News in Wells

Virgin Money Giving has teamed up with selling site Ziffit.com as part of Giving Tuesday Now to raise money for UK charities struggling during the coronavirus pandemic, including cancer counselling charity We Hear You, which serves Wells.

Communications officer Lucy MvMahon said: "We hope lots of people will get involved with the Declutter and Donate campaign.

Mendip District Council will mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on its social media channels this year – and it's urging residents in Wells to join in the virtual commemorations too.

The coronavirus outbreak has restricted traditional community events, however the council is inviting people to post their stories, photos and videos online instead, so they can be shared as we all celebrate together on the Bank Holiday Friday, May 8, 2020.

Tuckers Fish and Chips in Wells will reopen this week for takeaway orders, but will be putting special measures in place to make sure customers and staff stay safe.

The takeaway side of the business will reopen for orders on Wednesday (May 6) with a phone and collect service.

There was much excitement at the Bishop's Palace in Wells yesterday (May 2) as the first cygnet was spotted on the nest of the famous palace swans.

James Cross, head gardener at the palace who is currently on lockdown in the 14-acre historic site, noticed movement on the nest early yesterday morning and the arrival was confirmed by Moira Anderson, who cares for the palace swans, as she was glued to the 24-hour Swan Cam provided by the palace website.

One person has died in Wells after contracting coronavirus, according to new figures released today (May 1).

The figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show, for the first time, deaths at a local level for people who have contracted Covid-19.

Deaths in Mendip surged above usual levels in March, as the coronavirus crisis unfurled in Wells and the surrounding area, official figures show.

Experts have warned the outbreak could continue to have far-reaching consequences on mortality rates across the UK, including among those who do not catch the virus.

A 15-year-old netball star who goes to school in Wells is doing what she loves - and playing super fair - to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Incredibly she is also undertaking the challenge just weeks after breaking her thumb.

I have heard it mentioned a number of times on various social media, chats or while on Zoom and Google classroom, that the current situation is bringing out both the best and the worst in people.

We hear about NHS, supermarket and other essential staff getting abused by impatient or just grumpy customers.

May continues to see St Cuthbert (Out) Parish Council bring you as much useful information as possible via its online Contact Sheet.

As well as regular updates from HM Government, there are regular summaries from Public Health England, Mendip District Council, Somerset County Council, the emergency services and Somerset Waste Partnership.

Hundreds more people in Mendip are claiming Universal Credit, figures show, as the effects of the coronavirus shutdown begin to be seen on the Wells economy.

With millions of people out of work across the UK, benefits experts Turn2us said the nation's welfare state is "creaking round the seams" as it urged the Government to remove the five-week wait for claimants' first monthly Universal Credit payment.