Teenagers die in Watchet car smash

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a road traffic collision at Washford Cross which has left two teenagers dead.
Police were called at 9.20 pm on Thursday, August 16, to the B3190, between Washford Cross and Five Bells, to the collision which involved a Mitsubishi Shogun and a Peugeot 205 car.
It is believed the Peugeot was travelling north towards Watchet when it has collided with a roadside verge before colliding with the Shogun.
The driver and passenger from the Peugeot, both aged 18 from the Watchet and Minehead area, were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Shogun did not suffer serious injuries.
Police collision investigators have been at the scene throughout the night and the B3190 currently remains closed, but is expected to open in the near future.
Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or may have been travelling on the road at the time.
Anyone who can help is asked to call the collision investigation unit on 0845 4567000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Anyone who can help should contact us through our secure Crimestoppers contact form at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.
Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You do not have to give your name and you could receive a reward.

Smokers find sanctuary on board Watchet sailing boat

WITH the ban on smoking in public places imminent, one West Somerset businessman is offering smokers an opportunity to continue to enjoy their habit.
From July 1, when the ban becomes law, Watchet sailboat skipper Charles Atkinson is offering speciality-smoking trips aboard his boat the Josefine (pictured).
Passengers will be able to board the 66-foot traditional Danish wooden sailing ship and go sailing off the Westcountry coast while enjoying the liberation of smoking with friends in a social setting.
Mr Atkinson said: “While on a public health level we understand the risks of smoking, the crew of Sailjosefine firmly believes in the right for smokers to enjoy their pastime in such a setting.
“I am sure the smoking ban will be successful and a number of smokers will give it up as a result.
“However, I would like to make sure our right to choose and make use of alternative places to enjoy smoking is upheld.
“Aboard Josefine is ideal, as people will be away from non-smokers, and, in the company of friends, can take the opportunity to smoke their pipe, cigarettes or cigars.”
The Sailjosefine enterprise has also taken measures to ensure the disposal of used cigarettes and tobacco will not pollute the waters.
Mr Atkinson, who was previously award-winning blacksmith in Garsington, Oxfordshire, said: “I started sailing Josefine for a living two years ago, and by doing so I am able to lead a greener lifestyle.
“So, I always take great care to make sure that in enjoying the sea, we have no polluting impact on it.”
To find out more about the Sailjosefine smoking trips visit http://www.sailjosefine.com/, or telephone 07971 376172, or email bookings@sailjosefine.com.
Photo submitted.

Maiden voyage for new form of traditional Bristol Channel boat

A NEW style of flatner has been launched by Watchet Boat Museum, only the second to be designed and built in a decade in what was the town’s Old Goods Shed.
The Somerset flatner was a traditional style of simple-constructed shallow draft boat which was once common in the Bristol Channel but which has since almost died out.
The new flatner boat is a brand new design using features found on various types of traditional flatners which can be seen in the museum
It was built single-handedly in the museum by curator John Nash and is designed to be inexpensive at around £250, using readily available materials, and easy for one person to construct.
Mr Nash said: “I did not do it this way to show off, just to prove that one person really can do it.
“I am most certainly not a boat designer, carpenter, or oarsman, so if I can do it - you can, too.”
He said the 12 ft 8 in boat was suitable for calm waters such as rivers, lakes, and ponds, and could take three people on board.
A successful maiden ‘voyage’ took place in Watchet’s harbour marina, where Mr Nash said the boat behaved ‘beautifully’.
The flatner was designed in consultation with the museum’s president, Commander G.I. Mayes, and was constructed from stock timber sizes with more than 90 per cent of the materials bought locally.
Mr Nash now intends to sell copies of the flatner plans and instructions for building one, to raise funds for the museum.
He said: “We cannot build the boat and sell it - EU regulations are very stringent - so, we hope to sell lots of the plans.
“If you follow the instructions, it really is simple to build and a joy to row.”
The new boat has been named after John Short, a renowed Watchet shantyman known as ‘Yankee Jack’, and the new class has been called ‘The Short Flatner’.
More details are available from John Nash by telephoning 01984 633117 or emailing jmn@wbm.org.uk, or by visiting http://www.wbm.org.uk/.
Watchet Boat Museum is run entirely by volunteers. Entry is free and it is open Easter to September, from 2 pm to 4 pm, but is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

• Our photograph shows John Nash preparing to launch the new flatner (top) and rowing on its maiden ‘voyage’ around the marina (below). Photos by Bruce Scott.
  

Quaywest radio lining up awards night for favourite local businesses

VOTING closes on Friday, June 15, in the first-ever Quaywest radio ‘Business Awards’ competition.
As The Crier went to press, more than 1,000 votes had already been cast by Quaywest listeners for the 27 businesses which have entered the awards.
The awards will be announced at a celebrity presentation evening in Minehead Football Club on Friday, June 22, when local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger will also be attending.
A charity auction will be held as well, with the proceeds being shared by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance, and the Somerset Fire Service benevolent fund.
The evening will be compered by Quaywest presenter Drew Haddon.
Anybody who takes part by voting for their favourite local business could also win a murder mystery evening with the West Somerset Railway, as they will be entered into a draw.
And those who attend the presentation evening can win a meal for two in Reeves restaurant, in Watchet, by dropping their business card into a box on the night.
The business with the most votes from West Somerset will win a 30-inch plasma screen Panasonic television, a month’s free advertising with Quaywest, and a year’s advertising on the boarding around Minehead’s football pitch.
People can vote online by using a form to be found on Quaywest’s website, http://www.quaywestfm.net/ or with voting slips available in a number of retail shops in Minehead, Watchet, Williton, and Porlock.
The businesses which have entered the awards, together with their voting number, are: 1 Aquasplash Leisure Centre, 2 Webberbus, 3 The Lighting Company, 4 Minehead Computer Services, 5 Stuart Lowen quality butcher, 6 Natalie Poat travel counsellor, 7 Ekos Kitchens, 8 Dunkery Beacon Hotel, 9 Penny Pine Ltd, 10 Glenmore Café, 11 Blondies, 12 Chives delicatessen, 13 Alan Harman Car Sales, 14 Morris Carpets and Beds, 15 Minehead Glass, 16 Babys First, 17 Corner House Stores, 18 Willows Café and Gifts, 19 Friday Print, 20 West Somerset Motors, 21 Trenz, 22 The Shoe Centre, 23 Chapel Roofing and Building Services Ltd, 24 Cream, 25 Blue Anchor Bay Garage, 26 Cornerstone Projects, 27 Antlers Pet Supplies.
As well as being an awards presentation, the evening also promises to be a huge networking event for local businesses.
Quaywest sales executive Gerry Baxter told The Crier: “We are having the awards as a way of getting businesses together and everybody having a great evening as well.
“Yes, the businesses who have entered want to win, but they are also looking forward to the evening itself as a fun networking opportunity.
“As Drew Haddon puts it, it is about ‘keeping your lolly local’ and supporting the businesses we have here in the Quaywest catchment area.
“When we started the awards we had hoped to have about a dozen entries, but to get 27 involved in the first year is tremendous.
“Everywhere we go, people are talking about it, and we regularly mention it on the radio, so people can keep listening to 102.4 and 100.8 fm Quaywest Radio for more information.”

Pupils relaunch community Co-op store for town

PUPILS of Knights Templar School, Watchet, performed a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially launch a £220,000 new-look Co-op store in the town
The store, in Liddymore Road, was bought from the Spar group in February and has since been completely revamped.
It now features the consumer-owned retailer’s latest convenience format with modern décor and a more shopper friendly layout.
The pupils were thanked by store manager Derek Farley for taking part in the opening and presented with £200 for school funds to mark the occasion.
Mr Farley said: “As a community retailer it is appropriate that we involve the community in our special events and we are delighted our local school is playing a central role in the relaunch of our store.”
The store now has ‘Access for All’ automatic doors, new fittings and refrigeration, plus a more shopper-friendly layout.
An emphasis has been placed on chilled and fresh foods, and popular services including the lottery, PayPoint and the home delivery service have been retained.
As a leading supermarket supporter of Fairtrade, The co-operative’s popular Fairtrade products also feature and the store also carries the retailer’s own health and beauty range with products which have not been tested on animals.
Shoppers also benefit from The co-operative’s policy on ‘honest labelling’, which gives the full facts about its food and drink products, and they can carry shopping home in 100 per cent degradable bags.
Mr Farley said: “We provide a much-valued service for the local community and I am confident our shoppers will be delighted with our improved store and wider selection of goods, which will better meet all the community’s daily grocery needs.”

• Our photograph shows Mr Farley with pupils Chloe Rendell, Darcey Allen, Yasmin Turner, Tarsha Coleman, Kapric Gregory, and Sam Price. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M030026. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

New councillors order eleventh-hour East Wharf rethink

NEWLY-elected Independent councillors on West Somerset Council look set to do a U-turn on aspects of plans to develop Watchet’s East Wharf.
Despite one of the council’s most extensive-ever public consultation exercises, it has now ordered a rethink following an eleventh-hour protest campaign by some town residents.
Together with developers Urban Splash, the council is giving ‘further consideration’ to design aspects of the £12 million scheme.
Objectors were about to force a parish poll to be held on the subject, which would have cost Watchet council taxpayers around £2,000.
However, they have now agreed to postpone the move while the council looks again at the proposals for development.
The development is due to start next spring and at the moment includes 86 one and two-bedroom apartments, commercial space designed to accommodate a bistro and retail units, and community space which could be used to accommodate a museum/cultural area, meeting rooms, and town council and tourist information offices.
There will also be some retail space and enhanced facilities for the marina, including offices, a laundry, and changing rooms.
Council corporate director Adrian Dyer said: “As we have said, consultation with the public and stakeholders is an ongoing process.
“We have had some constructive meetings in recent weeks and we are going to take some time out to consider new information that has come forward.
“The planning application will not be put to the planning committee for determination before the end of June at the earliest, which will give us time to reappraise certain elements if it proves to be in the best interests of the public, marina users, and the development itself.”
Watchet ward Councillor Tony Knight said: “There has already been extensive consultation regarding the development, and we feel it should be recognised that even at this late stage, the council and developers are still willing to listen to ideas that may further improve the viability of the scheme.
“We have been disappointed because it appears that misleading information regarding the development has been circulated.
“However, recent discussions have been able to allay some of the misconceptions.
“It is positive for the project that the council and Urban Splash are continuing to consult with us and other stakeholders over the various issues raised.”
Artist’s impression of the East Wharf development submitted.

Woman in custody for alleged arson in Watchet house

A WATCHET woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a house in the town on the night of Wednesday, May 16.
Firemen wearing breathing apparatus had to rescue a woman trapped by the blaze in the terraced house in South Road after being alerted at about 10.20 pm.
They were called to the property after neighbours were alerted by the sound of a smoke alarm.
The kitchen of the house was ablaze and smoke was billowing from the first floor of the property, where a woman was found to be still inside one of the bedrooms.
She was rescued but not found to have suffered any injuries.
The firefighters used four sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to put out the fire and ventilate the property. The incident was brought under control within about half-an-hour.
Later, police took a 28-year-old woman into custody at Taunton Police Station to be held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Three fire engines attended the incident, two from Williton and one from Minehead, plus a command support vehicle from Wiveliscombe.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said there was fire damage to the kitchen and the dining room floor, with 20 per cent smoke damage to the remainder of the building.

Conservatives ousted by Independents at district elections

THE Conservative administration on West Somerset Council has been spectacularly dumped by voters who went to the polls on Thursday, May 3.
The elections saw a grouping of candidates under an Independent banner emphatically sweep to overall power on the district council.
Independents took 16 of the 31 seats, against 13 for the Conservatives, one Labour, and one Liberal Democrat.
It was a similar story on Minehead Town Council, where the Tories were reduced to just five of the 15 seats.
Dulverton Councillor Keith Ross, who, alongside Minehead shopkeeper Graham Sizer, coached and organised the Independent candidates in the run-up to the district elections, said: “I am very pleased with how it has gone tonight, because this has broken the party stranglehold, which is what I have looked for over seven-and-a-half years since we went political, which was probably the worst night in West Somerset politics.
“What I want is 31 councillors to work together for the benefit of West Somerset because it has not happened, and it has not happened because of party politics.
“It does not matter wherever you go in the country, where there are adversarial politics it does not work.”
Councillor Ross said he did not yet know who would become leader of the council nor who would receive portfolios.
“I do not know how it will work out,” he said. “We will have to have a meeting of those in the leading group to select a leader.
“The council will be looking seriously at the way forward.
“Of course, we have a big struggle on our hands for the people of West Somerset with the unitary council bid by the county council over which we have little control.”
The declaration of election results started badly for the Conservatives with former council chairman Barbara Child losing her seat in Quantock Vale to Independent Councillor Mitch Wicking, who has previously campaigned to have the council’s chief executive sacked.
It was followed by defeat in Alcombe East for Tory Jamie Anderson, who lost out to Independent Councillor Ian Melhuish, who is a close friend of Mr Sizer.
Disgraced Independent Councillor Hugh Davies - who was previously suspended by the Standards Board after a vendetta against the council’s chief executive - then topped the poll in Williton.
Former deputy council leader Councillor Bryan Leaker held his seat in Dunster for the Conservatives, and there was a brief turnaround in fortunes when popular Watchet Town Council chairman, Councillor Dave Westcott, topped the poll in Watchet to gain a seat for the Conservatives.
But it was short-lived as housing, health, and welfare portfolio holder Mary Crowley lost her Conservative seat in Quantock Vale ward, and then current council chairman Pam Driver was defeated in Old Cleeve by Queens Hall, Minehead, owner Councillor Kate Kravis for the Independents.
In the key battleground of Minehead and Alcombe, Independent candidates took five of the 10 available seats, to the Conservative’s four, and one for Labour.
Other Conservative setbacks included the loss of Mike Padgett in Porlock, where a conversation secretly recorded in News of the World-style by opponent Jon Freeman and Watchet councillor David Banks for publication in the West Somerset Free Press appeared to have swayed voters.
Meanwhile, first-time candidates Dudley Seale and Tony Berry (Minehead South), Jeremy White (Minehead North), Brian Jenkinson (Carhampton and Withycombe), Loretta Whetlor (Quantock Vale), and Paul Chamberlain (Dulverton) all failed to win.
Council leader Councillor Christine Lawrence held her Minehead North seat for the Conservatives and increased her vote, but fell from first to second place behind the Labour Party’s Doug Ross standing under the Independent flag.
Economic development portfolio holder Councillor Nick Messarra (Alcombe East), deputy leader and finance portfolio holder Councillor Roger Webber (Aville Vale), and internal resources portfolio holder Councillor Angela Palmer (Porlock) also held their seats for the Conservatives.
It could have been even worse for the Tories, as Councillor Norman Hercock gained a seat for them in Alcombe West by just seven votes and only after a recount.
The Independents lost David Gliddon, in Brompton Ralph and Haddon, where parish council chairman Councillor Keith Turner made another rare Conservative gain.
And in Watchet, long-serving councillor David Banks, who turned Independent after quitting Labour some years ago, also lost when he trailed fourth in the three-seat ward.
They also failed to win the vacant Crowcombe and Stogumber seat, where newcomer Councillor Tim Taylor retained the Conservative’s hold.
In Quarme ward, the Conservative’s Councillor Christopher White, another newcomer, also beat off an Independent challenge.
Councillor Leaker, who is the West Somerset constituency Conservative Association chairman, said: “If you do not get your voters out, you do not get elected.
“I think there are some stark lessons to be learned for the Conservatives in West Somerset tonight.
“It is a night they should not forget - and I will not forget it - in a hurry.
“It tells the town and district councils that we need to work together to get success, and, quite frankly, I do not think we have worked together and we have quite plainly not got the success.”
Councillor Lawrence said she was disappointed and slightly surprised at the scale of the electoral defeat.
She said: We had some very good candidates, and while I am very grateful to everybody who voted for me, I am disappointed for the other candidates and grateful for all the hard work they put in.”
Councillor Lawrence feared the council could find it difficult to achieve anything in the short-term because so many new and inexperienced councillors had been elected.
Mrs Driver said she had enjoyed her eight years on the council and was philosophical about her defeat.
She said: “I am sad in as much as we are not able to finish what we have started, and we are being superseded by a group who have no experience, but I hope all goes well for them for the sake of the people of West Somerset.”
Councillor Westcott attributed his success to the people of Watchet recognising his positive ‘can-do’ attitude over many years of service to the town.
He said: “I think over the years people have recognised that I always do my best for them, and I will continue to do that. Watchet comes first for me every time.
“I always believe in being positive and not negative and I think that has come through.”
Councillor Westcott said he was slightly disappointed that Mr Banks had lost his seat as he had been a good councillor for the town.
He said: “I was surprised. I do not think it was an East Quay issue, it was just unfortunate for him that I came in and made that difference to the vote.”
Councillor Freeman said: “I am gobsmacked. Porlock is a strange place, a small place where everybody knows everybody – and there is me, 12 miles away.
“The party machine was working so well with little Conservative ladies scurrying around everywhere, I thought there was no way I was going to do this.”
Councillor Walker said he was delighted to be back on the council at the age of 82 and after an eight-year absence.
He said: “Things have changed since I was in there, so I will have to play myself in gently.”
West Somerset Council Election Results as they were declared by Ward:
West Quantoxhead – Barbara Child (Con) 216, Mitch Wicking (Ind) 301 elected.
Alcombe East – Jamie Anderson (Con) 157, Ian Melhuish (Ind) 323 elected, Nick Messarra (Con) 201 elected.
Williton – Ian Aldridge (Ind) 269, Hugh Davies (Ind) 616 elected, William Gulliford (Ind) 31, John Holden (Ind) 214, Eddie May (Ind) 298 elected, Rose Woods (Con) 246.
Carhampton and Withycombe – Peter Humber (lib Dem) 417 elected, Brian Jenkinson (Con) 164.
Dunster – Julie Harvey Smith (Ind) 125, Bryan Leaker (Con) 186 elected.
Watchet – David Banks (Ind) 425, Tony Bowden (Lib Dem) 359, Jenni Hill (Ind) 441 elected, Tony Knight 505 elected, Peter Murphy (Lab) 323, Ann Snelling (Con) 300, Dave Westcott (Con) 768 elected.
Alcombe West – Norman Hercock (Con) 255 elected, Marcus Kravis (Lab) 248, Simon Stokes (Lab) 479 elected.
Quantock Vale – Mary Crowley (Ind) 335, Chris Morgan (Ind) 424 elected, Paul Tipney (Ind) 420 elected, Loretta Whetlor (Con) 243.
Quarme – John Bray (Ind) 142, Christopher White (Con) 347 elected.
Old Cleeve – Pam Driver (Con) 302, Kate Kravis (Ind) 532 elected, Neil Parbrook (Ind) 479 elected.
Crowcombe and Stogumber – Roy Harbour (Ind) 228, Tim Taylor (Con) 315 elected.
Aville Vale – Aaron Cody-Boutcher (Ind) 252, Roger Webber (Con) 313 elected.
Porlock and Oare – Jon Freeman (Ind) 427 elected, Mike Padgett (Con) 273, Angela Palmer (Con) 656 elected.
Dulverton – Paul Chamberlain (Con) 341, Mike Gammon (Ind) 451 elected, Keith Ross (Ind) 684 elected.
Brompton Ralph and Haddon – David Gliddon (Ind) 149, Keith Turner (Con) 255 elected.
Minehead North – Christine Lawrence (Con) 580 elected, Doug Ross (Ind) 822 elected, David Sanders (Con) 453 elected, Jeremy White (Con) 415.
Minehead South – Tony Berry (Con) 571, Michael Downes (Ind) 706 elected, Dudley Seale (Con) 442, Stan Taylor (Con) 331, Terry Venner (Ind) 822 elected, John Walker (Ind) 631 elected.
Exmoor – Steven Pugsley (Con) returned unopposed.

Vintage buses take to the roads for Bank Holiday weekend services

AN historic bus and coach extravaganza is being hosted in West Somerset during the Bank Holiday weekend courtesy of Steve Morris, a director of Quantock Motor Services.
A fleet of 20 vintage vehicles will make regular pick-ups at the main-line train station at Taunton to drive passengers through the lovely local scenery to Watchet, Minehead, and over Exmoor to Lynmouth on Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, 6, and 7
Mr Morris said: “I am delighted to commemorate my 30 years in bus and coach restoration by holding a three-day celebration of vintage travel that stretches from Taunton to Lynmouth with a special focus on the historic port of Watchet and the West Somerset Railway station at Minehead.”
Most of the buses and coaches date to the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, bringing the elegance of a bygone age to local roads.
West Somerset Council has also allowed 15 buses and coaches to be parked on its land at East Quay, in Watchet, from 9 am to 5.30 pm on Sunday, May 6, for the public to view a variety of vintage vehicles at close quarters, and chat to the owners.
Mr Morris said: “Visitors will be able to catch a train to Taunton and then reach destinations across West Somerset and North Devon without bringing their own cars.
“This is good for the environment and will also help boost local tourism.
“We have kept ticket prices to a minimum so that as many people as possible can experience the buses and keep up the enthusiasm for this working history.”
A day ticket for a family - two adults accompanied by two children - is £14, while an adult day ticket is £8.
Services will run regularly from the main train station at Taunton, Watchet’s East Wharf, the West Somerset Railway station in Minehead, and Lynmouth.
Tickets are available at bus stops on the day.
For more information on the event including timetables, go to www.quantockmotorservices.co.uk and click on the 'bus rally' tab, or telephone 01823 251140.
Photo submitted.

Independent election ‘scam’ is probed

NEXT month’s elections for West Somerset District Council could be declared invalid and ‘Independent’ candidates and their supporters investigated for ‘electoral fraud’, The Crier can reveal.
It follows the backing of ‘Independent’ candidates by the Liberal Democrat-sponsored residents’ organisation Direct.
The chairman of Direct, Arthur Philips, has published posters and other literature urging local residents to vote for the ‘Independent’ candidates.
But Mr Philips is not an ‘election agent’ for any of the candidates and spending money on such campaigns could therefore be in breach of the Representation of the People Act 1983, which states only the candidate, election agent, and those authorised in writing by the election agent can incur election expenses, while anybody who ‘incurs, or aids, abets, counsels, or procures any other person to incur any expenses in contravention of this section ... shall be guilty of a corrupt practice ...’.
The issue has already been raised with the Electoral Commission and with the West Somerset Returning Officer Tim Howes.
The correspondence, which The Crier has seen, expresses concern that “there is an ‘electoral deceit’ being perpetrated on local voters by those Independents who are a part of this, as they are not Independent but are actually part of a collective political movement and are hiding this fact from the electorate.”
The move follows recent revelations by The Crier that ‘Independent’ candidates could be seen to be a party in themselves as they were being coached and guided centrally and were inherently linked with the Liberal Democrat movement.
This view was reinforced when the candidates were announced and it was seen that the Liberal Democrats were apparently not fielding any candidates except their two most well-known characters in Carhampton and Watchet.
The ‘Independents’ had “by coincidence” all declared themselves in such a way that none were fighting each other for seats.
In single seat wards, there was only one ‘Independent’, in two seat wards there were two ‘Independents’, and so on.
It has prompted claims by opponents that an electoral ‘scam’ was being tried out on voters by any ‘Independent’ involved in the collective decision-making and campaign.

East Wharf consultation proves constructive

A PUBLIC information event in Watchet to unveil new enhancements to a planned multi-million pounds East Wharf regeneration project has been hailed a success.
West Somerset Council project manager, Adrian Dyer said: “The event was really constructive and we were delighted by the level of public interest in the scheme.
“People raised various points and it proved to be really useful to have the developer and architects on hand to answer questions.
“A recurring theme raised by local people is whether parking in town will become a problem as it is anticipated the East Wharf development will draw many more visitors to Watchet.
“While this is great for the local economy, we now need to consider the scheme’s impact on future parking arrangements.”
Urban Splash, the scheme’s developer, has financed enhancements on site to ensure the residential, commercial, and retail elements of the East Wharf can function independently of, but in harmony with, the day-to-day activities of a working marina.
The enhancements include:

• Provision of new, flexible boat storage and car parking arrangements in Harbour Road car park
  
• Improvement works to the current boat museum building to allow its conversion as a boat workshop
  
• Demolition and relocation of the taxi kiosk at the entrance to Harbour Road
  
• Purchasing associated installation site works for a fixed boat hoist, including a tractor and trailer/cradle
  
• Works to reconfigure and enhance Swain Street car park, including the proposed demolition of existing garages and public conveniences
  
• Provision of a new bus stop, coach parking, and a new taxi kiosk and associated taxi rank
  
• Replacement public conveniences

Mr Dyer said: “We would like to thank everybody who came to the event.
“We are collating the feedback we received and this will be used to plan ahead so that local people and visitors will all benefit from the rewards that a revitalised East Wharf will bring to Watchet.”
The multi-million pounds scheme is scheduled to start in the spring of next year and is set to transform East Wharf.
The scheme includes 86 one and two-bedroom apartments, commercial space designed to accommodate a bistro and retail units, and community space.
There will be enhanced facilities for the marina, including new offices, laundry, and changing rooms.

• The image above is an artist’s impression of the completed East Wharf development. Image submitted.

Fierce Antarctic storms force adventurer to head home

ADVENTURER Hannah McKeand (pictured), who was raised in Watchet, where her mother still lives, has told how she was forced to abandon her most recent Antarctic exploits.
Hannah, aged 33, who now lives in Newbury, was attempting to sail from Hobart, Tasmania, to Commonwealth Bay and Cape Denison, an isolated spot on the coast of King George V Land, which is known as the windiest place in the world.
On the way, she would have passed the Magnetic South Pole, currently located on the ocean.
The journey was being made on a 20-metre, schooner-rigged, aluminium, expedition sailing yacht Blizzard owned by Hannah and partner David Pryce, who is a master mariner. They had a crew of 10.
But almost from the start of the five-week adventure they were hit by terrific storms peaking with 100-knot waves smashing into their yacht.
One of the crew was knocked overboard after the force of the storm broke the three steel lifelines.
He was quickly rescued from the sea, the temperature of which was just 2.6 degrees C, but suffered hypothermia.
Then, the prop shaft pulled out of the hull, damage which could only be repaired by taking the boat out of the water.
Without the ability to manoeuvre through pack ice and into and out of anchorage, Hannah was forced to turn the boat around and head back to Tasmania just 24 days into the adventure.
“We have had some rotten luck on this trip,” said Hannah in her log. “We know and accept that this is an incredibly hard journey to be trying to make.
“Strangely however, since we turned for home the weather has become calm and benign.”
Hannah and David have founded a new high latitude sailing company called Blizzard Expeditions which up to 10 people can join as an integral member of the team, sleeping in shared cabins and sharing responsibility for all aspects of sailing and logistics, and being rewarded with a truly intimate experience with the landscape and wildlife of the deep south.
More information is available from the website www.blizzardexpeditions.com.

In December, Hannah became the fastest person to walk alone and unsupported to the geographic South Pole, making the 690-mile trek in 39 days, nine hours, and 33 minutes - almost two days faster than the previous record, also held by a British woman.

• Photos of Hannah McKeand (top) and her aborted sailing expedition to the Antarctic courtesy of her websites.

East Wharf regeneration plans now stretch to nearby areas

RESIDENTS of Watchet are being invited to attend one or both of two community events organised to provide them with up to date information on enhancements to a planned multi-million pound regeneration of the town’s East Wharf.
Homes, offices, retail, and community units are due to be built on the West Somerset Council-owned East Wharf site by developers Urban Splash, with work starting next year.
But now the council and Urban Splash want to extend the scope of the regeneration to include Harbour Road and even the nearby Watchet Boat Museum.
The community participation events are being held in Watchet Methodist Church Hall from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday, March 30, and from 12 noon to 5 pm on Saturday, March 31.
Council corporate director Adrian Dyer said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to see the development’s design details and to discuss the project with representatives from the scheme’s developer, Urban Splash.
“The new enhancements will enable the residential, commercial, and retail elements of the development to function independently of, but in harmony with, the day-to-day activities of a working marina.”
The enhancements, which will be funded by Urban Splash, include:

• Provision of new flexible boat storage and car parking arrangements in Harbour Road car park


• Improvement works to the current boat museum building to allow it to be converted as a boat workshop


• Demolition and relocation of the taxi kiosk at the entrance to Harbour Road


• Purchasing associated installation site works for a fixed boat hoist, including a tractor and trailer/cradle


• Works to reconfigure and enhance Swain Street car park, including the proposed demolition of existing garages and public conveniences


• The provision of a new bus stop, coach parking, and a new taxi kiosk and associated taxi rank


• Replacement public conveniences

The multi-million pound scheme is scheduled to start in the spring of 2008 and is set to transform the East Wharf.
The scheme includes 86 one and two-bedroom apartments, commercial space designed to accommodate a bistro and retail units, and community space which could be used to accommodate a museum/cultural area, meeting rooms, and town council and tourist information offices.
There will be some retail space and enhanced facilities for the marina, including offices, a laundry, and changing rooms.
Artist's impression submitted.

Unsung parish champions honoured by district council

SOME of the unsung heroes of West Somerset have been honoured at a ‘Parish Champions’ award ceremony organised by West Somerset Council.
Parish Champions were nominated by local people and parish councils in recognition of the significant or outstanding contribution they had made in improving the lives or environment of others.
They were presented with framed hand-written scrolls and presentation pens by district council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, and council chairman Councillor Pam Driver.
They will also receive individual photographs of their presentation.
Councillor Lawrence said: “I am delighted that we have been able to recognise the excellent services these people have given to their communities.
“They really are our local heroes.
“They have improved the lives and the environment around them for the benefit of others.
“I am proud of, and humbled by, their selfless dedication.”
The Parish Champions for 2007 were:
Donald Parsons, of Withycombe.
Kevin Escott and Georgina Charnock, of Minehead.
Allan Searle, of Stogoursey.
Jean Howe, Betty Penny, and David Wilkins, of Watchet.
David Lamacraft, and Judy and Robin Hewison, of Dunster.
Joe Westerdale, of Porlock.
Shirley Dee, Eddie May, and Roger, Liz, Katherine, and Megan Peeks, from Williton.
The Dulverton Co-responders, from Dulverton.
There was also a special presentation of flowers and chocolates to the directors of Westlabb Ltd, for its services to the district.
The not-for-profit organisation has provided IT training to more than 300 local residents at venues in their own parishes via the Exmoor Community Computer Centre, and provided wireless broadband to Crowcombe, Brompton Regis, and Luxborough.

• Our photograph shows Councillors Pam Driver and Christine Lawrence seated, front centre, with the Parish Champions. Photo submitted.

Quaker banner reminds people slavery exists 200 years after abolition

A BANNER is going on display in Minehead’s public library during April to commemorate the 200th anniversary of a Parliamentary Bill being passed to abolish the slave trade in the British colonies.
It has been made by a number of Minehead Quakers, who chose words to represent the human right to a life of freedom and then made panels to illustrate them.
An embroidered section is based on pictures drawn by children to show some of their favourite activities, which would have been denied to children in slavery.
The project was the idea of Angela Birch, of Watchet, and will normally be displayed in the Quaker Meeting House, in Bancks Street, Minehead.
It will also be exhibited in other places during the year, and postcards of it will be for sale from the Under the Rainbow shop, in Friday Street, Minehead.
The bicentennial is on March 25, but, 200 years on, Chris Lawson, co-clerk of the Minehead Quaker Meeting, said: “Many forms of slavery still exist.
“It is hoped that the banner will help people want to work for freedom and human rights today.”

• Our photographs show the banner itself, and the banner being held outside the Quaker Meeting House by (left to right) Maggie King, who helped to make it, Jamahl Cummings, one of those whose pictures is at the foot of the banner, and project originator Angela Birch. Photos by Chris Lawson.

Extraordinary Kevin shows how to overcome challenges

A CALENDAR for 2007 from the Supporting People Partnership illustrates the tales of 13 extraordinary Somerset people - but none from West Somerset.
The ‘Supporting Extraordinary People Calendar 2007’ features people from across all the other areas of Somerset and describes how they overcame great challenges to achieve their goals.
However, details of West Somerset’s extraordinary residents were received after the print deadline for the partnership, which is led by Somerset County Council.
Now, though, The Crier can reveal the story of one such extraordinary person, Kevin (pictured), who lives in Watchet and has learning and concentration difficulties, which in the past has caused him to rebel.
With support, Kevin is now happy with his life, and he attends craft sessions with other tenants in his extra care housing community, which has helped with his concentration.
He makes cards which are sold at a Christmas fayre the residents organise each year to raise money for the scheme’s social fund and for outings.
Kevin enjoys this challenge and says he wants to make the most of his skills. He feels relaxed and at home in his extra care housing, which provides additional support to that which would be received in sheltered accommodation.
Kevin’s story is just one among many which the Supporting People Partnership comes across.
The problems faced by Kevin and other ‘extraordinary’ people include homelessness, significant illness, and family breakdown.
With the help of Supporting People services, they have rebuilt their lives and now look forward to a happier future.
The partnership all five of Somerset’s district councils, the NHS and the Probation Service, ensuring the right balance of support services is available for people across the county who are experiencing difficult times in their lives.
Supporting People services help people remain independent and live fulfilling lives, enabling them to reach their potential.
Copies of the calendar have been sent to local MPs, councillors, GP surgeries, and to representatives of the police, health and social services.
It is intended to help raise awareness of Supporting People services and show how, with support and a secure home, people can turn their lives around and fulfil their potential.
More information about Supporting People services in Somerset is available by visiting the website www.spdirectory.gov.uk or by telephoning Somerset Direct on 0845 345 9133.

Photo submitted.

West Somerset going bananas for Fairtrade Fortnight

RECORD Fairtrade sales figures have been announced, just as Fairtrade Fortnight in the UK starts.
The sales of Fairtrade products reached £300 million in the past year with 2,500 retails and catering products now so-branded.
The news came as The Co-operative also celebrated the beginning of Fairtrade Fortnight with news that for the first time all 3,000 of its food stores will stock Fairtrade bananas.
As part of the celebrations,, Co-op staff in Minehead, Alcombe, Watchet, and Williton took part in the largest-ever simultaneous banana-eating bonanza in the UK.
As well as taking part in the record-breaking event, local Co-op staff were also ‘monkeying around’ with giant inflatable bananas and monkey masks and costumes, to highlight the good news to shoppers.
The Co-op, which introduced the UK’s first Fairtrade banana back in 2000, currently sells around 22 million Fairtrade bananas, and this is expected to jump to more than 43 million within a year as Fairtrade bananas go on sale in its stores nationwide.
At the same time, Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King announced a 100 per cent switch to Fairtrade bananas.
Tesco is also extending its range of Fairtrade nuts to five items ranging from brazil nuts to a peanut, cashew, and mango mix, while Threshers is launching a range of Fairtrade wines, and Waitrose is switching its banana range to 100 per cent Fairtrade and introducing a range of Fairtrade roses.
Expanded ranges of fresh produce will be the focus of in-store promotions in Morrisons and Asda.
The Fairtrade Foundation’s message for Fairtrade Fortnight 2007 is that, while sales of Fairtrade products continue to soar, change was still not happening quickly enough for millions of the world’s poorest farmers, who remained trapped in ‘trade poverty’.
The Foundation believes 2007 will be the year when people define themselves by their attitude to fairness in society.
It expects a surge of support for real values, such as those enshrined in Fairtrade, which will create a momentum allowing significant change to become possible.
Fairtrade Foundation executive director Harriet Lamb said: “The road signs for tomorrow’s Fairtrade world are out there.
“Up and down the country, the public are knocking on doors from the town hall to the local supermarket asking for more engagement with Fairtrade, and this is driving companies, large and small, to respond.
“And all of this means more farmers are able to sell more of their produce under Fairtrade terms, strengthening their organisations, building long-term relationships, and increasing benefits to their communities.
“But the road to our destination is still long and hard.
“Fairtrade is beginning to move from being an ‘optional extra’ to a ‘must-do’.
“Way too many companies have yet to wake up to the public’s changing expectations.
“We need people to shout even louder, and we need companies to respond with genuine engagement.
“Otherwise, millions of farmers will remain consigned to poverty.
“Fairtrade must become an everyday part of the way this nation thinks and shops.
“Fairtrade has achieved a paradigm shift that has popularised the link with the farmers who grow the food on our tables that puts people - the producers and consumers - at the centre of trade, and is redefining what is acceptable behaviour for all of us, from consumers to business to governments.
“Fairtrade is a powerful idea, showing that you can and should manage markets for social and development goals.
“It is a powerful idea and it is rapidly triggering changes.
“The challenge now is to capitalise on the current momentum and take Fairtrade to the next level.”

• Pictured going bananas in the Williton Co-op store during their lunch break are (top) West Somerset Free Press advertising sales executive Michelle Kemp, photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010012; and (middle) Ben Bryant, from Lloyds Pharmacy, photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010003. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Supermarket staff going bananas for Fairtrade

CO-OP supermarket staff in Minehead, Alcombe, Watchet, and Williton will be going bananas on Monday, February 26, at the start of Fairtrade Fortnight.
They will be celebrating the consumer-owned retailer’s announcement that for the first time it is selling Fairtrade bananas in all of its 3,000 food stores.
More than 25,000 Co-op store staff across the country are taking part in the largest-ever simultaneous banana-eating bonanza in the UK as part of the celebrations, starting at 10 am on the day.
As well as taking part in the record-breaking event, local Co-op staff will be ‘monkeying around’ with giant inflatable bananas and monkey masks and costumes, to highlight the good news to shoppers.
The Co-op, which introduced the UK’s first Fairtrade banana back in 2000, currently sells around 22 million Fairtrade bananas, and this is expected to jump to more than 43 million within a year as Fairtrade bananas go on sale in its stores nationwide.
Co-operative Group chief executive of food retail, Guy McCracken, said: “The Co-op has led the way in making Fairtrade mainstream and with more people than ever looking to buy Fairtrade and help producers and their families in the developing countries, this great news means that all our shoppers, from Shetland to Penzance, in rural, island, and urban communities, and in our smallest convenience stores, can support Fairtrade by buying the UK’s favourite fruit.”
The Co-op move also signals a breakthrough in the campaign to support small, independent producers and bears testament to the relationship the Co-op has built with such producers in Ghana, Equador, Costa Rica, and the Windward Isles.
Williton Co-op manager Phil Leat said: “We don’t mind making monkeys of ourselves if it helps to promote this ‘a-peeling’ initiative and encourage many more shoppers to support Fairtrade.”

Pledge to tackle global warming in Somerset

THE 'Nottingham Declaration', a voluntary pledge which commits to actively tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions, is being signed on behalf of Somerset County Council today, Wednesday, February 21.
The leader of the council, Councillor Cathy Bakewell, is syumbolically signing the document at a meeting of the full council, an act which she says puts Somerset at the forefront of efforts to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change in the county.
At the same time, the council is revealing predictions of the significant impacts of global warming and sea level rises in Somerset.
Applying data from climate and flooding experts, it is predicted that:

• The chances of a severe tidal flooding event, large enough to overwhelm current defences and threaten the M5 and railway links through Somerset, could increase from 200/1 in any given year to 17/1 by 2060
  
• The threat posed to 32,500 properties across 2,394 square miles of the county currently vulnerable to flooding from a combination of coastal and river events could rise markedly
  
• Average July temperatures will have risen by four degrees Celsius in Somerset by 2080 if emissions remain high, with more damaging extremes of temperature and prolonged drought
  
• By 2080, there could be a net sea level rise of 3.1 inches per year in the South West if emissions remain high

The authority is also announcing a stakeholder and public consultation for a ‘Climate Change Adaptation Strategy’ (SCCAS) which is now in preparation, and which sets targets for the council to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its service areas and encourage and help partners to do the same.
Together, they will form a countywide approach to protecting infrastructure and services from climate change and reducing emissions, co-ordinated by the council.
The authority already has a range of award-winning projects and initiatives to reduce emissions and promote renewable energy, including the Somerset biofuels project, a ‘Watts On’ energy efficiency campaign within County Hall, and biomass heating schemes.
There are more to come this year, including the landmark ‘Rising to the Challenge’ climate change communications project and the rolling out of the pioneering Somerset Wind Energy Initiative.
As well as supporting the Environment Agency in its prioritising of flood defence works, the council will develop a countywide response through a water management partnership.
This will involve all stakeholders, regional and national agencies in developing a co-ordinated approach to combat future rising flood risk challenge.
Councillor Bakewell said: “Global warming will seriously affect Somerset. Our announcements today put into place initiatives to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change in Somerset. We must lead the way and help others to follow.”

• Our illustration above shows areas of Somerset, highlighted in mauve, at risk of tidal flooding, which include Minehead, Dunster Marsh, and areas near Blue Anchor and Watchet. Image submitted.

Cable damage leaves hudreds without phone and internet

HUNDREDS of businesses and homes across a large area of West Somerset were left for several hours without telephones and internet access on Thursday, February 15.
It happened after the main optical fibre cable bringing services into the district suffered what BT described as ‘third party damage’.
In plain English, a contractor is believed to have cut through the cable while carrying out works near Taunton.
Massive disruption resulted for businesses in Minehead and Watchet and the surrounding area as they were unable to make or receive telephone calls, nor access broadband or dial-up internet services.
Email systems were also inoperable and some mobile phone calls were affected because they are often routed along underground cables between masts.
Even the emergency 999 telephone system was brought down by the damaged cable and more police had to be out on the streets in case they were needed.
A BT spokeswoman told The Crier the exact cause of the incident was yet to be determined.
She said 999 calls were always a priority in such a situation and the service was restored ‘almost immediately’.
However, she said it took about three hours before all telephones and internet access were properly restored.
The incident served to highlight the vulnerability of modern businesses to sudden technology failures.