News in Wells

The district council has issued £27 million to more than 2,200 eligible local businesses in a bid to get Mendip moving again after a 10-week lockdown.

The council continues to receive and process Business Grant forms, giving local organisations the finance and opportunity to reopen after the coronavirus emergency.

A pilot has brought joy to the residents of Wells after drawing a giant smiley face in the sky above the city.

The person flying the small aircraft, who has not yet been identified, circled above the city yesterday evening (June 2) at about 6.30pm creating an emoji-style smile in the sky.

Festival Medical Services, a charity whose founder lives in Croscombe, has today (June 2) been honoured with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The charity's doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals, together with support staff, volunteer at music festivals, such as Glastonbury and Reading, and other high-profile outdoor events.

For National Volunteers Week, building contractors Melhuish and Saunders have been highlighting the work of their community partners, including the Orchard Vale Trust in Wookey.

The trust supports adults with learning difficulties, and as it's National Volunteers Week, Melhuish and Saunders would like to give a thumbs up to all those working in the voluntary sector including unpaid carers and all those making a positive contribution to their communities.

A Wells letting agent has said the rental market is rising following the easing of lockdown restrictions, being driven by a number of factors including people having to move for work.

Stuart Nash, of Stuarts Residential, was commenting after property giant Rightmove released figures today (June 2) saying that demand for lettings across the country is up 22 per cent compared to last year, with the South West topping the table at 34 per cent.

Calling all young people, it is competition time and a great opportunity to support your local community.

The Heads Up mental health charity in South Horrington is looking for decorated shoe box contributions to fulfil a community commitment in the very near future.

The Great Mendip Virtual Rugby Walk has raised more than £300 for St Margaret's Hospice.

The Great Mendip Rugby Walk was scheduled to take place in March, but like many events it was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Dulcote Recycling Centre will revert to its usual summer opening hours from tomorrow (Monday June 1).

As well as the current temporary hours, the odds and even number plate access system will also come to an end from tomorrow.

There are scheduled to be temporary traffic lights on the B3139 heading out of Wells towards Dulcote this week.

The lights should be in place from Monday (June 1) until June 12 from the top of Constitution Hill to the junction of Torhill Lane by Tor Woods.

Wells in Bloom will not be going ahead as normal this year because of the coronavirus restrictions.

However, Wells City Council staff started putting up the hanging baskets and cradles yesterday (May 29), so hopefully the city will still look colourful and splendid when restrictions are lifted.