News in Wells

Somerset's district councils have welcomed the launch of a public consultation into the plans for a change to local government in the county.

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick launched the consultation yesterday evening (February 22). The consultation period will run for eight weeks until Monday April 19.

All schools in England will reopen on March 8 as the Prime Minister unveiled his roadmap out of lockdown this afternoon (February 22).

He announced dates for reopening pubs, shops, restaurants and hairdressers as well as when sporting events can begin to take place.

An experienced family law solicitor has joined the team at Harris & Harris in Wells Market Place.

Harris & Harris say they are pleased to announce the addition of Gemma Wilton to their Family Team based in Wells.

Staff at Barchester Healthcare's newly-built care home Crandon Springs, in Wells, have been feeling more grateful than ever for local heroes here in the city.

To show their appreciation, home service advisor Bethany Chattwood has been out delivering biscuits to local emergency services, doctor's surgeries and key workers as a way to say thank you for their unwavering commitment.

For the very first time YMCA Brunel Group, which covers the Wells area, will come together with 11 other YMCAs across England to take part in a mammoth virtual Sleep Easy event on Friday March 26, with the aim of raising awareness and vital funds to help tackle the root causes of homelessness.

Stretching from YMCA Brunel Group's own community, right up to Northumberland, this year's local YMCAs have decided to harness the power of collaboration and community spirt by swapping their usual independent Sleep Easy events in favour of a united fundraising appeal.

Somerset County Council has approved its annual budget with minimal opposition – including a nearly five per cent rise in council tax.

The full council met virtually yesterday morning (February 17) to approve both its revenue and capital spending for the next 12 months.

The Bishop's Palace in Wells has scored 93 per cent in a recent assessment by VisitEngland as part of the national Visitor Attractions Quality Scheme.

The results of the rating were released following a secret visit in December by the assessor.

Proposals to turn a zebra crossing in Wells into a toucan crossing with traffic lights have been dropped, with improvements planned instead.

A planning application to vary condition 23 (signalised crossing) of planning approval 2017/0290/VRC (application for variation of condition 2 drawings on permission 2015/0236/VRC) to allow for a non-signalised crossing on Glastonbury Road, Wells, by Crest Nicholson (SW) Ltd has been approved by Mendip District Council.

Five "missing link" cycle routes could soon be connected up to make it easier to reach Mendip's key settlements without a car.

Mendip District Council identified 14 such routes in June 2020 which could be connected up to encourage people across the district to walk or cycle to work or school, thereby reducing congestion and pollution.

GROVER, Peter - of Cheddar, much-loved husband, wonderful soulmate and best friend of Lorraine Grover Ng, passed away on 8 February 2021, aged 67 years.

As a local online newspaper seeking to be at the heart of the Wells community, we realise the importance of obituaries as a key part of the service.