23 Apr

Westover Planning Matters April 2020

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A Monument to commemorate International Workers Day is being planned for this ready made spot in Blake Gardens

Planning issues for April 2020 coming to both Sedgemoor District Council and Bridgwater Town Council. Matters come first to Town Council where the planning panel sits fortnightly to consider a Town position (Support, Oppose or add conditions) and then it goes to Sedgemoor District Council’s Development Control Committee for the final decision. Ward Councillors and Town Council can comment on each application and if their views are different to the recommendation of Sedgemoor’s Planning officers then that application must be heard at Committee for discussion and vote. All ward councillors are notified of these applications.

Residents are welcome to write to us at Westoverward@gmail.com to make their own points on these issues which we may be able to take up. Brian Smedley is a member of the Bridgwater Town Planning Panel and Kathy Pearce and Li Gibson  are members of the Sedgemoor Development Control Committee. Continue reading “Westover Planning Matters April 2020”

17 Apr

‘Bridgwater Together’ Hosts Live Digital Event This Saturday 18th April

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ZOOM IN this saturday!

Bridgwater Together is an important annual event celebrating the Somerset town’s vibrant cultural diversity through music, food, story-telling, dance, film and information sharing. Every year it takes place in October but due to Covid-19 lockdown we decided to organise additional digital event in April. The Internet provides us with unique opportunities to continue our work despite the threat of the pandemic making it possible for us to showcase some of the rich cultural diversity in Somerset. On 18th April 2020 between 6pm and 8pm audiences will be able to log in online to enjoy presentations and performances from the representatives of minority communities living in Bridgwater.

Continue reading “‘Bridgwater Together’ Hosts Live Digital Event This Saturday 18th April”

2 Apr

Who Lives in a Shelf Like This?

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Who indeed lives in a shelf like this?

Seed, the Arts Council England funded Creative People and Places project for Sedgemoor has launched an online campaign to help people connect and share during the Covid-19 lockdown. Via social media they are inviting people who live or work in Sedgemoor to post a ‘shelfie’. Similar to a ‘selfie’, a ‘shelfie’ is a self-portrait of sorts, in the form of a photograph of a shelf or shelves in your home or workspace.

Scott O’Hara, Director of Seed explains “The items we own, store and display provide a wonderful window into our selves and our identities. We’d love to see and share these glimpses of Sedgemoor. This is the perfect diversionary and connecting activity for any anyone working from home, ill or self-isolating during the Covid-19 lockdown.” Continue reading “Who Lives in a Shelf Like This?”

27 Mar

Somerset County Council Coronavirus Update

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Somerset County Council update

The current government advice is for everyone to stay at home and limit their contact with others. This means only going outside for food, health reasons or essential work. If you must go outside you should stay 2 metres away from other people and wash your hands in warm, soapy water as soon as you get home. These measures will help to stop the spread of infection and give our NHS the best chance to cope with the additional demand generated by Covid-19. There are lots of things you can do to stay happy, healthy and safe while at home and you will find some ideas on how to do that at the Healthy Somerset webpages It is completely normal for people to feel overwhelmed and vulnerable as we read the news about the Covid-19 outbreak and experience big changes to our day to day lives. Mindline are offering an emotional support telephone service for people who would find it helpful to talk. They are available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 11pm, and 8pm to 11pm at the weekend on 01823 276892. Somerset County Council has produced a new website so that up to date information can be widely and quickly available. Click here. Continue reading for this weeks Somerset Update.

Continue reading “Somerset County Council Coronavirus Update”

27 Mar

Bridgwater in Lockdown

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Bridgewater High Street after the Government announcement

Following the Governments imposition of strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus Bridgwater, Sedgemoor and Somerset Councils have moved today to a state of lockdown. Measures introduced include a ban on public gatherings of more than two people, leaving home only to exercise once a day, travelling to and from work where absolutely necessary, shopping only for essential items and medical or care needs. This also now includes the immediate closure of shops selling non-essential goods. As of this morning 338 people have died with the virus. A National Emergency has been declared and the message is that staying at home was necessary to protect the NHS, save lives and tackle “the biggest threat this country has faced for decades”. Police and local authorities will have powers to disperse gatherings, including through fines.

Continue reading “Bridgwater in Lockdown”