News in Wells

Thatchers Cider has launched an initiative to help support local pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants as they begin to reopen as Government restrictions are lifted, and venues in Wells and Chilcompton are already taking part.

Participating venues are being sent a supply of limited-edition T-shirts free of charge that will be available for regulars to purchase – and show their support for their local business.

This week has been significant for so many in our community, with non-essential retail, outdoor hospitality, gyms and hair and beauty salons all able to reopen.

In a year in which we have seen a significant change in how we shop, these small local businesses need our support more than ever.

Former local MP Tessa Munt has paid tribute to veteran politician and Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Shirley Williams, who died on Monday (April 12), at age 90.

Shirley wrote to Tessa after every election to support her work and to enthuse about what she was doing.

A council by-election in Wells will now be a two-horse race after the Liberal Democrats' candidate was rejected on a "technicality".

A by-election will be held on May 6 for the Wells St Thomas ward of Mendip District Council following the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Caroline McKinnell, who was elected in May 2019.

A public meeting over Zoom meeting to frame ideas for Wells after lockdown has been postponed as its original timing coincides with the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Instead the Wells Beyond Covid – Have Your Say session will take place a week later on Saturday, April 24 and still be chaired by the veteran BBC Somerset correspondent Clinton Rogers.

Excitement is building about the Bath & West Country Festival, which is replacing the Royal Bath & West Show for 2021, as new attractions and performers are confirmed.

This one-off event takes place on 27th-29th August and, whilst retaining the Main Ring, Main Lawn, Woodland and Countryside Arena which visitors know and love, the organisers have also announced new features to enjoy.

On Thursday, 6 May 2021, the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Election and various by-elections in Mendip are taking place.

A full list of who is standing in the by-elections is now available here: www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9700/Elections-2021

The much-loved Mendip Markets will reinstate their full range of goods in line with new roadmap rules and the reopening of the High Street.

From today (Monday, 12th April), with the pandemic restrictions eased, traders can once again sell non-essential provisions, as well as essential goods, for the first time in months.

The council by-election in Wells will now be a two-horse race after the Liberal Democrats' candidate was rejected on a "technicality".

A by-election will be held on May 6 for the Wells St Thomas ward of Mendip District Council following the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Caroline McKinnell, who was elected in May 2019.

Western Power Distribution (WPD) has proposed record investment and a network improvement plan for Somerset, which promises to reduce power cuts, help vulnerable customers and support environmental targets.

However, the company is still keen to hear from customers in the region to have their say on its plans, which involve £6 billion of investment over the next five years.