A report out today highlights the South West’s reliance on defence as a major driver of jobs and prosperity in the region. The findings, which will strengthen the hand of local MPs and councillors fighting for a bigger share of the defence budget to be spent in the region, was carried out by former defence minister Philip Dunne. Among its highlights are the fact that defence brings investment of £5.1 billion to South West industry, that the region provides over 40,000 regulars and reserves to the Armed Forces and that it benefits from Ministry of Defence expenditure of £920 per person each year. The report also found that defence supports over 33,000 industry jobs across the South West – which for government purposes includes Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The MoD, releasing the report this morning – the first to look at the impact and value of defence across all regions of the British Isles – said most of its … [Read more...] about The future of defence: South West favoured in major new report
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‘Drunk’ seagulls have been confusing the RSPCA in Somerset
‘Drunk’ seagulls have been confusing the RSPCA in Somerset BelfastTelegraph.co.uk RSPCA officers in Somerset have been responding to a number of calls regarding gulls seemingly suffering from the effects of alcohol. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/drunk-seagulls-have-been-confusing-the-rspca-in-somerset-37089305.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/article37089303.ece/7b3cf/AUTOCROP/h342/bpanews_46006b68-2711-4114-89f9-acd786a57361_1 Email RSPCA officers in Somerset have been responding to a number of calls regarding gulls seemingly suffering from the effects of alcohol. The animal charity has had more than a dozen calls regarding the birds, and has surmised the birds are probably accessing waste from a local brewery or alcohol producer. The charity described the effect on the birds as similar to how a human would react to excessive alcohol. They struggle to stand or walk straight and appear disoriented. “At first, the birds look like … [Read more...] about ‘Drunk’ seagulls have been confusing the RSPCA in Somerset
The South West’s secret seaside holiday destinations
Summer is officially upon us - and unlike most of the summers of late, 2018 actually seems to be delivering some decent weather so far. Predictions have been made for prolonged and lengthy periods of sunshine - and while we might take that with a pinch of salt, it never hurts to be prepared. When the mercury rises, most of us jump in the car and make a beeline for the coast armed with a bucket and spade, only to be surprised that everyone else has had the same idea. And if there's one way to ruin a sunny day it's to spend it sat in a traffic jam, followed by a fruitless search for somewhere to park. One solution to this problem is to take the train instead– that way, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery and let someone else take care of the driving. Many of the South West's best beaches are easy to reach on the Great Western Railway network, and you can save over 50% on fares when you book in advance at GWR.com*. We've found nine seaside towns you can get to by train in the … [Read more...] about The South West’s secret seaside holiday destinations
North Somerset meals on wheels service is going to be shared with Bristol
Two councils in the West of England are merging their meals on wheels service in a bid to save money. Talks have already taken place between Bristol and North Somerset councils about plans to work in partnership to provide a community meals service. The management of the service would be the first to be combined, members of North Somerset’s adult services and housing policy scrutiny panel were told during a meeting on Thursday. And both managers are now working jointly across many areas and business plans for the services are to be joined. The aim is to merge the two services by 2020/21. It is just one of the ways the community meals team is attempting to save money. Community meals on wheels price increase hits North Somerset's elderly Earlier this year the council introduced a price rise, which saw a hot meal increase from £4.56 to £5. It meant that someone who receives a hot meal only, five times a week, could be hit by an increase of around £114.40 per year. … [Read more...] about North Somerset meals on wheels service is going to be shared with Bristol
129 affordable homes built in North Somerset in a year
Just over 100 affordable homes were built in North Somerset last year - despite more than 3,000 people on the council's housing waiting list. Latest Government data shows that 129 homes were built in the district in 2016/2017 against a council target of 150. However the figures do show an increase of 24 new homes on the previous year when only 105 were completed. Taylor Wimpey, the developers behind plans to build thousands of new homes on the fringes of Bristol known as The Vale, say if the scheme was to get the green light, the number of affordable homes being built would double. But up until now the plans - which would see the creation of three new villages and 4,500 homes - has met fierce opposition from North Somerset Council. Authority leaders have refused to include the development in the Joint Spatial Plan which sets out where tens of thousands of homes will be built across the Bristol region up to 2036. Council leaders say there is adequate sites available in North Somerset … [Read more...] about 129 affordable homes built in North Somerset in a year