Fire traps three people on balconies of Minehead flats

FIRE crews mounted a major operation in Minehead to rescue three people trapped on the upper floors of a block of flats which caught fire in the early hours of Tuesday, July 24.
The residents were unable to escape from the property in The Parks, which comprised seven flats, after the blaze broke out in the ground floor rear area of the building.
They became trapped on balconies and were eventually led to safety down a 135-feet high ladder raised by fire crews.
Others did manage to flee the building and they raised the alarm by calling the emergency services, who responded by sending firefighters from four stations in Minehead, Porlock, Williton, and Taunton, a command support unit from Wiveliscombe, and an incident support unit from Taunton, as well as a number of ambulances.
The incident started at about 2 am on Tuesday, and two firemen wearing breathing apparatus entered the building to put out the blaze using a hose reel jet.
An investigation was started later in the day to decide on the cause of the fire.
Photo submitted.

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.”

Ex-US Deputy Sheriff searches for 'forgotten cop' of Williton

RETIRED US Deputy Sheriff, Mackenzie Allen, is searching for anybody who can tell him more about a Westcountry policeman who lived in the 19th century.
Mr Allen, who now runs an antiques/auction business in Tacoma, Washington, bought a slate mantle clock bearing a plaque dated 1885 and dedicated to ‘Mr William Uriah Self, Superintendent of Police, Williton District’.
As an ex-law officer, Mr Allen was so intrigued by the dedication that he kept the clock rather than selling it on, in the hope of solving the mystery of who was the ‘forgotten cop’ across the Atlantic.
The ‘downsizing’ elderly woman from whom he bought the clock did not know, so he contacted the Williton offices of West Somerset Council where community safety liaison officer Pete Hughes was put on the case.
Mr Hughes said: “The local police have not a clue, either, so I am rounding up your readers to do some detective work among their family records.
“As William Uriah Self rose to be a Superintendent of police, they should not be too worried about rattling any skeletons in their family cupboards.”
The council's deputy leader and staffing portfolio holder, Councillor Simon Stokes, said: “Our staff get some odd requests and, short of sending out a posse, we are happy to lend a helping hand.”
Anybody with any information which might help can contact the council’s media and PR officer Stacey Beaumont by telephoning 01643 703704 or emailing sbeaumont@westsomerset.gov.uk

• Our photograph shows Mr Allen with the inscribed clock. Photo submitted.

Diesel and steam mix bringing back memories for Father's Day

MEMORIES should come flooding back in West Somerset this year for fathers and grandfathers who took an interest in the railways of the Westcountry during the 1960s.
For the West Somerset Railway is turning back the clock on its 20-mile line to 1965 for Father’s Day, June 17.
The heritage railway is holding a ‘Mixed Traffic Weekend’ from Friday, June 15, to Sunday, June 17, and will be reliving the period when British Railways was converting from steam to diesel power.
With this in mind, the majority of the trains will be hauled by vintage diesel locomotives, although there will also be two steam engines in action.
The diesel locomotives in service will be drawn from those in the collection of the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group, at Williton, and some guests hired in from other lines.
The ‘guests’ will include a ‘Warship’ Class D832 ‘Onslaught’, ‘Hymek’ D7076, and a Class 14 locomotive number D9520.
In addition, on the Saturday only, ‘Western’ Class D1015 ‘Western Champion’ will work an excursion train from Paddington on a tour by Past-time Rail and, before it returns home, will run a WSR service train between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard.
The home fleet will include ‘Western’ D1010 ‘Western Campaigner’, Class 14 D9526, Class 25 D7523, and the Class 47 locomotive D1661 ‘North Star’.
Shunting locomotives will also operate some shuttle services.
Among the museums which will be open along the line, the Diesel Heritage Centre, in Williton, will give an insight into the history of the development of diesel locomotives.
WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said: “We will have seven diesel hauled trains and four headed steam locomotives travelling over the line on Father’s Day and there is plenty of opportunity to alight at one of our stations and take in a walk and a lunch in a pub or restaurant along the way as well as riding the trains.
“And, for anybody who really remembers the 60s, there is the chance to alight at Crowcombe Heathfield for the site where Ringo rode the bicycle along the station platform in the Film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’.”
Full details of the Mixed Traffic Weekend can be obtained by telephoning 01643 704996 or visiting www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/mixedtraffic.html.

• Our photos show (top) a diesel engine and (below) a steam train which will be working on Father's Day. Photos submitted.
  

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.

Tour of Britain cycle race heads for West Somerset and Exmoor

WEST Somerset is to host part of this year’s Tour of Britain blue riband cycle race for the first time, as some of the world’s top cyclists compete in a stage which takes them through the district.
The terrain of Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills will provide competitors with some tough challenges.
The riders will pass through Williton, Dunster, Minehead, Porlock, Lynmouth, Simonsbath, Exford, and Wheddon Cross before reaching the stage finish in Taunton.
The Tour of Britain starts on Sunday, September 9, and reaches West Somerset on Tuesday, September 11.
The South West stage is being hosted by Somerset County Council, which has secured a stage of the tour for five years from 2007.
The council is confident the race will bring substantial economic benefits and a tourism boost to the county.
The Tour of Britain is Britain’s leading professional cycle race and biggest live sporting event and is free to watch.
Tour of Britain activities are planned to take place in Somerset throughout the summer, including a triathlon for schools at Millfield School, in Street, and a cycling exhibition at the Somerset County Museum, in Taunton.
Details of the Somerset route were unveiled at a ceremony in the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, where guests were treated to a visual spectacle by RNAS service personnel from 864 Squadron.
After flying in by Sea King helicopter, they presented museum staff with a £2,500 bicycle given by Tri UK and Fisher Outdoor for a competition at the exhibition.
County economic development portfolio holder Councillor Paul Buchanan said: “We are determined that the South West stage of the Tour of Britain will be the best ever.
“It will be an exciting event for Somerset, and not to be missed.
“The route will showcase the county, with television coverage on the BBC, and will give us an opportunity to show the world what a perfect setting Somerset is for cycling and outdoor activity breaks.”
The Tour of Britain South West stage is supported by the Somerset Strategic Partnership, Somerset Rural Renaissance Partnership, Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund, Active Exmoor, and Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Information about the route of the race, images and logos can be accessed and downloaded at www.tourofbritain.co.uk/media/downloads/index.asp

• Our photographs show (top) county heritage officer Tom Mayberry (left) with Richard Wallis of Tri UK, and (middle) RNAS service personnel from 864 Squadron delivering a competition prize bicycle by Sea King helicopter for the Somerset County Museum exhibition ‘On Yer Bike’, which is due to start on June 30. Photos submitted.

Construction underway on district council new headquarters

WORK has started in Williton on a centralised £2.9 million headquarters for West Somerset Council.
Council chief executive Tim Howes said: “We are delighted to be centralising our workforce in these new offices.
“This is a big investment for Williton, good news for the local economy, and a positive move for West Somerset.”
The majority of the existing collection of ageing council buildings on the site will be demolished and replaced with a two-and-a-half storey T-shaped modern building at the northern end of the Killick Way car park.
Recycling banks on the site were removed on Monday, April 23, in preparation for the build, and the council is encouraging people to recycle what they can through the fortnightly kerbside black box collection service, or to use the public facilities at the household waste recycling centre on the village’s Roughmoor industrial estate.
The recycling centre is open from 8 am to 8 pm in the summer and from 8 am to 5 pm in winter.
Subject to the Somerset Waste Board’s approval, the council hopes to return some recycling banks into a smaller area in March, 2008.
Council staff are being encouraged to park off site during the build, and the council has secured sufficient car park spaces on private land nearby, to minimise any disruption to the public.
Mr Howes said: “We have put in considerable effort to ensure the building’s orientation, layout, and design maximise the use of natural light, climate control, and energy conservation.”
The new offices will feature a metal ziplock roof which gives the appearance of traditional lead, with render, glass panel, and brickwork walls.
Two floors of the building will comprise meeting rooms and open-plan offices with a part-mezzanine executive officers’ suite in the roof space above.
Floor space will total 2,025 square metres.
The council chose Exeter-based contractors Mansell plc’s design for the new offices following public consultation last November.
More than 70 per cent of those who responded to the consultation said they felt Mansell’s design was most suited to the site.
The illustration above is an artist’s impression of how the new council offices should look. Drawing 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.

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.

April start for £2.9 million centralised district council offices

FULL planning approval has been given for West Somerset Council’s new £2.9 million centralised offices to be built in Killick Way, Williton.
Work is set to start on site in April and should be finished early in 2008. An artist’s impression of how the offices should look, is shown here.
The scheme involves demolishing the majority of the existing collection of ageing council buildings on site, which have been declared ‘not fit for purpose’, and replacing them with a two-and-a-half storey T-shaped, modern building at the northern end of Killick Way car park.
The new offices will feature a metal ziplock roof, which gives the appearance of traditional lead, with render, glass panel, and brickwork walls.
Two floors of the building will consist of meeting rooms and open-plan offices with a part-mezzanine executive officers’ suite in the roof space above.
The floor space will total 21,800 square feet.
Council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, said: “We are delighted we have gained permission and look forward to centralising our workforce.
“It is a big investment for West Somerset, good news for the local economy, and a really positive step forward for Williton.”
Chief executive Tim Howes said: “We have put in considerable effort to ensure the building’s orientation, layout, and design maximise the use of natural light, climate control, and energy conservation.
“There will also be a formal garden adjoining the main meeting room for staff and members to take breaks in, and for use by anybody at functions taking place in the building.”
A design by Exeter-based contractors Mansell plc has been chosen for the new offices following public consultation last November in which more than 70 per cent of people who responded felt it was the one most suited to the site.

WSR unveils second railway of the year award

A CEREMONY has been held on Minehead Railway Station to unveil a plaque commemorating the Independent Railway of the Year 2006 award to the West Somerset Railway.
It was the second time in three years that the steam railway had received the prestigious title, having previously won it in 2004.
In between, the Bishops Lydeard to Minehead line was also voted Heritage Railway of the Year 2005.
Among those attending the unveiling of the plaque were West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Granger, West Somerset District Council chairman Councillor Pam Driver, district council leader Councillor Christine Lawrence, who is also a county councillor for Dunster, past district council chairman Councillor Barbara Child, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Minehead Councillors Ann Foxhuntley and Stephen Dear, and National Railway Heritage Awards committee chairman John Ellis.
Guests were able to travel to the ceremony steam train from Williton, and returning from Minehead afterwards.
The independent panel of award judges cited reasons for the giving the title to West Somerset, including the railway’s contributions to the local economy along its route and its high standard of customer care.
WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said the railway was now looking ahead to its spring steam gala which has reached a level of popularity where it will run over the weekend of March 17 and 18 and then continue during the four days of March 22 to 25.
Among the gala’s featured attractions will be up to 14 steam engines in action, a Virgin Voyager train linking Taunton and Bishops Lydeard, vintage buses between Dunster Station and Dunster village, and museums and workshops opening along the route.
Mr Conibeare said: “The gala makes a major contribution to the economies of West Somerset, Taunton Deane, and the surrounding area with guest houses and hotels seeing bookings from all over the country.
“As the year progresses, we are due to welcome 21 excursion trains to and from the mainline network, and are looking to build on this aspect of our business in the future.”

• Our photograph (top) shows the plaque being unveiled by (left to right) David Allan, chairman of award sponsors Ian Allan Publishing, WSR general manager Paul Conibeare, and WSR chairman Chris Austin, watched by guests including MP Ian Liddell-Grainger (right). Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010021. Order image reprints online at http://www.tcpbymtp.co.uk
• Our photograph (below) shows (left to right) National Railway Heritage Awards committee chairman John Ellis, WSR general manager Paul Conibeare, David Allan, chairman of award sponsors Ian Allan Publishing, and WSR chairman Chris Austin. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010035. Order image reprints online at http://www.tcpbymtp.co.uk/.

£1.75 million business units development underway

WORK has started on redeveloping the former Wrigleys factory site, on the Roughmoor Industrial Estate, in Williton, into 14 new workspace units.
Members of West Somerset Council were on hand to watch the start of the £1.75 million regeneration project, which will create opportunities for start-up businesses and those which want to expand.
The council’s economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Nick Messarra, said: “West Somerset Council has invested over a million pounds in this project, which we believe will transform opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises in the area.
“It is one of a number of workspace developments in West Somerset that will benefit local businesses, residents, and the economy.”
The new workspace has been designed to allow a high degree of flexibility in layout in order to accommodate a wide range of tenants over a prolonged period.
The premises will be serviced, meaning somebody will be on hand to deal with visitors.
There will also be meeting rooms, and all tenants will have access to the Connecting Somerset IT support grant scheme.
Units ranging in size from 495 to 2,260 square feet are being provided in the redevelopment, and estate agent Alder King is putting together a lettings package for prospective tenants.
The development is being carried out for the council by Taunton-based builders Rok, whose area director, Chris Hyde, said: “This is a significant contract for Rok and we are delighted to be bringing our refurbishment and new build expertise to the project.
“It will create much-needed high quality workspace in West Somerset and set high environmental standards by regenerating a brownfield site.”
Williton ward Councillor Eddie May said: “The site had been deteriorating over the last few years and we are delighted that, by refurbishing some parts of the site and demolishing and rebuilding others, we will be able to provide businesses and the local economy with the boost it needs.
“Our contactors, Rok, will be meeting BREEAM energy efficiency standards, which means the project will use sustainable building materials and minimise any impact on the environment.”
The balance of the Wrigleys project funding comes from the European Regeneration Development Fund South West Objective 2.

• Our photograph taken on the Wrigleys site shows (left to right) Atisreal project manager Nathan Heavens, Hugh Davies, Councillor Eddie May, council market towns regeneration officer Pete Vallance, Rok contract team leader Colin Ayres, and Councillor Nick Messarra. Photo by Steve Guscott.

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.”

D-day for councillors tackling drink-fuelled crime

A DECISION is to be taken by West Somerset district councillors on Monday, February 5, on whether to introduce alcohol-free zones in Minehead and Williton.
The move has been pioneered by Councillor Nick Messarra, who is a member of the council’s cabinet and is the past Mayor of Minehead and Alcombe, with the support of The Crier.
Councillor Messarra has pressed for the measure to combat anti-social behaviour which residents and visitors alike have experienced in Minehead’s Blenheim Gardens.
However, some of his fellow town councillors stalled the process while he was the town mayor as they claimed the problems in the park had been overstated and banning drinking was unnecessary.
Now, the district cabinet is being recommended by officers to declare Blenheim Gardens as an Alcohol Designation Zone, which will allow police to take tougher action against drunks and hooligans.
The cabinet is also being asked to do the same for the Memorial Ground, in Williton, where parish councillors and local residents have faced ongoing vandalism and rowdyism over many months.
Other areas which will be considered for the designation orders include:

• The recreation area adjacent to Irnham Road, Minehead (excluding the curtilages of the football club)
• The sea front area of Minehead, including Warren Road and Quay Street and including the entire highway area and footpaths
• The King George V Recreation Ground, Minehead
• The area known as the Rose Garden, adjacent to Seaward Way, Minehead
• The area known as Bellamy’s Corner, Williton
• The area of land adjacent to Seaward Way and Bircham Road to the north west of the roundabout at Ellicombe, Minehead

District council community safety officer Pete Hughes said: “The consideration of implementing designated public place orders resulted from continuing issues of alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Following representations from the police during the public consultation, the council will also discuss whether similar designation should be made in respect of other locations.
“The police representation was made on the basis of probable displacement of the problems to other specified locations. Within the legislation, there is a requirement for councillors to consider displacement.”
If approved, designation orders will mean that people responsible for alcohol related anti-social behaviour can be arrested if they do not comply with a request from a police officer or community support officer to stop drinking or fail to surrender containers of alcohol.
Mr Hughes said: “The orders provide police with enhanced powers to address the continuing issue of anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol which has detracted, for a number of years, from the enjoyment of the areas proposed for designation.
“It will also provide police with powers to address similar issues in areas which may be subject to displacement.”

• Our photograph shows Councillor Nick Messarra in Blenheim Gardens with an earlier copy of The Crier backing his campaign. Photo submitted.

Regeneration boost for Watchet, but Williton misses out

WATCHET is celebrating after having been formally accepted into the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative (MCTI).
However, there was disappointment in neighbouring Williton as the village missed out because similar work was already being carried out.
Watchet will now receive up to £20,000 in grants, dedicated support from a community facilitator, professional assistance from consultants, and templates and toolkits to aid its regeneration.
Watchet Regeneration Partnership vice-chairman Sally De-Renzy Martin said: “We are delighted to be welcomed in as one of the initiative’s new towns.
“The harbour, which is the focal point of Watchet, will be enhanced through the regeneration of the East Wharf, The Esplanade, and the West Somerset Mineral Line proposals for the West Quay.
“This gives the community an opportunity to look at other areas of the town for enhancement in terms of landscape and employment opportunities.”
Watchet was one of more than 30 towns which applied to join the initiative, and in the Westcountry a total of 13 were accepted.
The town underwent a comprehensive two-stage application process which took place between July and December of last year.
During the assessment process, local authorities and regional agencies were consulted to ensure resources were allocated to best effect.
West Somerset Council’s market towns regeneration officer Pete Vallance, who worked with the Watchet community to put the application together, said: “This gives Watchet an immense opportunity to build on the community regeneration already underway.
“The creation of a community action plan will enable decision-makers to hear and assist in tackling issues for the residents of Watchet and its surrounding area.”
Watchet and the other towns will be formally welcomed during the Market and Coastal Towns Association annual conference, which takes place on February 2 and 3, at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay, which is also being attended by Dr. Stuart Burgess, chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities and Rural Advocate.
Association chief executive James Hassett said: “I am delighted to announce that we are able to help 13 new towns from across the region plan for their future.
“Throughout this process the support of the South West of England Regional Development Agency and the region’s local authorities has been vital in helping us to make what have been difficult decisions.
“I very much believe that this programme offers the unique opportunity for a community to come together around a shared purpose and vision and for a town to develop in a way that its community would wish to see, rather than having change imposed upon them.”
Although Williton also applied for MCTI status, the association felt community work already being undertaken as part of the Williton Parish Plan had direct parallels to its own.
The association will, however, be launching a service in the middle of this year to support communities such as Williton which will, for example, assist in auditing activity and plot steps towards full MCTI accreditation.
Photo submitted.

Free blood pressure checks to avoid strokes

FREE blood pressure checks are being offered at Williton Community Hospital on Wednesday, February 7, between 11 am and 4 pm.
The sessions are being organised by The Stroke Association, which is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages.
Organiser, Carol Clifford, said: “The reasons are simple - high blood pressure can lead to strokes and many other health problems.
“In fact, it is the number one risk factor for strokes.
“A third of adults in the UK have this condition, yet many of them are unaware of it because there are no symptoms.
“That is why high blood pressure is called the silent killer.”
For more information, contact Carol Clifford on 01984 634276, or just turn up on the day.
The Stroke Association funds research into prevention, treatment, and better methods of rehabilitation.
The charity also helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services, which include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications, and leaflets.
It also campaigns, educates, and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society, acting as a voice for everybody affected by stroke.
A stroke is the brain equivalent of a heart attack and can be diagnosed by using FAST:
Facial weakness
Arm weakness
Speech problems
Test all three.
If any of these symptoms is present, an ambulance should be called straight away.
The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the public and is open between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100
More information on The Stroke Association can be found at http://www.stroke.org.uk/.
Photo submitted.

Public consultation on district council office plans

West Somerset Council is inviting local people to comment on designs for its new offices in Killick Way, Williton.
Plans are being displayed in the reception areas of the council’s offices in Williton and Minehead during office hours on November 2, 3, 6, and 7, with a special weekend viewing between 9.30 – 1 pm on Saturday, November 4.
Council corporate director Bruce Lang said: “Questionnaires will be available so that the public can make their views known to us.
“We welcome people’s opinions on the external appearance of the building and their feelings on the visual impact it will have on Killick Way’s urban environment.”
The council has considered in detail what it needs from its new offices and commissioned project managers, architects, and mechanical and electrical engineers to draw its requirements into a technical document called the ‘employer’s requirements’.
“The internal layout is tailored to the council’s requirements and will not be subject to public comment.”
Three companies - Dean and Dyball, Mansell, and Cowlin - have tendered for this work using the ‘employer’s requirements’ to develop their proposals.
The tender submissions will be considered by the council and their appointed project managers, Cyril Sweett, before reporting to a special cabinet meeting, followed by a full council meeting on November 8.
Williton ward member Councillor Eddie May said: “We are pleased this project is moving forward.
“The plans will be designated X, Y, and Z, so that opinion is not swayed in favour of a particular contractor.
“The questionnaires will be analysed as they are returned so that we can use the information to indicate the public’s preferences to cabinet and council.
“These results, together with the project manager’s evaluation report, which will consider cost, compliance with the council’s requirements, programme innovation, and added value, will enable West Somerset Council to make an informed choice.”