Mendip Monthly – May 2021 – Wells Edition

For our parishes, towns and city council

Lockdown latest – what changed this month? (17th May 2021)

 Groups of up to six people and two households can meet indoors, meaning that people can now enter each other's homes.  Hugging is allowed between close family and friends, who can choose whether or not to socially distance. However, people are being "urged to remain cautious", and wider social distancing rules remain for adult social care, medical, retail, hospitality and business settings.  Pubs and restaurants can open indoors, and venues are allowed to serve food and drink, but hospitality guidance must be observed, such as individuals remaining seated. There are no requirements for guests to be socially distanced at tables during this stage.  The rule of six and two households’ rule was also introduced indoors from this date. It has been lifted outdoors, meaning people can meet in groups of up to 30 in beer gardens or when dining al fresco.  Care home visiting has been eased further, with residents able to have up to five named visitors and greater freedoms to make low risk visits outside of the establishments.  University students can return to face-to-face teaching on campus, replacing online lectures that have been in place for months. They should get tested twice a week upon return.  Funerals are no longer be limited to 30 mourners. Instead, the capacity is determined by how many people could be accommodated in venues such as places of worship or funeral homes while maintaining social distancing.  The cap of 30 people remains for weddings and other types of significant events, including bar mitzvahs and christenings.  Up to 30 people can attend a support group or parent and child group. The limit does not include children under five.

 Hotels and B&Bs can open, meaning small group trips are back on the cards, with up to six people or two households able to meet indoors.  Additionally, professional performances can now resume indoors. There is no official guidance on the number of performers permitted, but this is determined based on the capacity of the venue.  Indoor sports and gym classes can also open, along with entertainment venues, including cinemas and theatres. New rules are in place for different sizes of venues.  Normal outdoor events can open for up to 4,000 people or 50 per cent of the venue capacity, whichever is smaller. Similarly, normal indoor events can open for up to 1,000 people or 50 per cent capacity, again whichever is lower.  For huge outdoor seated venues, there is a special limit. Up to 10,000 attendees are allowed or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is lower. This means, for example, Wembley Stadium can open with 10,000 fans in attendance.  The ban on overseas holidays has now ended, in the first step to reviving foreign travel. It is no longer illegal to go abroad, meaning summer holidays overseas are now allowed, with a traffic light system for countries in use. However, ongoing concern about the Indian variant has given the EU pause on whether to lift the travel ban on British tourists.  The Department for Transport has unveiled a new gov.uk website to provide holidaymakers with clear information on the cheapest, quickest and most efficient Covid test companies.

COVID data daily The official UK Government website for data and insights on Coronavirus information can be found here: coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

Somerset Coronavirus Helpline: ☎ 0300 790 6275

While rates might be dropping and restrictions easing, coronavirus is still in

our communities. If residents need some support or guidance please call

the coronavirus helpline. 7 days a week, 8am-6pm.

Download this handy poster: HERE!

Mendip news:

Mendip transfers historic Boyle Cross back to Frome Mendip District Council has returned a much-loved asset to the local community in Frome. The freehold of Boyle Cross, and the surrounding raised area in the Market Place, has been transferred to Frome Town Council for £1. The transfer sees Frome Town Council take on responsibility for the special town heritage site and will replace the joint management forum arrangement which had been in place for some years. Along with gifting the land, Mendip are also making a one-off contribution of £9,000 towards maintenance costs. Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: "We are delighted to be returning the monument and the paved area at Market Place to the people of Frome, and will support Frome Town Council with a further £9,000 running cost contribution. This is clearly an important piece of heritage that is loved and enjoyed by local people and they will no doubt treasure it and ensure it flourishes now it's back in their hands." www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10040/Mendip-transfers-historic-Boyle-Cross-back-to- Frome

Mendip ‘gifts’ popular park to Frome It’s the beginning of a new era for a much-treasured park and play area in Frome. Following successful transfer talks between Mendip District Council and the Town Council, Egford Lane Park is now in local hands. Mendip held the park since 1974. Frome Town Council will now be responsible for the day-to-day running of the three-acre site, and any future improvements. The District Council agreed to transfer the open, green space to local people for a nominal rent under a 99-year lease, on condition it remains for community use only. This means the site is secured for young and old to enjoy for generations to come. In addition to the long lease and ‘no change permitted’ clause at the park, which is situated just off Broadway in the town, Mendip has granted allotments to be allowed at the park. This is to future-proof the space for future uses, if that is what the town decides. Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: “Frome residents are rightly proud of their park. They love and value it. Mendip District Council is therefore delighted to be able to offer the Frome community a long lease on this substantial, beautiful, site.” www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9996/May-2021-

Mendip-owned land at Broadway, Frome Mendip District Council wishes to clarify the situation regarding Council-owned land at Broadway in Frome. Broadway is not being considered for development in the Council's current social housing programme of works. The Council, working with local partners including the Frome Area Community Land Trust, is focusing on delivering good quality social housing at other potential plots in Frome, and indeed across the district. The schemes - subject to pre-planning consultation and the planning approval - will create jobs, boost skills and the local economy, and leave a lasting legacy of social homes offering discounted market rents for residents. They deliver on the Council's priorities of 'making Mendip a fairer place', and its climate and ecological commitment, due to the nature of high-quality, energy- efficient green builds envisaged. But most importantly, the social housing programme will begin to address the urgent housing shortage and provide homes for those in real housing need. www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10041/Mendip-owned-land-at-Broadway-Frome

Mendip marks Mental Health Awareness Week with new art installation - and a message of hope Mendip District Council has been working with the mental health charity Mind in Somerset on a creative arts project in Frome that captures the thoughts and feelings of an extraordinary year, following the COVID pandemic. A series of poems on public display at Merchant's Barton Car Park were penned by service users and staff at the mental health charity, and commissioned by Mendip to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, May 10th-16th 2021.The inspiration for the poetry pieces were a set of stunning photos taken by Frome photographer Tim Gander and installed 18 months ago on hoardings surrounding the town's Saxonvale site. Tim spent two years documenting life at the derelict location before the Council acquired and secured the land, in August 2018. The new poetry works are displayed alongside their corresponding photo panels for local people, and visitors to the town, to read and enjoy. www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10020/Mendip-marks-Mental-Health-Awareness- Week-with-new-art-installation-and-a-message-of-hope

New housing partnership plans to tackle social homes shortage in Frome

A new partnership aims to provide more social housing provision in Frome - and leave a lasting legacy of high-quality homes offering fair rents for residents in the town. Frome Area Community Land Trust (FACLT), Selwood Housing Group (a not-for- profit housing association), and Mendip District Council have joined forces to address and deliver much-needed homes for local people. Called the Fair Homes Project, the partnership believes 'everyone deserves a home' and has identified a number of potential plots on Mendip District Council land suitable for the plans. Up to 30 homes could be delivered across several sites, for those most in housing need, including young people who have grown up in Frome, those with family and friends in the town, carers and the cared-for, and people working and contributing to the community. Consultation is taking place with residents neighbouring the locations ear-marked for possible development, and engagement with Frome Town Council and local parish councillors has begun. Further face-to-face consultations on each proposed plot are planned post-COVID restrictions. Details will be released shortly. A Fair Homes Project website has also been launched providing full details and location maps, and there's an area where people can feedback their comments. The online consultation ends on June 11th, 2021. Those seeking social housing provision are particularly encouraged to visit the new website, as they will find details on how to register their interest online. Find out more: www.selwoodhousing.com/ Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: "Mendip is making a firm commitment to the people of Frome to provide social housing for those most in need. "We recognise the importance of providing these much wanted, much needed family homes. We know the massive impact a home has on individuals, families and the community. The benefits are real - and will be felt for generations to come." Subject to consultation and planning consent, it's hoped the social housing proposed in the Fair Homes Project can be delivered within the next two years. www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10051/New-housing-partnership-plans-to-tackle- social-homes-shortage-in-Frome

Housing Needs Survey An independent Housing Needs Survey will also be online in Frome for 3 weeks from June 7th, 2021.The survey will collect vital information about those in housing need including those who have not signed up to Homefinder Somerset. Please take the time to complete the survey as it will help inform future planning and give a realistic view of what housing difficulties residents of Frome are currently having. You'll find the link on the Fair Homes Project website: www.selwoodhousing.com/

Another round of business grant help opens at Mendip Mendip District Council can announce that the Additional Restrictions Grant (Round 4) opened on Monday 17th May 2021.The Additional Restrictions Grant is available for businesses that are not business ratepayers and were required to close by law due to COVID lockdown. It is also for ratepayers who were not required to close but who were nevertheless severely impacted by the national restrictions and were ineligible for Restart Grants. Apply today! Full details can be found here: COVID-19: Business Grants www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10042/Another-round-of-business-grant-help-opens- at-Mendip

Licensing Sub-Committee: Application for premises licence, Glastonbury Festivals Events Limited (GFEL) - Decision Notice An application was made to Mendip District Council for a premises licence by Glastonbury Festival Events Limited (GFEL) and representations were received from responsible authorities and other persons. A sub-committee hearing was held on 12th May 2021 for all parties to state their case. The Licensing Sub-Committee has granted the licence, with conditions. Cllr Sam Phripp, Chair of Licensing at Mendip, said: "We hope that, Covid-depending, this event will be a success, and we look forward to welcoming music lovers back to our corner of Somerset this autumn." www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10047/Licensing-Sub-Committee-Application-for- premises-licence-Glastonbury-Festivals-Events-Limited-GFEL-Decision-Notice

The Decision Notice is posted in full on the Council's website Decision Notice [541.0KB]

Census - closed on 17th May The response to Census 2021 exceeded all expectations, with 97 per cent of households across England and Wales making sure they count when it comes to local services like school places, GP surgeries and hospital beds. This is above the pre-census target of 94 per cent, while all local authorities have seen over 90 per cent of households respond, exceeding an 80 per cent target.

Business Advisors Wanted

Do you have a deep understanding of how business works, and can spare some time to help others? Does playing a part in the recovery of Mendip's local economy appeal? If yes, please contact us - we have the perfect role for you! Mendip District Council is launching a new grant scheme to boost local businesses as we recover and rebuild after the COVID-pandemic. It's called the Business Revitalisation Grant for Mendip. Businesses from across all commercial sectors will be able to apply for the grant of between £5,000 and £20,000 to develop a recovery idea for their firm. As part of the grant process, eligible businesses who express an interest will be offered an hour-long one-to-one business health check and advice session. We need qualified, experienced Business Advisors - from across all sectors - to deliver these one-to-one coaching sessions to help grant applicants shape their recovery ideas. Business Advisors will be required from late July to early September 2021; however this may be extended to the end of March 2022 and beyond. You'll be paid for your time and expertise. A fee of £200 is being offered for each hourly business session, including any supporting work undertaken. It's anticipated these one-to-one sessions will initially be conducted virtually.

Further details about the Business Advisor role and the grant are available: Business Revitalisation Grant information for Business Advisors [243.7KB]

If you are interested in supporting the Mendip economic recovery, and can help the Council with its roll-out of the exciting Business Revitalisation Grant for Mendip, please complete and return an application form. Send this to [email protected] by 4 June 2021: Business Advisor Application form [185.88KB]

And if you have any queries, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please email [email protected] or call Julie Reader Sullivan on 01749 341242. We look forward to welcoming you aboard! Elections 2021 – the results

The full results of Police and Crime Commissioner Election and Mendip by-elections 2021 can be found here: www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10011/Results-of-Police-and- Crime-Commissioner-Election-and-Mendip-by-elections-2021

Pre-election period ended on May 6th The pre-election period (previously known as purdah) has now ended, following the 2021 Elections.

Council Meetings at Mendip

Arrangements are in place at Mendip to facilitate physical meetings once again. A number of ‘hybrid’ meetings have already been held successfully. Committee members have to be physically present in the Council Chamber in order to fully participate in the meeting, according to Government legislation. However other elected members and officers can continue to access the meeting virtually. Numbers in the Council Chamber will be strictly limited to 23 to include Committee Members, essential officers and a limited number of members of the public who wish to participate in the meeting (by prior arrangement). Everyone else can participate in the meeting virtually via their pc/laptop or telephone (in the now familiar fashion) or watch it on the live stream via the website. Similar arrangements will occur for all Committee Meetings between now and the 21 June when the arrangements will be reassessed following the Government’s latest decision on the Roadmap to lifting restrictions.

Council Leader’s Column Cllr Ros Wyke writes a weekly column, published the Somerset Series newspaper titles, and Frome Standard, every Thursday. Recent topics have included fly tipping, praise for parish councils and highlights from Full Council.

All columns listed here: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/leaderscolumn

Mendip Publications

We’ve produced two publications this month we’d ask you to share with your communities.

Health and Wellbeing Bulletin FIND IT HERE:

May 2021 www.mendip.gov.uk/mdcbriefings

FIND IT HERE: www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9279/COVID- 19-Reopening-of-the-High-Street-and-

Businesses-

Mendip Partnership Updates:

Fitness Fans Jump for Joy Fusion Lifestyle announced that indoor group exercise will return to Frome Sport & Fitness, Strode Swimming Pool and Fitness and Wells Sport & Fitness from 17th May. www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10037/Fitness-Fans-Jump-for-Joy

The countdown is on! Shepton Mallet Lido set to reopen Saturday 22nd May Fusion Lifestyle is pleased to announce the reopening of Shepton Mallet Lido for summer season on Saturday 22nd May. The outdoor pool, popular with both adult and family swimmers, has been closed since 2019 due to lockdown restrictions, but is now ready to welcome both residents and visitors back to the water. The centre will be open daily, but please refer to the website for opening hours. Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance, via download of the Fusion Lifestyle app or visit www.fusion-lifestyle.com to register and use the online booking facility. www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10048/The-countdown-is-on-Shepton-Mallet-Lido-set- to-reopen-Saturday-22nd-May

A joint statement on behalf of the Glastonbury Unauthorised Encampments Multi-Agency Group

“We’d like to thank the people of Glastonbury for their continuing patience and want to reassure them we are working together to find a long-term solution to the issues of unauthorised encampments in the town.

“A Multi-Agency Group (MAG) consisting of Avon and Somerset Police, Somerset County Council, Glastonbury Town Council and Mendip District Council is now in place. Together we are focused on identifying ways to limit these recurring unauthorised encampments and explore a number of potential options for long-term solutions.

“A number of sub-groups have been formed as part of the MAG focusing on specific areas such as land and enforcement. The MAG will work closely with the community to consider next steps and will engage and communicate progress as we move forward.

“On Tuesday 4th May, we notified those staying in unauthorised encampments that all current free sanitation and facilities on site will be removed from the 17th May 2021. They also received warning that civil enforcement activity could start from 17th May. We now confirm the civil enforcement process has started.

“Throughout the pandemic, Local Authorities were instructed by Government to take steps to prevent the spread of Coronavirus within communities, and so discourage gypsy and traveller groups from moving from area to area. Local provision of sanitation, water, bins, refuse collections, and the issuing of health advice were therefore put in place. In line with the national roadmap and the lifting of national restrictions, these services will now be removed.

“Although we hope this will be a quick process and those living on unauthorised encampments will abide by the law and leave sites from this date, we would like to advise residents of the next steps we’ll take if this does not occur.

“If unauthorised encampments remain after 17th May, it’s imperative we follow all correct and legal processes as we enforce. Glastonbury residents have shown tolerance and patience and will understand we have a duty of care for those living on unauthorised encampments, and the need to get this right.

“Firstly, welfare checks will occur at each site to identify any needs - which the Local Authority then must consider. Those deemed able to move (ie those with no welfare needs) but choose to remain, will be served with the relevant Notices. Failure to comply with those Notices may lead to court hearings where the Council can apply for a Court Order to remove remaining vehicles. Once the Court Orders have been obtained, bailiffs can be instructed to attend and clear sites. This process can take time as support is put in place to those with genuine welfare concerns.

“Every effort will be taken to complete this as quickly as possible, but always within the confines of the law, the powers in our gift, and taking into account the welfare needs of those living in unauthorised encampments.

“Again, thank you for your patience, your tolerance and your understanding – qualities which are at the heart of what makes Glastonbury such a great place to live and work.

“If you have any further questions regarding Glastonbury unauthorised encampments or the MAG, please contact [email protected] or phone 0300 123 2224.”

Mendip Monthly publication dates

Please note Mendip Monthly is published on or around the 1st of the month.

This edition is an ‘early special’ produced for Wells councillors to coincide with Wells City Council’s monthly meeting. It captures news and updates from 1st May to 27th May 2021.

Mendip Monthly is compiled and issued by Mendip’s Marketing and Media Team. Contact: Ally Laing, [email protected] www.facebook.com/mendipcouncil twitter.com/MendipCouncil www.linkedin.com/company/mendip-district-council www.mendip.gov.uk