAY MARKET will be on tomorrow (November 10th) and following strictly the Government’s guidelines. All stalls will be outside and PPE will be in place. 611, 2020 When you need help …..Cary Cares
For help please: Phone: 01963 602013. 9.30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Mon-Sat) or Email: [email protected] Cary Cares is organised by Churches Together in Castle Cary/Ansford, supported by the Parish Charity and endorsed by the Town Council. It is run by a group of volunteers here to help anyone in need in our community.
If you would like to make a donation, please use the contact details above.
511, 2020 Nat West Mobile bank informationA message from Nat West: This is to advise you that due to the National Lockdown we have unfortunately been taken off the road for the 4 week lockdown period. Hoping that this isn’t extended and we can resume our service once again. 511, 2020 Castle Cary Community LibraryCastle Cary Community Library will be closed on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November. After that we hope to be able to offer an “order and collect” service (now called “Library Choice”) – you let us know what books you want, we find them and organise collection or delivery. Look out for details on the Library door and elsewhere.
311, 2020 Latest Government guidance for Lockdown#2This is being updated regularly: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november 3010, 2020 A message about food poverty from Somerset County CouncilFood support for families in Somerset29 October, 2020 Somerset County Council has pledged £125,000 of additional support for families in Somerset who may be struggling to find food this winter. Throughout the pandemic the Coronavirus Helpline has been providing information, advice and support to families, adopting the same community orientated approach as that developed in the Adults service. The Village Agent offer to families has been extended so that they can get support to address underlying issues and regain, or retain, their ability to be as independent as possible. This has enabled many families in Somerset to get the support they need to become more resilient. One element of this has been to make sure families can access nutritious meals – this remains a focus of our work. This week it was agreed to set aside a further £125,000 in case more funds are needed to ensure families are fed this winter. We have food available this half-term and any family in need should call our Coronavirus helpline on 0300 790 6275 and select Option 1. Please visit the website for much more information: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-latest-advice 2510, 2020 ’The Cooking Pot’ has arrived!IT HAS ARRIVED! Our very own community cookery book, The Cooking Pot, is now for sale.
As well as recipes from our residents, this book tells the history of our local food and drink businesses, and how they rose to the challenges that lockdown brought. It is a record of our town in the year 2020 and, consisting of 168 pages with fabulous colour photos, will make a lovely Christmas present.
Because of the generous help towards the printing costs from local companies and societies, we are able to give all proceeds from the sale of the book to the Town Charity.
Priced at £10 it can be found in Bailey Hill Bookshop, Pinsents Deli, The Wonderful Gardening Company, David Simon Contemporary, Wine Wizzard and The Newt.
Many thanks to all businesses who have, and are, continuing to support this project.
1512, 2020 NO Christmas tree recycling this year!We’ve had the following message from South Somerset: Unfortunately we will be unable to offer the Christmas Tree recycling service this year as our workload won’t allow for the loss of the staff or wood chippers following the loss of production during the Covid-19 lockdown period. As an alternative, we have liaised with Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) to provide the following advice: Where possible, SWP and SSDC would like to encourage people to consider replanting trees, home composting or adding them to a corner of the garden as a wild habitat. Where that’s not possible, anyone subscribing to the SWP Garden Waste Service can leave their tree out next to their garden waste bin for collection. The usual restrictions apply – branches should be less than 15cm or less in width. Anyone not subscribing to the service can take trees to any of the county’s 16 recycling sites https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling/centres/ for the garden waste skips. Composted trees – part of the 50% of your recycling that stays in Somerset and 90% that stays in the UK – become Revive soil conditioner sold at recycling sites. Other collection points may be available at the time, and together, SSDC and SWP will endeavour to publicise these where possible.
We apologise for any disappointment this may cause and hope we will be able to have the service back up and running next year, and thank you for your understanding. 1610, 2020 Remembrance 2020
The ongoing situation with the Covid pandemic in the country will not allow the normal acts of Remembrance to take place on Remembrance Sunday on 8 November. The Royal British Legion committee of Castle Cary will arrange a ‘closed’ ceremony to take place at the War Memorial to ensure that as a community an act of Remembrance will take place which will include the laying of wreaths. This ceremony will be conducted on behalf of the whole community. Representatives from those organisations who historically lay a wreath will be invited to attend. We ask that the public do not turn up to this event in order to maintain a Covid safe environment. We know this will be a disappointment to many people of Castle Cary but it is the most sensible thing to do in the current climate. If you would like to show your support for Remembrance Sunday we would encourage everybody to display a Poppy in one of your windows. A blank for children to colour in can be found at this link There will be a reduced Poppy Appeal this year to ensure safety of both the public and our volunteers. Poppies will be available in some outlets in Castle Cary. There will be a ‘market stall’ daily at the Market House where a full range of Poppy memorabilia will be available. This will be in place from Saturday 24 October until Saturday 7 November – this will be every day except Sunday. 1610, 2020 Solar Streets are coming to Castle Cary“Castle Cary Town Council is pleased to support this partnership working initiative ‘Solar Streets’. Its aims fully fit with our environmental action plan for Castle Cary to be carbon neutral by 2030. We enthusiastically endorse this scheme which we hope our community will engage with and benefit from.” Bruton and Castle Cary Town Councils and One Planet Bruton are working with west country solar installer IDDEA and The Green Group to offer significantly discounted solar panels for households in Bruton, Castle Cary and the surrounding area (up to five miles from either town). 1510, 2020 VandalismThere has been an increase in anti social behaviour in our communities and we are very concerned about the safety of both our young people and others. Recent events include the vandalism of the Catherine’s Close toilets, which are now closed whilst repairs are taking place, the bus shelter on Churchfield Drive, the defibrillator and the bus shelter on Station Road. In addition there are numerous incidents of vandalism that deeply affects the Football Club and the users and neighbours of the fields and play areas. Both Councils are in regular contact with the Police who have increased their patrols of the Fairfield, the Donald PIther Memorial field and the town. However, they can only react to crimes that they know about so we urge you to contact the Police EVERY time you witness crimes anywhere in our town. You can do this by calling 101 or if it’s an emergency 999 If you have access to the internet: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/anti-social-behaviour/ You can also report crimes anonymously on: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously We intend to keep a log of incidents and will request the Police to initiate a Community Trigger procedure but we can only do this if incidents are reported at least five times. We therefore, repeat our request to report incidents. In addition we will make representation to the Police & Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens regarding the resourcing of the Police in rural areas as we know we are not alone in our concerns. Chris Edwards Chair Ansford Parish Council Judi Morison Chair Castle Cary Town Council 1210, 2020 Vandalism at the Play Park loo…over the weekend. Once again mindless vandalism has caused the closure of this much needed facility. The CCTV footage will be looked at; meanwhile, if anyone has information, please forward it to [email protected] 710, 2020 Nat West mobile bank returns!The Nat West Mobile Bank will be returning to Castle Cary on Thursday 15th October at the usual time, 11am to 12pm. To meet Covid safety requirements, the bank staff will be travelling in two separate vehicles, so, if you see a car parked on the Cobbles, it is the second vehicle associated with the bank and has permission to park there. 2010, 2020 One Somerset…or Stronger Somerset?A debate has been running between Somerset County Council and the District Councils of Somerset about their future. You may have read about it in the County Council newsletter. Now, Somerset County Council is asking for your views; their latest communication states: ‘In previous communications we have committed to carrying out a consultation this Autumn to gather public opinion around the One Somerset model and the future opportunities this will bring for Somerset. To help gather feedback we are now embarking on a detailed consultation exercise and an online survey will shortly be available on the One Somerset website where you’ll be able to provide us with your thoughts. Please take part and submit your feedback on this form when it becomes available. In addition, Somerset County Council has commissioned an independent organisation called Blue marble Research to conduct some focus groups/depth interviews so you may be contacted directly by them and invited to take part in those sessions. In the meantime and if you have any questions around the One Somerset business case then please take a look at the website which is updated regularly with all the latest information.’ However, the District Councils of Somerset disagree with the One Somerset proposal and South Somerset District Council has a page on its website accordingly:http://www.strongersomerset.co.uk/ This was also discussed by Castle Cary Town Council in July: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/CCTC-Approved-Minutes-for-Town-Council-Meeting-2020-07-20.pdf (Chair’s report c) 209, 2020 Fairfield projectSee this link for more details: https://www.castle-cary.co.uk/fairfield-project/ 2208, 2020 Good news!Our trusty Community and Tourist Information Desk volunteers have returned to help answer questions from the community and give information about tourism in our town. They are working restricted hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10.00-12 noon and are operating from the Undercroft with a oneway system. Please follow the directions and observe social distancing and Covid-19 processes at all times. They have information about walks and leaflets about tourist attractions as well as our Welcome Packs for new residents. It would also be useful if you could keep them informed about your forthcoming events and activities as these at last begin to come on stream again. Our Town and Deputy Clerks will be returning to see residents in person on an appointments only basis on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting from Wednesday 3rd September 10.00-12 noon. Please access them through the volunteers on duty in the Undercroft. To make an appointment email: [email protected] or phone 07780 635013 or (01963) 359631 We are hoping very much to bring back Saturday coffee mornings as soon as possible but, having risk assessed the activity rigorously, we are sorry that at the time of writing it is still not possible. Please bear with us, as we are constantly reviewing the situation with information from daily Government updates. We have the safety of our community at heart. Thank you for your understanding. 1708, 2020 Not to be missed! Live performance!Market Day in Castle Cary, Tuesday, 18th August Bud Martin will perform his hit song ‘Little Old Lady from Castle Cary’ This will be at 9.30, 10.30, 11.30 and 12.30. Please always remember to practice social distancing. It was back in 1997 that Bud Martin – who lives in Yeovil – wrote ‘Little Old Lady from Castle Cary’ but only now has it become a hit, albeit on You Tube! Bud uploaded ‘Little Old Lady from Castle Cary’ to You Tube and within just a few weeks it has attracted five-figure viewing numbers. Now, to support the town and local businesses at this difficult time, Bud is to perform live ‘Little Old Lady from Castle Cary’ near the Market on Tuesday, 18th August. For those of you who would like a taster in advance, here is the link: ‘Little Old Lady from Castle Cary’ 1708, 2020 Castle Cary Community Library is re-opening.The library will be open from Tuesday 18 August. There will be a 1-in-1-out policy. You will not be able to browse the shelves. There is a new Order and Collect service. Simply fill in a form online at Somerset Libraries; phone 0757 904 9109 or collect a form in the library. You can order anything from our library including books, large print books, audiobooks and DVDs. No charges or fines will be issued for any items borrowed. And you can still use the wonderful e-services: e-books, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines. The public network computer will be available on Friday afternoons only. This must be pre-booked by emailing [email protected] or [email protected] Much effort has been put into making the library a safe environment for you. We will very much appreciate your understanding when using the new layout and the systems we have put in place. Please note that face coverings are now required in libraries at all times. The new opening times are: Tuesday 10 a.m. -12 noon, 2 – 3 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m. -12 noon, 2 – 3 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. -12 noon Saturday 10 a.m. -12 noon. Public Network Computer: Friday 2 – 3 p.m. (Pre-booking essential) 1408, 2020 1308, 2020 2707, 2020 Face coveringsAt the end of last week face coverings became mandatory for most of us in certain settings such as public transport, shops and supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, banks, building societies and post offices. Please note, however, that some people are exempt from having to wear one. To read the full guidance, including exemptions, please review: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own 2007, 2020 Latest advice for businesses-leaflets and guidanceLots of essential advice for businesses: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-back-to-work-government-guidelines/ 1607, 2020 Webinars from Community Energy England
Today’s webinar: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/innovation-lab-webinar-series-energy-local-tickets A link to previous webinars: https://communityenergyengland.org/pages/previous-events/ 807, 2020 Do you want to help shape the future of rural transport services in South Somerset?Do you want to help shape the future of rural transport services in South Somerset? For the past 12 months, South Somerset District Council has been investigating how a better rural transport service can be established and now we need your help. We have been working with partners, commercial providers of new technology and the Government’s innovation arm the Connected Places Catapult, to look at creating alternatives to heavily-subsidised fixed-timetable and fixed-journey services which currently exist. An important part of this work is to fully understand of needs of residents, and we are delighted to announce that the Connected Places Catapult has chosen South Somerset as the subject of its research looking at a largely rural area. The first part of this activity is to put together a focus group of 15 people who can help design and launch the study. How can I help? We’re inviting residents to put themselves forward as be part of the research group. Initially, you would have to be available next week to take part in an online session on the 13 July, and participate in two tasks based around how rural transport could be improved in South Somerset. We are looking for a representative group of residents across the district’s rural areas, including students going to college, people travelling to work, and older residents needing to travel for healthcare. The study will also include shopping and meeting with family and friends. If you would like the opportunity to shape the way that transport works in South Somerset, please apply by visiting https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/6TE4XP/ A member of the team will be in contact with you should your application be successful. We are particularly keen to hear from people who rely on public transport to move around the district and those who are eager to switch to public transport for environmental benefits. 207, 2020 Return of the Tuesday Market on 7th July…CASTLE CARY’s TUESDAY MARKET RETURNS on 7 JULY The following traders will be there: Taylor’s of Bruton (Bread) Paul (Hart’s Natural Seafood), Shaun & Karen (Fruit & Veg), Leah (Blissful Bakes), Simon (Hillside Farm Cheese etc.), Pop (Thai Food), Claire (Perennial Plants), Erin (Ethnic Clothing).
Expect a different layout as they will be following the recommended safety guidelines. We ask you all please to do the same by: SOCIAL DISTANCING USING SANITISER BEING PATIENT 2806, 2020 Baskeball Hoop on the Donald Pither Memorial Field
There’s been a lot of activity at the end of the cricket nets on the Donald Pither Memorial Field; many thanks go to Nick Weeks, Bob Gilbey, Steve Biddlecombe and Justin Birch for their hard work installing it, saving the Council a lot of money. The hoop was partly funded by Churches Together. 2406, 2020 The open-air TUESDAY MARKET is returning on 7th July“Great news! The open-air TUESDAY MARKET is returning on 7th July. Our regular traders (many of whom have been busy delivering to you during Lockdown) will be there: Fish, Fruit & Veg, Bread, Perennial Plants, Cheese etc, Cakes, Clothing.
A Risk Assessment has been carried out to ensure both customers and traders are following Government guidelines.
See you there !”
1706, 2020 SSDC update: Community grant opportunities for your environmental projectsSSDC update: Community grant opportunities for your environmental projects South Somerset District Council has a long tradition of supporting communities, local voluntary groups and the wider community sector. One of the ways this is enabled is through the Community Grants programme for projects such as community transport, improving recreational facilities, community halls and many more schemes that enhance the lives of the local community. SSDC have now extended the Community Grants scheme to support local environment initiatives. Last year the Council acknowledged the climate emergency and are now committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. This includes supporting environmental progression for communities across the district to develop existing, and kick start new exciting environmental projects. This new extension to the existing community grants scheme will place environmental progression at its core, offering funding for communities to inspire environmental projects across South Somerset’s local landscape. We’ve seen significant changes in our communities over the past three months and this is an excellent opportunity to ensure the changes are positive with novel projects championing sustainability, carbon neutrality and biodiversity. The fund will cover up to 50% of the project costs and you will need support from your Parish Council. Applications in the range of £100 to £1,000 will be reviewed by SSDC and your Ward Member, any applications for more than £1,000 are decided by your SSDC Area Committee with a maximum grant of £12,500. Applications can be made at any time throughout the year, but revenue funding is limited so do apply in good time, especially if you have seasonal deadlines to meet. With the range of funding available, all forms of projects can benefit, from smaller funding projects such as a community orchard, building a bat hotel, or even paying for a regular meeting space where your group can meet to discuss and implement your projects. Larger projects could be for schemes such as a local electric vehicle charging points, energy efficiency for your community hall, wild-flower meadow creation or even buying an acre of land. This new funding will give your community the opportunity to take a great eco idea and see it through to fruition. Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing Cllr Mike Best said “the SSDC community grants programme has supported many local projects over the years and invests in schemes that are developed by, and for, all our communities. We have always considered applications for environmental focused projects, but now more than ever feel they should be encouraged. This will also serve as a reminder to all potential applicants that our community fund is here to support a huge variety of community projects to enhance where we live” Portfolio Holder for the Environment Cllr Sarah Dyke said “Lockdown has been a challenging time for everyone and yet in some spaces the environment has been given the opportunity to flourish. Air quality has improved and areas of grass left to grow through the spring have created new habitats for wildlife and pollinators. By re-launching our community grants scheme with an enhanced environmental component we […] 306, 2020 Bereavement supportalso available here. There is also a Castle Cary and District bereavement support group on Facebook. This is a closed group for people in the area around Castle Cary, Somerset who are dealing with bereavement. 106, 2020 What a wonderful sight!Thank you to everyone involved. Do walk over to the Fairfield and look at our new “mini-meadow” near St Andrew’s Church. Although like everywhere else it is waiting for rain, the cornflowers and poppies are managing (without the help of any watering) to produce a spectacular display, especially first thing in the morning. 3005, 2020 Recycling centres: Back to summer opening from Monday 1st June29 May 2020 Recycling centres: Back to summer opening next week Somerset Waste Partnership’s recycling centres will revert to their usual summer opening hours from Monday 1 June. As well as the current temporary hours, the odds and even number plate access system will also come to an end from Monday. All other restrictions remain in place as SWP continues the move towards business as usual following Coronavirus closures. Eleven of the 16 sites reopened on 11 May, and the remaining five on Tuesday (26 May), though materials and access remain restricted.
Please see https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling/centres/ from Monday morning for all sites’ opening hours – note that for Taunton, Yeovil and Frome it means a return to seven days a week opening. SWP is continuing its plea for people to only come if it is really necessary and to take full advantage of the weekly kerbside recycling collections, which have continued throughout the crisis. Long queues are expected at the sites, especially first thing in the morning, as the number of unloading bays has been reduced to allow social distancing. Queue cams are viewable for Bridgwater, Chard, Highbridge, Minehead, Somerton, Street, Taunton and Yeovil. Please check before you leave. Odd and even number plate access continue until Sunday 31 May: Odd numbers on Saturday (for example 01, 19 etc) A maximum of two people per household will be permitted, gloves must be worn while outside your vehicle and strict social distancing maintained. Trailers and 3.5 tonne vans are only allowed access between 4pm and 6pm on weekdays. Only materials accepted (and what happens to them): Rubbish – material you would usually put in your black rubbish bin, excess black bags not taken by kerbside collections, and bulky items like furniture (landfilled in Somerset, soon to be sent to an Avonmouth energy-from-waste plant) Any items you would usually pay to have disposed of will not be accepted – including tyres, gas bottles, soil and hardcore, vehicle parts, commercial waste, plasterboard and asbestos. Access to the normal recycling banks is not possible. So, unless you really need to, please do not bring cardboard, food and drink cans, paper, food waste, plastic bottles, glass bottles and jars. These can be recycled using the continuing weekly recycle collections: https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling-collections/ If you want to recycle waste wood, plastic pots tubs and trays, TetraPaks and small electricals, please hold on to them until the sites return to normal. Mickey Green, SWP Managing Director, said: “This is another step towards business as usual. The restrictions are there to keep everyone safe, but they do reduce capacity so please do only come if you really need […] 2905, 2020 On-street parking patrols to resumeOn-street parking patrols are due to restart in Somerset on Monday (1 June) following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
With more pupils returning to schools and some businesses starting to reopen, Somerset County Council’s civil enforcement officers will return to help keep roads clear and traffic moving.
At first, they will serve penalty notices on vehicles parked on double yellow lines, in places with loading restrictions, bus stops and dropped kerbs in public areas – all locations where no vehicles should be parked.
For the first seven days, penalties will not be served where parking is permitted, such as resident bays, pay and display locations, limited waiting bays and single yellow lines (at times). The vehicle may have been left correctly and the driver may have, for example, self-isolated. A warning letter will be left on these vehicles asking that it is immediately removed to avoid receiving penalties in future.
Councillor John Woodman, Cabinet member for highways and transport at Somerset County Council, said: “During the lockdown, most parking enforcement officers have been redeployed to other roles supporting the community, such as delivering PPE or managing queuing traffic at the reopened household waste recycling centres or testing centres.
“Their efforts are greatly appreciated, and I would like to thank them as they begin to resume their normal duties.”
Requests for residents’ paper permits have been on hold since the start of the UK lockdown but preparations are now being made to issue them. The expiry date will be extended to make sure people receive a full 12-month period. All annual virtual resident permits are being extended for two months to cover the period of suspension and ensure everyone receives a full 12 months’ value.
Please check with your district council for information on car parks in your local area. 2605, 2020 Could you volunteer?Downloadable document click here.
2205, 2020 Dimmer Tip limited opening from Tuesday 26th MayLimited and restricted opening for Dimmer Tip from Tuesday 26th May.
1405, 2020 Education update from Somerset County CouncilStaged return of children to early years settings and schools
1405, 2020 Change to GWR serviceWe have made a further revision to our timetable effective from this coming Monday (18th), with an additional service in the morning running from Westbury to Weymouth. This service leaves Westbury at 0652, departing Dorchester West at 0808 and terminating at Weymouth at 0820. It will then form the return working 0849 service from Weymouth to Westbury. See the timetable here. 1405, 2020 Report fly tippingFly tipping is increasing-please report it online: https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/services/environmental-health/nuisances/report-fly-tipping/ or https://www.fixmystreet.com/ 805, 2020 Help Needed-for those further afield….We have been overwhelmed by the support for Cary Cares from people in the town. It is both encouraging and moving to have so many people giving generously to help their neighbours. Both of us who have been very involved in setting up and running Cary Cares also have other concerns. Save the Children depends a great deal for its international work on the money raised in its charity shops. And they are all currently closed. Next week is Christian Aid Week and normally Christian Aid raises a substantial proportion of its income during the Week which, in this town, involves a coffee morning and door to door deliveries and collection. Neither can happen this year. But the development projects and relief work that these organisations do are as necessary as ever. If coronavirus spreads into communities which have more basic health care than ours, or through overcrowded refugee camps, the suffering will be considerable. While we are focussed on the needs of people in our own locality please also support organisations such as Christian Aid and Save the Children who continue to work with some of the world’s poorest people. You can find out more and give online at https://www.christianaid.org.uk/ and www.savethechildren.org.uk If you have another aid organisation that you prefer to support, please give to them. We are not in competition! We just work in different ways with different networks. And if there is a need and an opportunity to do so, we work together. The important thing is that people get the help they need. Ainsley Creedy, Fund Raising Volunteer, Save the Children UK. David Osborne, Chair of Christian Aid in Castle Cary and Ansford. 105, 2020 Road closure 04/05/2020 – 21/05/2020 Station RoadJust to add to the problems we all have to face at the moment, there will be a road closure on Station Road just before it joins the A371 at the bottom of Ansford Hill. Any vehicle travelling from Shepton Mallet to any place in Station Road beyond the closure will need to travel up Ansford Hill, down North Street and around the town to Station Road. Anyone wanting to travel from Station Road towards Shepton will have to go through the town and up North Street, onto the A371 and down Ansford Hill. The diversion takes vehicles all around the town; we hope that HGVs won’t be directed unnecessarily through the town, but please let Highways know if this happens. To report a problem please click on the website: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/ If you’d prefer to phone: SCC Highways Dept –0300 123 2224 |
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