A new public services hub in the centre of Mendip is now a step closer to reality after revised plans for the project were granted planning permission. Mendip District Council’s Planning Board last night (Wednesday 5th June) approved the updated plans, which will see the ‘1984’ building – named after the year it was built – completely transformed to provide a new council chamber on the first floor, along with a new two-storey extension which will provide additional office space. Full Story: Read More

The new Mayor of Gillingham, Cllr Val Pothecary, was sworn in at the Annual Council meeting on 28th May. On accepting her term of office Cllr Pothecary thanked the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Steve Joyce, for all his hard work in representing the town over the past year. She also thanked her fellow councillors for electing her Chairman of the Council, and ambassador of the Town. Cllr Pothecary said “I am absolutely delighted to be Mayor of Gillingham and I promise to put the best interests of our community before all other considerations. Full Story: Read More

Joint working to save money, cut waste and improve efficiency in Somerset has been praised by a government minister. Resource minister Lord de Mauley told a meeting on local solutions to waste management that local authorities had achieved “impressive” increases in recycling. Full Story: Read More