National award for controversial temporary council officer

THE work of West Somerset Council’s controversial temporary chief officer Dr Jack Neal has been recognised with a national award from the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE).
Dr Neal’s appointment hit the headlines because he was costing £3,500 a week at a time when the council was already in a financial crisis after Independent councillors took control from the Conservatives at local elections.
The council had lost its chief executive and deputy chief executive in quick succession after the coalition of Independent councillors began running the authority.
Dr Neal, aged 61, who lives near Honiton, Devon, was given a temporary contract to try to turn around the management of the council.
Now, his work has been recognised at the prestigious SOLACE interim manager of the year awards, held in Claridge’s Hotel, Mayfair, London.
He received the runner-up award in the strategic management category.
West Somerset economic development portfolio holder Councillor Michael Downes said: “It is no mean feat given that we are a small council and the winners came from larger London authorities.
“I am delighted that the work he did with us has been acknowledged.
“He has fantastic management skills and I am pleased these have been recognised on a national scale.”
Adrian Dyer, who has since become the council’s chief officer with the title executive director, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Jack.
“He is an inspirational manager and excellent problem-solver who is not phased by anything.
“I have learned a lot from him, and the council as a whole has seen marked and lasting improvements thanks to his help.”

• Our photograph shows Councillor Michael Downes (left) and Dr Jack Neal. Photo submitted.

BUSINESS NEWS: Skills workshop to boost future business prospects

UNDERSTANDING West Somerset employers’ skills and employment needs and providing good training opportunities to ensure competitive futures for local firms are some of the themes of a free workshop being held later this month.
The ‘Skills and Employment Workshop’ takes place at the Regional Rural Business Centre (pictured), off Junction 24 of the M5, on Monday, April 20, from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Businesses in West Somerset and Sedgemoor can discuss the upcoming training needs of workforces to help their businesses cope through the recession, and to capitalise on opportunities when the economic climate eventually changes.
The networking event has been jointly organised by West Somerset Council and Sedgemoor District Council to ensure local businesses are equipped for the future.
Councillor Michael Downes, West Somerset’s economic portfolio holder, said: “Fresh information in the face of the changing economic climate is needed so that we can, by working with other organisations, provide the skills and training local businesses want.
“By working with employers and skills providers to identify and address needs, we can help to put in place meaningful, targeted support and training.
“The evening is friendly and informal and all businesses are welcome, from the smallest to the largest local firms.
“Anybody can attend, in fact, who wants their business to grow and is willing to help us plan a better future for the local economy as a whole.”
Places at the workshop can be booked before April 15 by calling West Somerset economic regeneration officer Corinne Matthews on 01984 635287 or emailing cmatthews@westsomerset.gov.uk.
Anybody who cannot attend, but would still like to make the needs of their business known should contact Corinne Matthews to request a questionnaire.

New tourism partnership could boost local economy

A NEW tourism industry partnership to promote West Somerset and Greater Exmoor is to be considered by West Somerset Council cabinet members next week.
They will be asked to work with potential partners to establish the form of any partnership before a further report comes back to cabinet later in the year.
If the cabinet agrees at its meeting on April 8, then council executive director Adrian Dyer and tourism portfolio holder Councillor Michael Downes will start the partnership ball rolling.
The partners could include the Exmoor Tourist Association (ETA), Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) and Active Exmoor.
The mix of private and public sector organisations have been working together to see if pooling resources and co-ordinating tourism services could underpin and enhance this important area of the West Somerset economy.
The idea of the new partnership evolved following the disbanding of Visit Exmoor in 2007, which came after disagreements between its numerous partners undermined its effectiveness.
Since then, the council has supported tourism through event co-ordination, providing a new Visitor Information Centre on Minehead seafront, and funding the district’s tourism guide Exmoor Coast and Country, which was produced in partnership with the ETA.
Active Exmoor, which is also part-funded by the council, has developed outdoor activities for visitors and the ENPA through its management plan and is committed to sustainable tourism projects to develop and enhance the visitor experience.
Now, through ‘a coming together of minds’, the group will explore what each partner can bring to the table by way of resource and/or money to deliver four essential tourism themes:

• Marketing the area to attract visitors
• Providing information on accommodation options
• Letting visitors know what activities are available
• Maintaining a good product by looking after and enhancing the local environment

Cabinet members will also consider approving the proposed partnership’s aim, which is to develop the area as a leading tourism destination based on providing a sustainable, quality experience for visitors which will, in turn, support and enhance the economy.
The partnership’s objectives will also be considered.
These include increasing visitor numbers and the duration of stays, ensuring the area is a leader in sustainable tourism, encouraging professional standards and consulting with the private and public sectors and local people.
Deciding resource and financial contributions, and the operation of a viable and professional partnership to achieve a vibrant industry are also seen as key objectives in delivering successful tourism services.
Councillor Downes, who will present the report next week, said: “I think this targeted, objective approach is very timely as the local economy needs all the support it can get at the moment.
“The recently approved economic strategy singled out tourism as an important sector to develop in order to underpin the local economy.
“The priorities and aims of the strategy dovetail with the propositions in the report.
“The input of private sector organisations such as the ETA, which is a very constructive and proactive partner, along with public sector commitment is important in making sure the visitor experience is enhanced so that people keep coming back to the area for holidays.
“In these uncertain economic times, I feel it is an excellent opportunity to combine the skills and knowledge of committed private and public sector agencies in a firm partnership.
“The partnership will consult with other local tourism operators to consolidate the area’s position as a quality tourism destination, and will be a key strength in leading this sector in future economic growth for the benefit of all local people.”

Council honours amateur photographers of the year

WINNERS of Westlabb’s West Somerset Amateur Digital Photographer of the Year 2008 have received their prizes at a presentation ceremony held in the district council chamber, in Williton.
They were welcomed by council chairman Councillor Eddie May, and were praised by the competition’s organisers and sponsors, Westlabb Ltd, and West Somerset councillors.
The competition was supported by West Somerset Council and Somerset County Council.
Westlabb director Jon Summers said: “I am delighted at the response to the competition.
“It was hard to choose the winners out of many excellent entries.
“The photographers took some amazing pictures and I would like to thank everybody who took part.”
The overall title of Amateur Photographer of the Year went to Philip Sanderson for his image of a kite surfer in Minehead Bay, which won the senior ‘Favourite Landscape/Seascape’ category.
Mr Sanderson said: “I was very surprised but really happy to win. I had been out kite surfing with a friend when I took the picture of him.
“I enjoy photography as a hobby so I wll definitely be entering again this year.”
The title of Junior Amateur Photographer of the Year was awarded to Daisy Maddison, aged 17.
Her picture, ‘My granddad, Clifford, on Blue Anchor Beach prawning with his dog, Scrumpy’, won the junior ‘Favourite Landscape/Seascape category.
Daisy, who has finished her A-level examinations and is heading off to Newport University to study for a degree in documentary photography, said: “The picture is like my granddad through and through - he enjoys fishing and prawning on the beach, so I am pleased to have the picture of him doing what he loves.
“I would really like to thank my mum for driving me to all my photography classes at Bridgwater College.”
Category winner for ‘Promoting Your Local Business’ was Terry Aldred for his image of Chris Cracker’s Junk Shop, in Carhampton.
Shirley Turner won the ‘Your Favourite Event/Village’ category with a picture taken in Dunster of the Tour of Britain cycle race.
Bob Druitt, also a Westlabb director, said: “We had great fun setting the competition up and we have enjoyed seeing the marvellous results.
“However, we are now handing the competition over to West Somerset Council to run in future years.
“We hope it will grow in popularity and that local people will continue to give it their full support because the images submitted are fantastic, and really show the range and depth of local talent.
“I would also like to thank local press photographer Steve Guscott for helping us to judge the competition.”
Councillor Michael Downes, the council’s tourism portfolio holder, said: “I would like to thank Westlabb for setting up the competition and we are delighted to be taking on such a successful project.
“We have started some new categories and we are looking forward to the competition.”
To view the winning photographs or to find out about this year’s competition, go to www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk/photographycompetition.
Anybody who is interested in entering the competition but feels they need to learn more about digital photography, can attend a Bridgwater College IT course held in its skills centre in Minehead, as well as on its main campus.
Courses include ICT for beginners to advanced, including digital cameras and enhancing photo courses. For more information call 01643 707008.
Digital photography courses are also available at the Exmoor Community Computer Centre, in Winsford.
More information can be obtained by calling the ECCC on 01643 851594, or from Somerset Skills and Learning by calling 01643 702986.

• Our photograph taken at the awards ceremony shows (left to right) back - Carole Murphy, Aisha Knight, Phil Brown, Bob Druitt, Jon Summers, Nick Hosegood, Stephen Paul, and Angela Lamplough. Front - Councillor Michael Downes, Philip Sanderson, Terry Aldridge, and Daisy Maddison. Photo submitted.

Academy aims to help district's farm businesess and would-be farmers

AN alliance with the Fresh Start Academy has been forged by West Somerset Council to bring a ground-breaking farming initiative to the district.
The project will encourage young people looking for careers in farming and will also help established farmers diversify and expand their businesses.
Anybody involved in farming, or who wants to start a career in agriculture, is invited to the launch of the Somerset Fresh Start Academy at Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre at 7 pm on January 22.
Keynote speakers at the launch will be John Alvis, from Alvis Brothers cheesemakers, and Ian Trumain, a successful agribusiness entrepreneur.
Fresh Start is an initiative led by the farming industry and supported by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
It aims to help farmers understand more about the business side of running a farm, following a programme suggested by academy members.
Council economic development portfolio holder Councillor Michael Downes said: “Now, more than ever, local businesses involved in rural enterprises could do with business support and information.
“We are aware that farmers need dedicated support and training which is tailored to their individual needs, and we are proud to be involved with this excellent initiative.”
Somerset Fresh Start Academy co-ordinator Jonathan Lacey said: “Fresh Start Academies have been operating successfully at various colleges around the country for the last two years.
“They have helped new entrants and established farmers gain the knowledge and confidence required to commence new and grow existing businesses.
“The annual programmes are structured around the requirements of the members from suggestions made at the outset.
“In addition, the academies enable good contacts within the industry to be developed locally, hence providing opportunities for new entrants to obtain valuable advice from mentors where appropriate.
“We will be starting Somerset’s first Fresh Start Academy in January, and look forward to meeting as many people as possible at the launch on January 22.”
More information about Fresh Start Academies is available by visiting www.defra.gov.uk/farm/working/new-entrants/freshstart or by contacting either Jonathan Lacey on 01458 223224 and email yeovil@laurencegould.com, or Jeremy Kerswell, Bridgewater College head of land based studies, on 01278 655001 or email
kerswellj@bridgwater.ac.uk.

Visitor centre staff supporting charities for Christmas

STAFF in Minehead’s new Visitor Information and Interpretation Centre (VIIC) (pictured) have teamed up with local representatives of 12 charities to support good causes during the Christmas season.
West Somerset Council tourism portfolio holder Councillor Michael Downes said: “The new centre on the seafront is proving popular with visitors, and we hope that local people will also support the staff’s tradition of selling charity Christmas cards.
“Unlike some outlets, every penny raised goes back to the charity concerned.
“As a coastal town with a strong maritime history, the visitor centre is continuing to support the local RNLI to show appreciation for the fantastic service it provides all year round.”
Minehead Lifeboat Station press officer Matt Thresher said: “It is great to have the support of the VIIC staff on the seafront.
“Our volunteer crews often pass the centre on exercise or rescue launches.
“Local goodwill and support are essential because we get no central funding and depend on fund-raising activities like these.
“I am pleased that the community spirit is alive and well in Minehead.”
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and St Margaret’s Hospice are among the other deserving charities being supported by VIIC staff.
The centre also offers local gifts and a wealth of information on up-and-coming seasonal activities, such as Dunster by Candlelight, along with all the latest coach and travel information.
Councillor Downes said: “Information on things to do and places to go is also available through the interactive touch-screen display units.
“Local people and visitors are welcome to use the centre to find out just how much West Somerset has to offer.”

Tourist association and council work together to save Exmoor Food Festival

THE future of the Exmoor Food Festival has been secured thanks to an alliance between the Exmoor Tourist Association and West Somerset Council.
The food festival was started in 2002 with support from the South West Regional Development Agency and aimed to help local businesses suffering as a result of the economic crisis caused by foot and mouth disease.
Somerset Food Links then took it on for five years and turned it into a hugely successfully event which attracted thousands of visitors to the area outside of the traditional tourism season.
Tourist association chairman Antony Brunt said: “When we heard they were looking for local people to develop it further, we were delighted to be in a position to help.
“It is an event which, in partnership with the council, we would like to develop in future years to increase visitor numbers.”
District council’s Exmoor Events manager Jill Homewood has worked with Food Links over the past few years and will ensure a smooth transition to the new organisers.
This year’s festival will run from October 4 to 12 and is timed to help local accommodation providers, food producers, and restaurants reap the benefits of a longer tourism season.
Firm festival favourites such as the Porlock Food Fayre, Lyn Food Fest, Breakfast at the Heart of Exmoor, Styles Ice Cream open day and Exmoor Dinners at Ranscombe Farm Restaurant are all back on the menu this year.
New events will include Wild Food at Wimbleball, Porlock Tea Party, Moroccan evening in the Creamery, Minehead, Alta Lyn Alpaca open day, jazz and local food evening at North Walk House, Lynton, and gourmet dinners with top tips from the chef at the Yarn Market Hotel, in Dunster.
Council economic development and tourism portfolio holder Councillor Michael Downes said: “We are delighted that the Exmoor Tourist Association is helping to take on the running and development of this festival, which is a favourite with local and visiting food fans.
“Attracting out-of-season visitors to Exmoor brings economic benefits not just to the businesses directly involved, but to the economy as a whole.”
Programmes for the Exmoor Food Festival, which runs from October 4 to 12, are available at Tourist Information Centres, and more information can be obtained by logging onto http://www.exmoorevents.co.uk/ or http://www.exmoor.com/ or by telephoning 01643 821425.

• Our photographs show Exmoor Food Festival veterans (TOP) Keith Wicks, of the Whortleberry Tea Rooms, Porlock, and (BELOW) Derek de Maid, of Brendon Hill Crafts, which started on the Brendon Hills before relocating close to Barnstaple. Photos submitted.

Steam train test as Britain's Strongest Man contest returns

HEAVYWEIGHTS from across the country will converge on Minehead sea front again next month to battle for the title of PartyPoker.com Britain’s Strongest Man 2008.
Last year’s champion, Terry Hollands, who is returning to defend his title, said: “I have been training hard and I am looking forward to the competition. I am definitely up for the challenge.
“It is great to be coming back to Minehead as it is a fantastic venue.”
This year, as well as lifting cars at the harbour and barrel loading on the beach, the organisers have set up a new challenge of pulling steam trains at West Somerset Railway’s Minehead station.
Terry Hollands said: “That really will be a test of strength.”
The event is sponsored by PartyPoker.com, produced by IMG Media, and supported by West Somerset Council.
It will be televised for Channel 5 and a series of programmes will be broadcast later in the year. Contestants will stay at the town’s Butlins resort.
Qualifying rounds lift off between June 7 and 9, with trials including tyre flips, chain drags, Atlas stones, and keg tossing.
The finals will be held on June 11 and 12 with the challengers lifting cars and pulling trains.
The presentation ceremony to announce the winner of this year’s Britain’s Stongest Man will be held on the beach.
District council economic development and tourism portfolio holder, Councillor Michael Downes, said: “We are delighted that Britain’s Strongest Man is returning to Minehead for a second year running.
“We are happy to support national competitions of this calibre in West Somerset.
“All of the events held on our land are free of charge and give a lot of pleasure to local people and tourists.
“The council are thrilled to bring this event back to West Somerset because of the boost it provides to tourism and our local economy.
“We wish the contestants the best of luck in this great challenge.”
For more information on the event, go to Britain’s Strongest Man website at www.theworldsstrongestman.com.

• Our photographs show (TOP) challenger Darren Sadler (MIDDLE) defending champion Terry Hollands, and (BOTTOM) challenger Ross Stone. Photos submitted.

Harbourside craft market opening in Watchet on Sunday

THE first of a series of new craft markets is being launched at the recently refurbished Esplanade, in Watchet, from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.
The market will host a wide range of stalls selling locally-produced craftwork, including jewellery, hand-made bags, wood craft and sculptures, paintings, and cards.
Market organiser Naomi Griffith said: “We are really pleased at the level of interest in the market from stallholders keen to take part, as well as local businesses and residents who have been really supportive of this venture.
“I hope that the market will appeal to visitors and locals alike and I am sure that the first market on Sunday will be a great success.
“I would like to thank West Somerset Council for its help in making this happen, and all the other businesses and organisations which have been incredibly helpful with their advice and input.”
Future markets will be held at Watchet Esplanade on the first Sunday of the month in June and July, moving to weekly events during August.
Miss Griffith hoped the market would attract tourists to the town and encourage more people to use the new-look Esplanade.
District council economic development and tourism portfolio holder Councillor Michael Downes said” “We are delighted to have been able to help the market and it is fantastic to see the Esplanade being used by local businesses.
“We think everybody will enjoy the craft markets, and that they will attract more people to Watchet, which will be good for the local economy as a whole.”

Post Offices - the hit list

THE Post Office has finally announced which branches it intends to close in a review of the service across West Somerset.
Two villages will be left without a postal service at all, while three others will see their branches replaced by a mobile Post Office which will visit for as little as three hours a week.
Bicknoller and West Quantoxhead are the two doomed to be axed completely, while a mobile library-style service is proposed for Brompton Regis, Wheddon Cross, Kilve, and Lydeard St Lawrence.
West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has vowed to fight the closures wherever possible.
Ironically, Mr Liddell-Grainger’s wife Jill is a voluntary worker in the sub-Post Office in their home village of Bicknoller.
The branch forms part of the village shop, which is owned by a co-operative of residents and runs entirely on voluntary unpaid help.
Mr Liddell-Grainger said: “I am deeply concerned about any rural service going, especially on the moor and across West Somerset.
“It is inexcusable that the Post Office allows yet another nail in the coffin of rural people.
“Every facility we lose, we become more and more like dormitory villages.
“I have already written to every parish council chairman and postmaster in the villages I am responsible for and I will find out what they want to do.”
In Brompton Regis, postmaster Peter Stringer said the closure would also mean the end of the village stores which he and his wife Jenny also run.
Mr Stringer said: “It will be the death of the shop because the shop cannot stand alone with the loss of income from the full-time Post Office.”
A public meeting is being held in Brompton Regis Village Hall on Friday evening at 7.30 pm for villagers to be fully informed by Mr Stringer of the consequences and to discuss the situation.
Mr Stringer said based on the original criteria used by the Post Office when reviewing its network, he did not expect to be on the closure list.
He said: “I assumed we would not be up for closure, being a remote rural settlement nearly 1,000 feet above sea level which can be cut off in bad weather and no public transport.
Mr Stringer said only last September he had received a 20-year long service award from the Post Office.
“Now, within six months they have given me my redundancy,” he said. “For me, it will mean unemployment and the search for another job, which is difficult in a rural community.”
Mr Stringer predicted the closure programme would see community facilities in many villages being lost as a result.
He said even if the decision was overturned as a result of the consultation process being carried out over the next six weeks, the ‘executioner’s sword’ would continue to hang over them.
“We would like to retire in two to three years’ time, but then we would know the Post Office will not renew the franchise and we would be left with a business which would not have any turnover,” he said. “You know you are on the hit list. You know if you want to sell on, they will not renew it.”
Mr Stringer said the mobile service which in Brompton Regis’ case would visit the village hall car park on Monday and Thursday mornings between 9.30 am and 12 noon, would gradually fade away.
He said customers would not be keen to stand in a queue in the rain when the weather was bad and many would in the meantime be forced to drive elsewhere to use postal services.
Mr Stringer said; “The Post Office is not all about making money. This is a Socialist Government we have, but unfortunately, they have very un-Socialist policies.
“They are ripping the heart out of this community for the sake of a few thousand pounds a year,”
The mobile service proposed for Wheddon Cross will visit the car park beside the Rest and Be Thankful public house for a total of nine hours a week, between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
In Kilve, it will use the village hall car park for three hours on a Tuesday morning, from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.
And in Lydeard St Lawrence, the village hall car park will be used for six hours, from 2 pm to 5 pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
West Somerset Council’s leader, Councillor Keith Ross, and economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Michael Downes, called on people to speak up for local Post Offices threatened with the chop.
Councillor Ross said: “Public consultation is underway and we will be expressing our concern.
“We would encourage residents in West Somerset to do the same.
“I have already taken up this matter with the Local Government Association, using the Post Office at Brompton Regis as a case study, and I will continue to campaign to keep essential rural Post Offices.
“While I understand that the Government needs to save money and promote efficiency, it should also look at the broader impacts that losing this service is likely to have on rural communities.”
Councillor Downes said: “In outreach service areas, current opening hours are likely to be slashed.
“Village shops and garages will be losing a postmaster or postmistress’s wage which will have a detrimental effect on the whole facility, and may mean that some community shops will have to close.
“This would be a bitter blow for local people who depend on the shops, garages and Post Offices, as well as the local economy as a whole.
“West Somerset has one of the highest elderly populations in the country and many people depend on these shops.
“People who are unable to drive will suffer, and the environment will suffer.
“Drivers will have to use cars to access services that are currently available on their doorsteps, which will increase the local carbon footprint.
“I would urge people to take part in the consultation and make their views known.”
Up to 2,500 Post Office branches are earmarked for closure across the country by the Government following a study which indicated that the public is not using the full range of services offered.
People can take part in the consultation, which runs until April 9, by sending their views in writing to the National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM (no stamp is required).
The closures are due to take effect from July.
Post Office Ltd regional development manager Tony Jones said: “Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers.
“We want to ensure that everybody who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office Ltd services is both fully aware of the proposed changes and able to give views on them.”

Working together can save West Somerset environment - and the £ in your pocket

WEST Somerset residents can make a difference to their environment by working together – that is the message emerging from a climate change strategy being drafted by the district’s local strategic partnership.
Loretta Whetlor, chairman of the West Somerset Strategic Partnership, which commissioned the strategy, said the draft document also showed climate change was hitting residents’ pockets as hard as it was affecting the environment.
Mrs Whetlor said: “Because climate change is such a big issue, some people think they do not have the power to influence it.
“Our strategy shows that by working together, we can make a very real difference to the environment locally and our pockets.”
The strategy’s hard-hitting facts about West Somerset reveal:

• Installing insulation into 5,500 electrically heated homes would save the local economy at least £3.5 million and reduce CO2 emissions by 20,000 tonnes per year
• Currently, grid-imported electricity costs the district’s domestic sector an estimated £11 million a year
• Moving five per cent of households to wood fuel would prevent £300,000 leaving the district’s economy
• If 10 per cent of diesel transport switched to biodiesel, expenditure would be reduced by £1.4 million

The draft strategy showed climate change was happening - and happening now.
West Somerset should expect milder, wetter winters, while sea levels were predicted to rise.
By reducing CO2 emissions, West Somerset’s reliance on fossil fuel energy would also be reduced.
The draft climate change strategy, entitled ‘Developing a Low Carbon Economy’, explains the issues and suggests ways in which people can reduce CO2 emissions.
West Somerset Council’s economic development and tourism portfolio holder, Councillor Michael Downes, said: “Rising energy prices and climate change affect everybody.
“More than £60 million is spent on energy in West Somerset every year, and all this money leaves the local economy.
“We need to encourage cleaner, greener businesses, and help develop and promote eco-friendly tourism options
“Every person living in West Somerset can do their bit to help.
“By making relatively easy lifestyle changes, we can all reduce our carbon footprint.”
‘Developing a Low Carbon Economy’ has been sent to a wide range of consultees, from parish councils to big businesses.
Forum 21, which drafted the document, is keen to hear the views of local residents so that everybody’s view is considered and incorporated into the final strategy.
Lorna Scott, of Forum 21, said: “A lot of time and research has gone into the strategy and we feel it will be quite an eye-opener when local people realise just how much money and energy is wasted at the expense of our environment - much of it unnecessarily.
“Climate change is often associated with gloomy news, but our strategy shows how we intend to turn this challenge into a positive story for the people of West Somerset, our environment, and our economy.”
The strategy can be found on West Somerset Council’s website at www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk/climatechange.
There is a questionnaire which can be completed online, or downloaded and returned to Sarah Wilsher, West Somerset Council, Killick Way, Williton, TA4 4QA, or emailed to swwilsher@westsomerset.gov.uk.
The deadline for comments is Wednesday, April 30.
There will also be a series of presentations for businesses and the public on the draft strategy which include:

• For the business sector - Thursday, February 14, from 6.15 pm at the Queens Hall, Minehead, hosted by Minehead and District Chamber of Commerce
• For everybody - Tuesday, February 26, from 7 pm at the Forum 21 meeting in the Methodist Church, Watchet
• For everybody – Thursday, March 6, at a public meeting from 7 pm to 9 pm at Exmoor House, Dulverton.

Envision, a partnership of not-for-profit independent environmental business support organisations in the South West, is also running free training in February on how businesses can implement environmental measures, use sustainable design and construction, manage waste, and discover more about renewable energy.
For more information on the February training options visit www.envisionsw.org.uk or call 01823 366830.

• Our photograph taken on Minehead sea front shows (left to right) s Loretta Whetlor, Councillor Michael Downes, Lorna Scott, and strategic partnership manager Simon Hankinson. Photo submitted.

Jobless see £1 million a year spending to help them find work

A £3 million drive has been announced in West Somerset to turn around long-term unemployment and to help people access training and education to improve their job opportunities.
The Government funding will be spread over the next three years.
West Somerset Council’s economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Michael Downes, said: “This is a welcome investment in West Somerset and we will make sure the resources are targeted wisely to get the maximum benefit for local people and the local economy.
“While much of West Somerset may appear to be a Garden of Eden to visitors, we are pleased the Government has recognised there is deprivation in the area and has taken steps to help us address the issue.
“Many people perceive deprivation as a problem of troubled inner-city estates, but these are not a feature locally and our crime rate is among the lowest in the country.
“However, we do have pockets of deprivation across a wide geographical area which are linked to low income and unemployment.”
Sixty-six local, and 21 transitional, authorities will receive a share of the Government’s new £1.5 billion Working Neighbourhoods Fund.
Funding allocations are based in part on the most comprehensive mapping of prosperity and deprivation across England.
The recently published Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2007 show that 20 per cent of men and women living in the most deprived fifth of areas are not in work.
Tourism, while a major employer in West Somerset, is seasonal by nature and many jobs do not exceed the national minimum wage.
More than 26 per cent of people in West Somerset are employed in this sector, compared to a South West average of 9.4 per cent and a national average of 8.3 per cent.
Allied industries such as the hotel and restaurant trades, where work can also be part-time and seasonal, employ 38.3 per cent of local residents compared to a national average of 23.5 per cent.
Councillor Downes said: “We also suffer from poor transport links to motorways and we have tight planning controls to protect our area’s natural beauty which makes it harder to find suitable, accessible sites for industry.
“We will work with partners and the community to support self-employed people and small businesses who will be helped to grow and in turn employ more local people.
“We need to attract suitable new businesses where possible, and assist the long-term unemployed to access training and education to get back into work.”
Council leader Councillor Keith Ross said: “This is good news for West Somerset.
“Any initiative that will help break the cycle of long-term unemployment and lack of economic growth is positive for all of us.
“It will help the local economy in the short-term, and build future prosperity so that the next generation will want to stay and work in West Somerset.
“The money will help us to develop a new approach to tackling the problem.
“We need to pull together as a community to deal with deprivation because it affects everybody.
“We are looking forward to working with local people and partners to meet the challenge.”

Council alliance saves future of Exmoor's main tourism brochure

AN alliance to rescue West Somerset and Exmoor’s main tourism brochure has been forged between West Somerset Council and the Exmoor Tourist Association (ETA).
The ETA and the council have worked closely together to broker a deal with directors of Exmoor Coast and Country Ltd to ensure the vital tourism guide will be produced as normal, after the company sent out a plea for help.
The limited company was registered by businessman John Richards at one of his Watchet addresses, who is a former director of tourism promoter Visit Exmoor, which is now being wound up after internal wrangling.
Now, tourism businesses which want to advertise in the 2008 brochure are being urged to contact co-ordinator Naomi Griffiths as a matter of urgency.
They have only until November 20 to telephone her on 01984 639642 or email her at naomi@exmoorholidayguide.co.uk.
Council tourism portfolio holder Councillor Michael Downes said: “The council and the ETA have been in intense negotiations during the last three weeks and we are delighted to announce that we have secured a rescue package for the brochure not only for this year, but until 2010.
“We would like to express our thanks to local businesses and advertisers for bearing with us over the last few weeks.
“The ETA has a proven track record of tourism delivery, and we welcome the experience and knowledge they will bring to future brochures.”
The ETA and the council have drawn up letters of intent to formalise the arrangement which will now go to the council’s cabinet for ratification.
ETA chairman Antony Brunt said: “The owners of Exmoor Coast and Country Ltd have agreed to gift their shares to the ETA.
“We would like to thank all the affected businesses for their patience while we have been working on this rescue package.
“We know that we are able to deliver a quality publication for the tourism industry for 2008.
“Timescales are tight and we will have to move fast, but we are very confident about the publication.
“Exmoor Coast and Country plays an incredibly important role in the promotion of Exmoor and West Somerset.
“Many tourism businesses rely heavily on this guide to get visitors to their hotels, guest houses, self-catering accommodation, and attractions, and we are thrilled that we have been able to work with the council to ensure that this guide is not lost.”
Council leader Councillor Keith Ross said: “The council recognises the importance of tourism to local businesses and the economic benefits it brings to the district.
“We immediately diverted resources into this area to avoid a crisis and we are delighted with the outcome.
“The council has, over the last few months, taken stock of its priorities. It is happy to build on constructive, effective partnerships and forge new alliances when the need arises for the greater good of everybody.
“The ETA and the council have worked hard to secure the provision of the tourism brochure, and we are delighted that our hard work has paid off.
“We are really pleased to be working with the ETA which is a proven, long-standing and well-respected organisation among local tourism providers.”
The council has supported production of the Exmoor Coast and Country Guide has by the tourism industry for more than 10 years.

Keys to £1.75m new workspace units are handed over

THE keys to a new £1.75 million workspace development on the former Wrigleys factory site in Williton have been handed over to West Somerset Council.
Builders Rok presented the keys to the development on the village’s Roughmoor business estate at an opening ceremony where councillors undertook a guided tour of the much-needed workspace.
The council’s economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Michael Downes, said: “We have invested over a million pounds in the project and we are delighted by the interest being shown by local businesses.
“It will provide space for new and existing businesses to flourish, and hopefully provide more jobs for local people which can only be good for our economy.
“We are committed to widening opportunities for businesses across the district, and work is also underway on new workspace at Dulverton and Minehead.”
The remainder of the project funding comes from the European Regeneration Development Fund South West Objective 2.
The former Wrigleys factory has been completely refurbished to provide five self-contained office starter units, with a further nine workspace units built to the south of the site.
The original ground floor office, which dates to the 1960s, has been retained and now hosts a reconfigured, modernised reception area complete with shower room and toilets for the disabled.
The workspace was designed to allow a high degree of flexibility in the layout to accommodate a wide range of tenants over a prolonged period.
It will be serviced accommodation, meaning somebody will be on hand to deal with visitors to the resident businesses.
Project manager Pete Vallance said: “We have redeveloped a redundant brownfield site rather than building on a greenfield site, and our contractor, Rok, has also met exacting energy efficiency standards which means the project has been completed using sustainable building materials to further minimise any impact on the environment.
“Williton is a growth area and needs high-quality workspace. We are really pleased to have delivered this project so that local businesses can continue to expand, and new businesses have the best start possible.”
Rok area director Chris Hyde said: “This is a significant contract for Rok and we are delighted to be bringing our refurbishment and new build expertise to the project.
“It will create much-needed high quality workspace in West Somerset and set high environmental standards by regenerating a brownfield site.”
Anybody who wants more information on workspace availability in either Williton or Dulverton should contact Alder King by telephoning 01823 444 879.

• Our photograph shows (left to right) Councillor Michael Downes receiving the keys from Rok contracts team leader Colin Ayres, watched by council project manager Pete Vallance. Photo submitted.