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Author: ParishClerk

Raise Your Ride – Team set to make thousands safer on Somerset’s roads in 2022

Somerset County Council’s Road Safety Team are gearing up for a busy calendar this year delivering vital information and training to people of all ages.

In 2021 the team delivered courses, presentations, and educational programmes to 20,000 people across Somerset, covering all age groups – this despite face-to-face delivery only being deemed safe in May. Both older road users and Reception year children alike have taken positive road safety habits with them into the New Year.

The team assist in delivering the nationally popular bicycle awareness course Bikeability across the county’s primary schools. Last year over 1,800 year 5 and year 6 students have taken the 2-day course as part of their curriculum and subsequently gained confidence and advice on riding their bikes safely – 2022 will see thousands more gain crucial cycling proficiency.

The good work has continued in schools with over 10,000 children receiving the team’s Stay Safe presentations, which clearly describe how they should use crossings, ensure car drivers can see them in the dark and much, much more.

Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways said: “There is no time like the present to improve your road safety knowledge.

“We are fortunate that our team are outstanding at what they do; they make our roads safer day in day out and teach everyone something. I recommend getting in touch and seeing what they can offer you.”

Avon and Somerset Police have also collaborated with the team on a new motorcycle training programme called Raise your Ride. The events ran last summer all over the South West with great success so there are five more planned for this summer. You can find out more about the content and how to sign up here, but for now here are the 2022 dates for the diary:

  • Taunton, Sunday 22 May
  • Yeovil, Sunday 19 June
  • Weston-super-Mare, Sunday 27 July
  • Bridgwater, Sunday 11 September

When Raise your Ride 2021 is combined with the other motorcycle-based interventions that the team delivered, the net audience of those totalled over 1,400. There is a large community of bikers in Somerset so the expertise of the team should be widely sought after!

The Road Safety Team has also launched a brand-new website, so make sure to check it out at www.somersetroadsafety.org for all the information you need. You can also follow the team on social media – search Somerset Road Safety on Facebook, @SCC_RoadSafety on Twitter and @somersetroadsafety on Instagram. Alternatively, the team can receive any enquiries from businesses or members of the public via email at roadsafety@somerset.gov.uk.

Grant scheme to help make homes more energy efficient extended 

A grant available to help Somerset people benefit from energy efficient installations worth up to £10,000 has been extended until June 2022.

Funded by the Government, the Green Homes Grant Scheme allows eligible homeowners to apply for vouchers to install climate-friendly energy saving measures such as insulation, air source heat pumps, or double glazing.

The work can be worth up to £10,000, with nothing for homeowners to pay towards the cost of the works.

Tenants of rented properties can also access grants of up to £5,000, but the landlord will be expected to contribute at least one third towards the costs of the works.

To be eligible for the grants, the residents of the property must have a low income (receive benefits or have a household income below £30,000 a year), and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property must be rated D, E, F or G. If there is no EPC for your property you can still apply.

If you’re struggling to keep your home warm and you think you might be eligible for some help, you can submit an application at www.heatsomerset.co.uk .

If you are struggling to afford your energy bills or you are living in a cold home where the boiler or heating system isn’t working, you can also contact the Somerset Safe & Warm Helpline on 0800 082 2234.

 

The Green Homes Grant Scheme is just one of many projects and initiatives which will help Somerset towards its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

One example is Wells Cathedral where work is being undertaken to reduce the carbon footprint of the 850-year-old landmark. It is among the projects being showcased in a series of short films made by Somerset County Council and funded by the SW Energy Hub to highlight how communities are already doing amazing things to cut the carbon in Somerset. You can view the Wells Cathedral video here: Watch | Facebook.

SCC also recently launched a new climate emergency webpage. which includes a wealth of information to help Somerset work towards the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

The new website includes the latest news on tackling the climate emergency, information and tips for individuals and organisations on how they can reduce their carbon footprints, details on the action Somerset’s Local Authorities are taking, and much more. Visit Climate Emergency (somerset.gov.uk).

Road Closure – C182 Wick to Combwich 10-14th January 2022

C182 closed for roadworks 10.1.2022 for five nights 2000 to 0500

The C182 is to be closed for road resurfacing on five nights this week (10.1.22 to 14.1.2022) between the Wick turning and Combwich turnings. There have been several alterations to the times over recent weeks, but these are the latest updates available. The total closure may not be on each night, please follow the diversions when they are implemented.

We have been assured that movements to and from Hinkley Point site during the closures will be kept to a minimum.

Alternative route during closures:

Diversion C 182 to A 39 Nether Stowey to Stogursey/Burton/Shurton and reverse.

For further information please contact Somerset County Council on 0300 123 2224

10 top tips to stay well this winter

With Covid still very much in circulation, it is as important as ever to look after your health this winter.

Somerset County Council’s Public Health team is urging everyone to think ahead and consider others, such as neighbours and close relatives, and put things in place now to protect their health.

Cold weather brings with it a number of health risks, in particular it can increase blood pressure and make fighting infection more difficult, especially among older adults and other vulnerable groups.

Importantly, we know that most winter-related illnesses in England occur at temperatures that can appear to be quite mild and well before we might see snow or ice – at between 4°C–8°C.

It can make a huge difference if you check whether relations, neighbours or others you care for are able to keep their homes warm early in the cold weather season and keep checking even when temperatures remain mild.

Trudi Grant, Somerset Director of Public Health, said: “Bad weather in the winter months can aggravate existing health problems, make you more vulnerable to illness, make it easier to have accidents like slips and falls and more difficult to get out and about to collect medicines or shop for food, especially for the elderly or those with underlining conditions.

“It is important to stay healthy, especially this year, to give us the best chance against covid and other winter viruses such as the flu. We have prepared some tips that can help better prepare people in our community for the change in season and to stay well.”

Top tips:

  1. Make sure you get your covid vaccine including the booster – it is the best defence against the virus and will help prevent you from becoming seriously ill with it.
  2. If you are entitled to the free flu vaccination, then book it as soon as possible – it can be booked quickly and easily by contacting your GP or local pharmacy.
  3. Keep your home ventilated to let the virus out, especially when you have guests and continue to follow  the other guidance to protect yourself from covid – wash your hands regularly, wear a face mask in public places and socially distance.
  4. It is important to keep warm in winter, so heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F), if you can, you might prefer your living room to be slightly warmer.
  5. Call NHS 111 if you need medical help but it’s not life threatening, or you are not sure where to go for help
  6. Eat a wide range of vegetables, fruit (aim for between 5 and 7 portions) protein and 2 portions of fish (1 oily)
  7. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated – the government recommends drinking 6 to 8 glasses every day.
  8. Keep active – regular exercise is important for your health and wellbeing – you don’t have to run a marathon, short walks can help you keep well
  9. Is your medicine cabinet ready for winter? Your pharmacist can advise you on which medicines you should have in your cabinet to help you and your family through winter.
  10. To help combat loneliness try to get outdoors or involve yourself with some social activities. Look to see what events are on at your local community centre, visit the theatre, join a group of like-minded individuals, or take up a new hobby. Even walking to the shops or walking around a park will bring you into contact with people and just saying ‘hello’ and getting a kind word back in return will boost your confidence. If it is icy or has been snowing, make sure you have suitable footwear and someone to assist you if required.