News in Wells

Tenants who find themselves struggling to pay for their rent are encouraged to contact Mendip District Council's Housing Options Team for advice and support, as early as possible, to help prevent them becoming homeless.

The Council's experienced and knowledgeable Officers are on hand to assist tenants facing financial difficulties, and find solutions to ensure residents do not become homeless.

The historic Bishop's Barn and Wells Recreation Ground are to be returned to the City of Wells.

At a meeting of Mendip District Council's Cabinet last night (Monday 7th February), members approved the transfer of trusteeship of the Wells Recreation Ground charity to Wells City Council. At transfer, Mendip District Council will no longer have any legal or financial responsibility for the Trust.

The projects that have been awarded money from the Mendip Climate and Ecological Emergency Fund, have now been announced.

Projects selected include, installing solar panels on a farm, establishing hedgerows, retrofitting a community hub and installing bat, bird and insect boxes, to name a few.

Already renowned for being a place of calm, beauty and wellbeing, The Bishop's Palace's monthly guided Wellbeing Walks now also offer visitors a chance to take steps to feeling well both physically and mentally.

During the Walks, visitors are encouraged to set aside their usual thoughts for a moment and enjoy the mental and physical benefits that the beautiful setting of the Palace gardens provide.

Ten new native coppice trees have been planted by Thatchers Cider as part of the Queen's Green Canopy campaign to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee.

Martin Thatcher and his daughter Eleanor Thatcher planted the trees, which are accompanied by a commemorative plaque, alongside the popular Strawberry Line and adjacent to the family run cider mill at Myrtle Farm in Sandford.

Stones and Tales is a one-day practical, in-depth writers' workshop at Abbey House, Glastonbury.

Mendip District Council has paid out millions to support local businesses during the pandemic. Now news of another funding stream is opening for applications - worth a quarter of a million pounds.

The Covid 19 Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses is now open for applications. As high demand is expected, the window to apply for discretionary funding will close at midnight on Friday 4 February.

PCC Mark Shelford's Police Tax survey closed on Friday 21 January with over 5,600 local people responding to the consultation.

Local people were asked via an online and postal survey if they would pay an increase in the policing part of the council tax, known as the precept. The consultation asked if residents would be willing to pay either a 2% increase, which is equivalent to approximately 40p per month for the average band D household, 4.1% increase, which is equivalent to approximately 83p per month for the average band D household or to not pay an increase at all.

Chair of Mendip District Council, Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, has donated £1,200 to local charities across the district using money from the Chair's Fund.

Monies have been received by food banks, including Wells Vineyard, Fair Frome, Glastonbury Bridging the Gap, and Street and Shepton Mallet Salvation Army branches.

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place on 27th January. It's a day which commemorates victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

Mendip District Council will be joining the nation in marking the moment. We'll be flying the union flag at half-mast at our offices in Shepton Mallet.