Supporting action to reduce noise in West Somerset and Exmoor

WEST Somerset Council's environmental health team is working to keep the peace across the district and on Exmoor by supporting Noise Action Week, which runs from May 21 to 25.
The week aims to promote practical solutions to everyday noise problems.
Council environmental health manager Ian Timms said: "We do not want to be kill-joys, especially now summer is on its way and people like to entertain outdoors, but we would encourage people to take simple steps to make sure that nearby residents are not disturbed.
“Most people do not mind occasional parties, especially if they are informed beforehand. Even better - why not invite the neighbours to join you.
"Keep noisy DIY projects within reasonable working hours, as nobody can relax in the evening with loud hammering on a regular basis.
“Again, if you have a special project to complete in a short space of time, explain to your neighbours what is happening."
The council has published a range of fact sheets on its website to advise people and businesses on how to respect their neighbours' right to a peaceful life.
Mr Timms said: "Our website has tips for people who may need to complete noisy projects, and perhaps have not thought about how much this might distress neighbours.
“There are simple courtesies which, if followed, promote neighbourly understanding.
“There is also a section for business-related noise situations.
"Noise nuisance in West Somerset is low compared to other areas.
“However, if you are suffering from continual problems, there is guidance on how best to deal with it.
“Our officers are also here to help people whose lives are being disrupted by noise, and we would urge people to seek their advice if the situation cannot be sorted out amicably.
“In the first instance, we work with other agencies to access excellent mediation services that really can help."
For more information log on to www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk and type 'noise' or go to 'N', in the council's A - Z of services.
Alternatively, telephone customer services for a fact sheet, or to seek further guidance from one of the council's environmental health officers on 01643 703704.

Helping residents stay warm and well

A TOTAL of £100,000 has been invested by West Somerset Council this year to bring local homes up to high energy efficiency standards.
The council is now extending its funding of the Somerset Warm and Well scheme to allow more people in West Somerset to benefit from free or discounted energy-saving home improvements.
The council works in partnership with the Bristol and Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre to help people carry out home improvements such as loft and cavity wall insulation.
Council environmental health and licensing manager Ian Timms said: “The Warm and Well scheme is now offering free insulation to people of all ages who are on low incomes or on qualifying benefits, as well as people over 70.
“Residents can phone friendly experts at the centre to see if they are eligible.
“Local people can save money on energy bills, stay warm and well in their homes, and help the environment by cutting down on energy use.”
Tenants or landlords of rented properties can also apply for free or discounted insulation.
Mr Timms said: “We would encourage anybody who thinks they may be eligible to come forward to see if they qualify for free loft and cavity wall insulation through Somerset Warm and Well.
“People who do not meet the criteria may find they can still receive a considerable discount on this sort of work.”
Residents who would like to know more about the scheme can telephone the Bristol and Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre free on 0800 512 012.

Council looks at tackling local global warming

WEST Somerset district councillors are to consider tackling climate change, which has been identified as one of the greatest global threats.
The council’s cabinet members are meeting on Tuesday, May 1, to look at signing-up to the Nottingham Declaration, which will commit the authority to combating climate change within the district.
Environmental health manager Ian Timms said: “The Nottingham Declaration is a voluntary pledge which councils can take to address issues of climate change.
“We are already trying to tackle greenhouse gas emissions through our development of energy efficient low-carbon homes in Carhampton and the use of alternative technologies in the new office development in Williton.
“By signing up to the Nottingham Declaration, we are demonstrating to the community our ongoing commitment to tackling climate change on a local level.
“By working together to adapt to the effects of, and mitigate the causes of, climate change we can make a considerable local contribution to this global problem.”
If approved, the leader of the council, Councillor Christine Lawrence, and the council’s chief executive, Tim Howes, will sign the declaration on the district’s behalf.
The council will then work with partners such as Forum 21 and the West Somerset Strategic Partnership and others to:

• Establish baselines for the activities relating to climate change to assist in highlighting opportunities and targets for action


• Develop aims and objectives that will be subject to regular review


• Produce targets with SMART actions


• Produce a draft strategy to encompass all of these items for consideration by policy development

Mr Timms said:“We need to prepare for drier summers and wetter winters.
“West Somerset has a lengthy coastline which already has areas identified as a flood risk.
“The cabinet will contemplate all aspects of climate change, and its possible effect on our district, when considering signing up to the declaration.”Photo submitted.

Lottery windfall means handy home help for needy residents

A WINDFALL of nearly £100,000 from the Big Lottery fund means the Somerset Coast Home Improvement Agency (SCHIP) Fix-it Team will soon hit the streets of West Somerset in their Handy Repair Van.
West Somerset Council environmental health manager Ian Timms said: “We are delighted with the success of the SCHIP’s bid.”
SCHIP, a home improvements partnership between West Somerset Council and Sedgemoor District Council, carries out property repairs and adaptations for people in need who are over 60 or disabled.
The lottery fund has awarded it £98,205 over three years.
Mr Timms said: “The new service will complement the existing core service of organising building works and helping to raise funding for clients.
“We are delighted to be able to extend these services.”
Now, a home repair service, known as the ‘Fix-it Team’, will be able to carry out small jobs, emergency repairs, and help with hospital discharge.
It will work closely with existing projects such as the Safe and Secure scheme, Bobbyvan service, and Social Services, which already provides valuable assistance in West Somerset and Sedgemoor.
The Handyperson scheme will be run along the same lines as the existing gardening scheme - SCHIP Green-Team.