Households in Mendip have a chance to sign up for the next round of Collective Energy Switching, which could see them save hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills. In the last round of energy switching, in October last year, local people who signed up to the scheme saved an average of £174 on their annual fuel bills, while some saved more than £300. Collective Energy Switching – which is backed by Mendip District Council – is when consumers get together to negotiate a group deal with gas and electricity suppliers, with a third party actively negotiating a better tariff on behalf of the group through an auction process. Full story: Read more
A day in the life of a Housing Standards Officer
Cold damp houses, overcrowding, disrepair, trip hazards, and dangerous electrics are just some of the different types of issues that South Somerset District Council’s Housing Standards Team have to deal with on a daily basis. Excessive cold in a property, which can cause hypothermia, is the biggest problem the team face this time of year. Poorly heated and insulated properties can result in damp, condensation and mould. Every year an increased number of elderly residents die during episodes of exceptionally cold weather. Full story: Read More
Somerset Animal Sanctuary Needs Home for Endangered Breed Ponies
Ferne Animal Sanctuary is urgently seeking a new home for Quiver and Quintus, two rare breed Eriskay ponies. They originally came to live at the Sanctuary when due to the owners’ ill-health they could no longer be cared for. Despite Ferne rehoming them again, unfortunately, nearly three years on, Quiver and Quintus have now lost their grazing home due to the land being redeveloped for housing. Nikki Haddock, Head of Equine at Ferne Animal Sanctuary said: “The Eriskay breed is critically endangered – this means there are less than 300 breeding mares left – which is rarer than the Giant Panda! Full story: Read more