News in Wells

BROCK, Angela Rosemary, of Wookey, passed away suddenly at home on 2nd April 2021.

TATCHELL, Mary, of Shepton Mallet formerly Glastonbury, widow of William (Bill) Tatchell, died on the 2nd of March 2021 aged 90.

Plans to stage a referendum on the future of local government in Somerset have been put on hold following an angry letter from the secretary of state.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is in the closing stages of a public consultation on two rival proposals for Somerset's future governance – One Somerset and Stronger Somerset.

Avon and Somerset Police area appealing for witnesses and dash cam footage following a road traffic collision in Chewton Mendip.

A black Land Rover was found on its side on Coles Lane, Chewton Mendip, at around 12.15am today (April 18).

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