Lib Dems Present Bus Petition To County Council

Residents and Lib Dems campaigning together

Yeovil’s Liberal Democrat County Councillors are telling Somerset County Council think again over their proposed bus service cuts.

A letter was sent covering 286 signatures from several local petitions expressing concern that Somerset County Council that the number 11 bus service could be cut.

On 6th January Lib Dem councillors joined local residents at a bus shelter on Larkhill Road, Yeovil, to call for the South West Coaches’ service to be kept, labeling the cuts as ‘short-sighted’ and pointing out that it would cause a significant impact to residents in Brympton and other areas.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition Group, Councillor Sam Crabb who represents residents in the Brympton Division commented:

“This petition shows the strength of local feeling against proposed Conservative County Council bus cuts. The Council now needs to listen to the hundreds of residents who have said during this consultation that these cuts are a mistake.

“We question the availability of alternative services for many bus users and local residents which connect the key locations which the number 11 route services.

“Additionally, local constituents in our Divisions have highlighted to us their frustration with the County Council for once again rolling out a public consultation of this nature during the holiday period. Conducting public consultations at this time of year does not ensure a fair and full response for many residents who will be affected by the proposed Bus Service reductions.”

Somerset Waste Partnership – Flooding and severe weather

Somerset Waste Partnership continue to collect waste from communities cut off by the floods, working with local volunteers and in some cases with the Red Cross and Fire Brigade to use their amphibious vehicles. 

  • So far, collections have focused on the collection of refuse for disposal, but arrangements are also being made to start collections of materials for recycling, where these can be handled in clear sacks that will be provided.
  • Arrangements have also been made to provide extra waste collections to support emergency centres and skips to assist with volunteer clean-ups where flood water has receded.
  • There is an increase in bulky items, such as damaged carpets and furniture, being delivered to recycling centres, which it is expected will increase over the coming weeks and months.

New YTFC Traffic Page

Your local councillors (Parish, District and County) are working together with YTFC to try to reduce the match day problems, but we recognise that any fix is dependent on help from the Police and from County Highways. The councils’ main concerns are:

  • safety for pedestrians,
  • getting the bus route roads working and
  • allowing residents to get in and out.

The key messages to supporters are:

  • Walk if you can, car share if you can’t
  • Try to park at the ground
  • Park well clear of bus stops, crossings and junctions so that the roads can work

The new page (click here) explains all.

SSDC 2012-13 Budget

SSDC’s net revenue budget is £16,577,000, a cut of £768,400 (or 4.4%) from 2011/12. This has been achieved in the face of significant cost inflation (e.g. fuel) and without any significant loss of front-line services. The Council’s share of the total Council Tax (for a Band D property) will remain at £150.74; which is 10 % of your total tax bill.

The full budget book can be downloaded from here. Alongside each service heading, it is made clear how the service is funded (business rates, council tax, grant, etc).

Dial “101” for non-emergency calls

NON EMERGENCY telephone calls to police the number are now made by dialling “101”.

There will be flyers and posters going up soon but I thought you might find this useful, please feel free to pass it on.

Remember, 101 is for non emergency calls ……………999 in an emergency situation remains unchanged. Click on the blue graphic for the police web page on this.