Updates regarding the Corona Virus will be posted here.
7th May 2020
Recycling centres and Garden Waste Collection will restart on Monday 11th May 2020. Please click on the Briefing for details. Somerset Waste Partnership Briefing
27th April 2020
is an alert from Somerset County Council, raising awareness of free milk and supplies for those receiving Universal Credit. This offer includes free milk, vegetables and baby milk for those who have a child under 4 or are at least 10 weeks pregnant. Website link, click here.
18th April 2020
What constitutes a Reasonable Excuse
18th April 2020
Somerset Prepared is a multi-agency partnership working closely with communities to deliver advice, support and training to help enhance local resilience to emergencies. The partnership is made up of many organisations able to provide advice, guidance and support to help you develop local initiatives that enhance resilience to emergencies.
Here you’ll find information and advice on preparing for emergencies in Somerset including tips for staying safe at home, in your community and at work in the event of an incident. Click here for the website
11th April 2020
Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Grant Funding Schemes for Small Businesses, Retail, Hospitality and Leisure – grant fund guidance.
7th April 2020
Somerset County Council have set up a link to their website with all the latest information, please click here for the latest news. There is also a dedicated phone number which will be operational 8am to 6pm seven days a week – 0300 790 6275. Please don’t ring this number for medical advice, this for support in these difficult times. Copy of the One Number Poster
| 26th March 2020 Residents warned to be vigilant against COVID-19 scams |
| Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service has issued a warning to local residents and businesses to be aware of fraudsters who are trying to exploit fear and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19.The outbreak of coronavirus has seen an increase in scams that include counterfeit medical kits that claim to prevent or cure the disease and fake online coronavirus resources which can contain damaging software.Counterfeit goods such as hand sanitiser, face masks and swabbing kits are also being widely advertised online.Financial scams, both online and by telephone, have also increased as criminals seek to take advantage of the financial uncertainty many people and businesses face due to the coronavirus.These include calls pretending to be from your bank or mortgage provider and an increase in loan shark activity.Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards are urging people to remain vigilant and to watch out for scams in their neighbourhood, which often target elderly and vulnerable people within the community. Communities are also being urged to look out for doorstep traders. Whilst there are many genuine community groups and charities that are helping those who are most isolated, it is important to be aware of those who may be taking money under the false pretence of helping with day-to-day tasks.A full list of identified scams can be viewed on the National Trading Standards website.Ben Newell, Trading Standards Manager, Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards said: “Try and use people you can trust such as friends or neighbours in the first instance. If you receive an offer of help from elsewhere, ask for a form of identification and always question paying any money upfront. Never to give out personal or financial information (such as bank account details or your PIN) to anyone. This also applies over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from your bank. Scammers will try to rush you into providing your personal details. They may say they have time-limited offer or claim that your bank account is at risk if you don’t give them the information they need right away. If you’re unsure whether the caller is genuine, it is a good idea to ring the company or bank they claim to be from. Make sure you find the number yourself and don’t use the one provided by the caller.We are calling on communities to look out for each other. If you see or hear anything suspicious contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or via the webform on their website.” |
Recycling Centers Closed and Bulky Collections suspended – Press release 24th March 2020
Mendip Markets 24th March 2020
Mendip Markets will remain open to ensure essential items are available to the public.
Mendip District Council has taken the decision to continue to run the service, albeit a reduced one, following Government guidelines. The latest advice states that, like supermarkets and local shops, markets have a crucial role to play in the food supply chain.
Traders will be selling seasonal, organic, fresh fruit and vegetables – essential for health. Fish, meat, poultry, cheese, cider, wine, butter, bread, plus cleaning products and soap, will also be available.
As tougher restrictions have been placed on people’s movements, the Council’s market team will be proactively managing market layouts. Stalls will be spaced out and traders will be advised on Government rules regarding social distancing.
All Mendip Markets will be running a reduced service during the pandemic, until further notice. They are; Glastonbury Market (Tuesdays), Wells Market and Frome Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays), Street Market (Thursdays) and Shepton Mallet Market, (Fridays).