May Update
Nerrols Primary School 20mph Zone: I am delighted to see the scheme has now been installed which has been welcomed through parent’s feedback. Nerrols Drive recently had its speed limit reduced to 30mph to improve safety in and around the school. When the lights are in operation during drop off times, the limit is 20mph.
Priorswood Road: The entire length of Priorswood Road has also seen the speed limit reduce from 40mph to 30mph.
Crossing by Maidenbrook Lane: I have received numerous emails from concerned parents about the crossing opposite Tudor Park as school children try to navigate their way across the road towards Heathfield Community School. I am pleased to report, I have managed to get Somerset County Council to agree to install a 20mph Zone (Like Nerrols Primary School) to reduce the speed limit once the new Western Relief Road is complete. This will be a short term solution, with a longer term solution being drawn up to include extending footpath towards Yallands Hill in the future. Discussions would need to take place with West Monkton and Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council’s about possible access through Maidenbrook Country Park once their plans for the park are approved.
Road map out of lockdown: From 17th May most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal. Indoors, the Rule of 6 or 2 households will apply. Most businesses but those in the highest risk sectors will be able to reopen including indoor hospitality. Venues will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks; nor will there be a curfew. Customers will, however, have to order, eat and drink while seated. Other locations to open include indoor entertainment such as cinemas and children’s play areas; hotels, hostels and B&Bs; and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes. Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. The final step of the road map is scheduled for June 21st
Vaccination programme roll-out: Somerset has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country with the latest figures showing 324,147 having received at least their first vaccination or 70% of the 16+ population. In addition 151,528 have received their second dose. Take up rates across the County of the first dose remains very high: 80+ (98.7%), 75-79 (100%), 70-74 (99.7%), 65-69 (92.0%), 60-64 (97.4%), 55-59 (96.3%), 50-54 (90.8%) and 45-49 (61.2%).
One Somerset: The government’s public consultation (the only guaranteed way for the public to have a say) into changing the way local councils work in Somerset ended on the 19th April. For more information visit: www.onesomerset.org.uk
Motorcycle Road Safety: Somerset County Council’s road safety team, have launched Raise your Ride, an exciting new initiative for motorcyclists who make up only c.1-2% of traffic, but represent c.21-23% of all road casualties in the UK. The next Raise your Ride events are in Wellington on Sunday 23 May, Frome on Sunday 20 June and Yeovil on Sunday 5 September. The cost for the day is £45 per person. For more information visit www.somersetroadsafety.org/page/raise-your-ride/124/
Primary School places: This year more than 98 per cent of Somerset children were offered a primary school place at one of their top three choices, the County Council’s latest school admission figures show. Of the 5,365 primary school applications received this year: 1st preference met – 94.58 per cent (5,074 applications), 2nd preference – 3.37 per cent (181 applications) and 3rd preference – 0.56 per cent (30 applications).
Care provider support: Somerset County Council have agreed an additional £8.6 million package for 2021/22 for Care providers to help them mitigate against the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The total includes a £4.5 million substantive fee increase, and a £4.1m additional one-off 3% Covid supplement paid as a lump sum at the beginning of the financial year to help providers with cash flow.
Kickstart work placements: Somerset County Council has partnered with local employers to offer 50 six-month work placements through the Kickstart Programme, and the vacancies are now live. There are a variety of placements available that could lead to permanent jobs including laboratory stewards, engineering assistants, teaching assistants, business administration roles, grounds assistants, Young People’s Champions and more. The Kickstart Programme offers young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit the chance to land a six-month work placement, paid at national minimum wage for 25 hours per week. Details are available through the Young Persons work coach at their local job centre.
Coastal Story Walks: Somerset’s seafaring heritage and lost legends are brought to life in a newset of ‘story walks’ being launched by the County Council. Created by local poet Chris Jelley, and brought to you by the Rights of Way Team, the set of 12 Storywalks can be accessed by phone or tablet connecting walkers to the local landscape and history. The walks are between one and five km long and are set from Brean Down in the north to Minehead in the west. Simply go to the England Coast Path Story walks page https://englandcoastpath.storywalks.info/
Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme: Young people inspired by the recent media attention about the D of E charity are encouraged to get in touch to learn new skills, take part in physical activities and gain an award at the end. In addition those who started an award at school, college or in a group such as Guides or Scouts, but didn’t finish are also encouraged to get in touch. A Somerset Bursary Fund offers grants to enable disadvantaged young people in Somerset to complete a D of E programme. Those aged between 14-24 living in Somerset who would like to know more are encouraged to get in touch by emailing DofE@somerset.gov.uk