Reports from Your District and County Councillors

What unprecedented times we find ourselves in. However, amongst the difficulties it is heart-warming to see how our communities have pulled together in time of need.
The emergency team are continuing to support those vulnerable or need in the village. A testament to its necessity can be seen by the number of (thankfully mostly) green cards that are in the window. Thanks to Steve Allinson and his team who have worked so diligently – a fantastic success story.
Also thanks to everyone who has been supporting local businesses throughout this lockdown. Businesses have been adapting to the 'new normal' supplying services over and above their normal duties – some to the point of exhaustion and their commitment can only be applauded.
Don't forget if you are a business you can apply for a Business Support Grant from SSDC – just go on their website to complete the form – it's quick and easy to do. Feedback from businesses who have applied so far have been impressed with the speed in which their request has been paid.
Business continues as close to normal within South Somerset District Council. All meetings are now taking place via Zoom. Area North will take place this upcoming week and members of the public can sign in as if turning up for a 'real' meeting.
Unfortunately there are negative consequences of the lockdown and one is of fly-tipping. Everything from mattresses, children's toys and general rubbish have been dumped all around our lovely countryside. Please, if you are using the time to de-clutter your house please do not clutter our rural lanes. There are conversations taking place to re-open recycling sites so just hold on to your belongings and wait to off load it in appropriate manner. Otherwise we are wasting valuable SSDC resources picking up your unnecessary waste. They have more important work to be doing.
The excellent news is that we are in good hands as Clare is the Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Public Health at Somerset County Council so we will hear what is happening as soon as it happens. As you can imagine the situation is changing daily and as such all new and important information from us both will be now given via the Curry Rivel website whilst the hard copy of the Curry Rivel Newsletter is temporarily suspended when required.
Until the next dispatches please heed the Government advice and stay home and only go out when necessary for food and medicine.
Any issues please do not hesitate to contact either of us.
Take care
Clare and Tiffany