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Regulation, regulation, regulation

Current mood: Angry


Local farmer offers help to deter fly tipping

As a result of my local campaign to prevent fly tipping a local landowner who is so fed up of rubbish being tipped at the entrance to his fields has offered to provide a 20ft gate to prevent tippers gaining access if the Council will fit it.  Great stuff.  This is what it is all about and a cracking example of local people working together with ward councillors and Taunton Deane Borough Council.  We are now waiting to hear from Somerset County Council Highways if this is acceptable as the gate would have to be fitted on their land adjacent to the road...  keep your fingers crossed !

Any other areas in Ruishton or Creech where fly tipping is a problem - please let me know.  Together we can STOP IT!

Current mood: Happy


More irresponsible fly tipping!

This is the latest lot of fly tipping which is in Hyde Lane just near the motorway.  This is actually in West Monkton parish.  I rang Taunton Deane Borough Council about this yesterday having been alerted by a parish councillor.  Taunton Deane had received an anonymous call reporting it and had been out to inspect, but due to the nature of the material they couldn't remove it straight away, but it will be cleared today.  The council has had to arrange for a JCB and a large lorry to remove this pile of builders rubble - about 3 tonnes of it.   

I would ask residents to keep up the good work of reporting this kind of incident to the Council, but do leave your name and address. I would like to see those responsible for this kind of irresponsible behaviour brought to book - but the council can't do anymore than remove it if they don't know who, what and when and need reliable witnesses if they are to bring about a successful prosecution.

This irresponsible behaviour is costing all of us money and is damaging our villages environment - its got to stop.  Need help or want to air your views - please email me or send your comments using the links below.

Do you have roots in Somerset - perhaps in Creech St Michael or Ruishton?

Anyone looking for rellies past and present in Creech St Michael and surrounding villages please email me or take a look at the genealogy pages on the village website that I built a few years ago.  You can find it at http://www.creechstmichael.net

I get loads of enquiries from all around the world from people trying to trace their ancestry.  It is great fun and especially rewarding when I can put people in contact with cousins etc who still live in the village. Better still when someone the other side of the world rings up and says "I am just down the road, can I come and see you".   Some great experiences and family tales. 

Oh and also in my spare time (goodness do councillors have any spare time!) I have been researching my own family history.  Take a look at my family website  http://www.timperleyroots.freeuk.com/Index.htm This includes family names from Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire and North Wales. Family names include: Leighton, Owens, Taylor, Kelsall, Robinson, Edwards, Garner and Whitaker.

Busy week

This has been a busy week. Informal Council on Tuesday when members nominated Ken Hayward, Conservative councillor for Norton Fitzwarren ward for the role of Deputy Mayor.  Councillor Chris Hindley will start his year as Mayor in May.  Chris is a Conservative ward member in Wellington.  We also had a healthy debate on the loos near the council chamber! A varied discussion to keep us all on our toes!

On Wednesday I attended the parish council meeting at Ruishton.  Residents raised their concerns about youngsters on motorcyles riding around the field near the motorway.  Residents were also despondent about the length of time it is taking to get the cycle path from Ruishton to Hankridge opened.  This has been ongoing for about 4 years and Somerset County Council are now assessing the route under the criteria within the LTP. 

Last night I took part in the member steering group for the ISIS project - this is a joint venture scheme with SCC to improve customer services and increase efficiency.