Young pupils safer on roads thanks to hi-vis jackets initiative

YOUNG schoolchildren in West Somerset can now be heard and also seen, thanks to an initiative by the West Somerset Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
High-visibility jackets are being given to all primary school and first school pupils in the district to make them safer on the journey to and from their homes.
The initiative began after Police Community Support Officer Luisa Skinner visited Watery Lane pre-school last November.
She accompanied the children on a walkabout in the town and was surprised to find the children and teachers did not have any high visibility tabards or equipment to ensure they were all safe when out and about on school trips and outings.
Funding was then sought from the crime and disorder reduction partnership to purchase a supply of high-visibility jackets.
Now, PCSOs are involved in distributing the jackets to schoolchildren.
West Somerset Council’s community safety officer, Pete Hughes, said: “For a while we have heard from parents and teachers who are worried about children crossing rural roads.
“Often, they say the roads are unlit or there are no pavements, or both, which obviously puts children at higher risk.
“We are delighted to be able to provide children in West Somerset’s first schools with fluorescent high visibility jackets so that drivers, cyclists, and other road users are aware of their presence.
“This is a really positive aspect of our jobs, and we are really pleased to have been able to help children in the rural and urban areas of West Somerset.”

• Our photograph shows PCSOs Sue Hurley (left) and Rachel Cutler with Pete Hughes and Cutcombe First School pupils (left to right) Tom Nancekivell, Hannah Thompson, Harry Delve, Aaron Kendall, Ellie Abraham, and Charlotte Matravers. Photo submitted.

Council gives £280,000 for low-interest local home improvement loans

A FURTHER £70,000 has been pledged by West Somerset Council to a partnership offering low interest home loans for local people, making a total investment of £280,000 this year.
The loans are available via council partners Wessex Home Improvement Loans to local homeowners on low incomes who need to make essential repairs or improvements to their homes, but who cannot afford to borrow at high street interest rates.
Council environmental health manager Ian Timms said: “Specialist advisers help borrowers select the scheme that is most suited to their circumstances.
“They look at people’s income and expenditure and discuss how much they can comfortably afford to borrow.
“As well as support from a specialist adviser from Wessex Home Improvement Loans, an officer from West Somerset Council will inspect the finished work to confirm the work has been completed to an acceptable standard.”
There are three possible loan products - a capital repayment scheme, an interest-only scheme, and an interest roll-up scheme.
The maximum loan available is £15,000 and the loans are offered at a fixed rate of three per cent.
People borrowing £5,000 on an interest-only basis would have a monthly repayment of only £12.50.
Melanie Allen, an adviser with the council’s partner said: “It has been a real privilege working with West Somerset Council and the clients here, especially when you see the difference the loan scheme makes to people.
“We offer support and guidance throughout the process to ensure people get the right products.
“We value our partnership with West Somerset Council, which subsidises the scheme, so that we can offer local people such low interest rates.
“There is nothing like it on the high street and we are proud to be able to offer such a unique scheme which is entirely focussed on the needs of the client.”
West Somerset residents interested in the low cost loan scheme should contact Julie Payne on 01643 703704.

• Our photograph shows the £280,000 cheque being presented by West Somerset Council Environmental Health Manager Ian Timms to Somerset Coast Home Improvement Partnership home improvement officer Judy Ernest (left) and Wessex Home Improvement Loans adviser Melanie Allen. Photo submitted.