Bridgwater feed - This is Somerset

Plans for new police base clear first hurdle

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:00 GMT

OUTLINE plans for a multi-million pound, high-tech police base on Bridgwater's outskirts have been approved.

Avon and Somerset police's basic plans for the new Express Park base were approved by Sedgemoor District Council.

More detailed proposals for the three and two-storey facility including design must be submitted in the future.

Melissa Hardwell, project director, said: "We're delighted to secure outline permission on the Express Park site, although this is still subject to judicial review.

"This site will help us transform our way of working and deliver a service that will provide better access to local communities. This site is ideally located for our specialist teams with easy access to the motorways and provides an ideal location, also for one of our three custody and crime investigation centres.

"This will enable officers to return to the streets faster and help us provide a better service to our local communities."

The hope is the new 24-hour centre will include 36 cells, admin base and operations support for Somerset West, specialist operations such as firearms storage, and will cover operations for Bridgwater, Taunton and Weston.

This will see Bridgwater's present police station close, with its behind-the-scenes operations, including custody cells move to the new centre.

The existing station's public side, where people report crimes, would move to a smaller, unknown town centre location.

Avon and Somerset has said there "will still be a strong police presence in town" and closure will not happen until the Express Park base is ready.

Despite Government cuts to reduce the national debt, the Home Office has secured about £129.2 million for the overall accommodation project, which includes Express Park along with three others.

The Home Office will provide funding for construction and costs in the form of PFI (private finance initiative) credits.

This involves a private developer providing the cash to build the facility, which it would then get back over 25 years.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: "New police stations will replace those currently in Bridgwater and Taunton so there will still be a strong police presence in the towns.

"Discussions are at an early stage and no sites have been confirmed at this stage.

"The new sites will not be needed until 2014 when the Express Park facilities open."

Avon and Somerset Police Authority will fund the land acquisitions from its capital budget.

If approved construction will start in 2012 with the buildings opening from 2014.

Avon and Somerset Police Authority, an independent body of local people who oversee the constabulary's work, wants people's views on the Government's proposed changes to the way the police is governed and held to account.

The authority is using a poll on its website to gauge public opinion for some proposals outlined in Policing in the 21st Century: Reconnecting Police and the People. Questions are based on plans to replace police authorities with police and crime commissioners.

The consultation paper proposes a single commissioner elected to Avon and Somerset for a four-year term. The commissioner will be responsible for representing and identifying Avon and Somerset's policing needs.

Current police authority chairman Dr Peter Heffer believes this will lead to less meaningful influence over the police.

He said: "The day-to-day influence of 17 people including councillors and members of the community would be lost and replaced by the single interests and priorities of one elected person. There are 1.6 million people and 1,855 square miles within our force area and it takes in every kind of landscape and I can not see how an elected person in Bristol can represent and identify the policing needs of someone in Exmoor or vice versa."

Home Secretary Teresa May has said elections for commissioners would take place by May 2012.

The Policing in the 21st Century consultation period ends on September 20.

For more information visit www.aspola.org.uk.

The poll will close on Friday, September 17.

Noise worry on visit to turbine

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

PROTESTERS against a five-turbine wind farm near their village crammed into a minibus to visit Somerset's only towering turbine.

More than ten residents from the anti-Huntspill wind farm group fighting energy company Ecotricity's Black Ditch wind farm plans visited the 120m-tall turbine on the Mendips.

The green company organised the hour-long visit in response to concerns about the noise, size and shadow flicker among other issues raised in regard to the five 140m-tall planned turbines.

The Bridgwater and Burnham Times exclusively joined the group and company representatives feet away from the turbine last week.

Protesters Julie Trott and Nicky Sucksmith, who live between 500m and 700m from the proposed windfarm site, spoke about the Mendip structure at the event.

Julie, 50, of Withy Road, West Huntspill, who has lived there for 11 years, said: "My concerns centre on how the wind farm will harm our way of life.

"We're not against green energy but the proposed location is not the best place."

Nicky, 58, of Old Pawlett Road, who has lived in West Huntspill for around 33 years, said: "This turbine is not even as big as the ones proposed for Black Ditch, and it's making such a noise and a hiss – imagine five (of them) and (them being) closer to homes.

"This visit has not changed my mind about the plans."

In response, Ecotricity spokesman Mike Cheshire and Victoria Allen tried to field questions.

Mr Cheshire said: "We offered to bring people up here to show them the turbine up close, the sound it makes and provide other information.

"We are behind the rest of Europe when it comes to turbines and renewable energy and we believe in the project."

He also compared the two developments, saying that the two-year-old Mendip mast produced enough electricity last year for more than 1,600 homes, while the Black Ditch farm will power around 7,800 typical homes.

He added that in the 800 days the turbine has been working, it has only been out of action for eight days, due to wind speeds and technical problems.

During the trip one protester, Richard Sucksmith, surprised Ecotricity's representatives by saying he knew one of the residents near the turbine, Mr Cook.

He invited the group to detour the minibus to his nearby home to discuss the matter, but Ms Allen repeated the minibus was on timed hire and they could not detour.

The group were upset and angry, and the company ended saying the protesters were more than happy to visit him in their own time.

Mr Sucksmith said: "Mr Cook is happy for us to visit him on the way back and he will tell us the truth about living near the turbine.

"He tells me it's very noisy, especially at night, but the company will not take a little time for us to visit him."

Another protester added: "It's like Ecotricity have something they want to hide."

Altered new school plans go on display

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:00 GMT

AN UPDATED planning application to build new Haygrove and Penrose schools in Bridgwater - to stand a better chance of future funding - are on display and available for comment.

Education Secretary Michael Gove stopped the multi-million pound Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme in July and now the two schools, along with East Bridgwater, are on hold awaiting a spending review in September.

Mr Gove has said although the BSF scheme has been halted, there will still be capital investment for schools in the future.

To ensure a better chance of future funding, the BSF Somerset team, based in Bridgwater, has continued rebuilding plans for Haygrove and Penrose on Queenswood Farm.

It has submitted outline permission to Sedgemoor District Council last month, which included new school buildings, highways work and associated access works.

People can see the plans as drawings and detailed information boards went on display at Angel Place Shopping Centre in Bridgwater, yesterday to stay up until Friday, September 17. People can comment by writing to Planning Control, Environment Directorate, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY, or e-mail planning@somerset.gov.uk, by October 1.

Julia Ridge, BSF Somerset director, said: "We are proceeding with the plans because BSF is a brand name for the previous government's initiative to combine rebuilding schools with computers and teacher training.

"The coalition government is considering whether this joint approach is needed or whether a simplified building programme would be more cost effective.

"Mr Gove has assured local authorities he is still committed to capital investment in schools.

"By submitting our planning application it strengthens the case for Haygrove and Penrose to be part of the Government's future investment plans for schools."

The application is to determine whether the site is suitable for the development and must demonstrate why the site is required and chosen, and how it will effect the nearby highways and ecology.

The present Haygrove site, not including the nearby playing fields, will be sold to fund buying the new site and substantial roadworks are needed to improve school and residents' safety. The fate of the present Haygrove playing field and Penrose sites is undecided.

BSF Somerset hopes the planning application will go before Sedgemoor's development committee in November.

The outline plans include an updated and more detailed highways plan.

These include widening Spaxton and Durleigh roads near Enmore Road to include safe pedestrian and cycle paths.

Negotiations between nearby residents are taking place to secure this extra land, but Compulsory Purchase Orders could be used so Somerset County Council can acquire the land without landowners' permission.

There is a proposed roundabout at Enmore Road. There will be a roundabout into the school to control the flow of traffic and public transport including school buses will be routed there.

Royal St John opening

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

The Duke of Gloucester will formally open Somerset St John Ambulance's new £1.5 million Bridgwater training centre on Monday, September 20.

Prince Richard, 66, who is Grand Prior of the nation's leading first aid charity, will meet staff and volunteers and tour the purpose-built centre which replaces outdated facilities in Taunton.

His Royal Highness will meet members of St John Ambulance Somerset Council, Bridgwater mayor Bill Monteith and other dignitaries.

The visit is led by Lady Gass, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, and John Roberts, St John Ambulance Somerset Council chairman.

He will meet some of the charity's younger Badgers and Cadets before presiding over the Ceremony of Dedication for the new County Headquarters.

The state-of-the-art building, just off junction 23 of the M5, will enable the charity to train more people in the skills needed to save a life in an emergency.

It was specially built for St John Ambulance and will provide a suite of training rooms, office facilities and, eventually, garaging for ambulances. The centre will be home to the area's Sedgemoor Division of volunteers, which will meet there weekly.

It will help St John Ambulance meet an ever increasing demand for first aid courses.

The centre is ideally placed for people to reach from right across Somerset, particularly the M5 corridor, and is expected to be used to train up to 3,000 people each year.

Ross Young, county executive officer for Somerset St John Ambulance, said: "We're absolutely thrilled the Duke of Gloucester has agreed to give our new centre the royal seal of approval.

"It's a vast improvement on the current facilities. In future they'll be able to meet in a purpose-designed, modern environment to practise and teach the skills which are so often the difference between life and death."

The building, designed by Barnaby Associates and built by Harris and Harris of Bridgwater, was completed in June.

The £1.5 million centre was funded by the sale of the old Bridgwater Divisional Headquarters in Albert Street and County Headquarters in Staplegrove Road, Taunton, and replaces these outdated facilities.

For more information on training courses at the new centre call 0844 770 4800 or e-mail training@somerset .sja.org.uk.

Hundreds of artists show off their work

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

MORE than 300 artists from across the county will display varied works in about 200 studios and venues during this year's Somerset Art Weeks (SAW).

Works include oil, watercolour, acrylic, pottery, glass, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, basketry, wood and metal work, print, photography and site-specific installations, from September 18 to October 3.

Venues include galleries, art centres, village halls, schools, historic buildings, public spaces, gardens, pubs and cafés.

Sedgemoor has around 40 locations, including Bridgwater and Burnham area artists taking part.

District artists include: Helmi Wolff's embroidery, quilting and batik among other forms at 2 Gloucester Road, Bridgwater.

Lesley Roberts and Elizabeth Wright will show off their eclectic and interesting jewellery at The Spinney, Church Road, Chilton Trinity.

Jackie Curtis, Annette Rigler and Frances Lowe will showcase their 2D and 3D work at Bay Cottage, No 2, Greenfield Lane, Bawdrip.

Jenny Graham, Pennie Elfick and Ann Watson have their work at Spring Farm, Moorlinch.

Sue and Clive Hammond-Lovatt, and Margaret Micklewright will exhibit their differing paintings and sculptures at 112 Berrow Road, Burnham.

Vibrant contemporary artists Anna Nicolaides, Angela Uren and Mary Stradling will display their work including paintings, prints and cards at Redlynch, 19 Rectory Road, Burnham.

Cora Stock and Catherine Metcalf are at 47 The Esplanade, Burnham, with their mixed work.

But there are many more including many village venues.

A spokesman said: "This year's SAW will be an open studios event that will focus on individual artists in their working environment, so you can experience first-hand how they work, from where they draw their inspiration and their creative processes."

SAW began in 1994 and for the first time there is an exhibition programme.

Visitors to studios can also enter a free prize draw to win a two-night dinner, bed and breakfast stay at the Swan Hotel, Wells.

A free, full-colour guidebook and map showing all the locations is available by visiting www.somersetartworks. org.uk, emailing info@somersetartwork.org.uk or calling 01458 253800.

Nuclear concerns

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

WHY are the politicians determined to build two of the world's most powerful nuclear reactors on Somerset's beautiful rural coastline?

Why take the risk, however small, of an accidental release of clouds of radioactive material, making large parts of this country uninhabitable?

Human technology is not infallible, did we not learn from the Chernobyl accident 24 years ago, where still today thousands of people cannot return home and even today's children are suffering ongoing medical cancer and genetic problems?

Why make Somerset a key target for the terrorists of the world? The cyber terrorists of today could sabotage the nuclear power station's computerised safety systems and cause much damage to the UK which is mostly downwind from Somerset.

Why create a permanent high level radioactive waste dump in Somerset, which will remain a nuclear cemetery tax-payers will pay for to keep safe and guard for thousands of years.

The highly enriched fuel in this new generation of reactors creates spent fuel which is too hot and dangerous to be moved and packaged for disposal for a hundred years and there is no safe and secure place anywhere in the country for it to go to.

Why expose workers and the local people to extra manmade ionising radioactive releases on top of the natural sources of radiation?

Ionising radiation cannot be seen, felt or detected by the human senses and yet nuclear power stations are allowed to release harmful amounts into the environment routinely. These can only be detected using scientific instruments and once taken into the body, have long term consequences.

We cannot afford to pay the cost of decommissioning our present old nuclear reactors and the cost of looking after 50 years of nuclear waste grows higher every year.

Why take on all these problems when nuclear power is not necessary? We have more than enough local sources of renewable energy for this country, including wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro, tidal and wave energy sources.

Allan Jeffery Bridgwater

Big stores the blight of town

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

MOST people think Bridgwater is most famous for its carnival and Admiral Blake, but as I take you on this guided tour starting at the bottom of Taunton Road you will soon learn what it may soon be more famous for.

On your left you will see that site where the Lido once stood but now it's a big shop (Morrisons).

Right into Broadway and on your left you will see a big shop (Aldi).

At the end of the road on the right is a big shop (Somerfield).

Turn left at the roundabout and you will see a big shop (Sainsbury's).

Cross the road and there is another big shop (Lidl).

Next to that is another big shop (FarmFoods). At the traffic lights and on your left is the site where the bus station and TA centre once was, but now it's a big shop (Asda),

Back onto the main road round the corner and in Angel Place shopping centre there is another big shop (Iceland).

On your right is the site where Sedgemoor Splash swimming pool once stood and our schoolchildren used to swim there, but now the schools take them to Mc Donalds and the cinema instead.

Nearly done, that was Bridgwater town, it's plain to see the people here must love their food and hate leisure facilities.

Round the bend,

The council must see.

It can't be true,

Are you kidding me?

This derelict site that was once our pool,

Tell me you are joking, do I look like a fool?

Will they build it?

Will they come?

Every little helps to kill this town.

But can they resist it? or has the idea drown?

Will they listen?

When will it stop?

We don't need yet another – big shop.

Judith Desbonne Richmond Close Bridgwater

Campaigner happy with planning chat

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

A GREEN campaigner from near Bridgwater was one of five protesters to quiz a top planning advisor.

Donald Rayner joined four others from the independent Save Our Green Spaces (SOGS) forum members to grill Steve Quartermain, the UK's chief planning advisor.

The nominated five joined groups from across the South West in talks at the Department for Communities and Local Government's London headquarters late last month.

Mr Rayner, of Bawdrip, and the team outlined the case for new planning improvements.

Mr Quartermain and his assistant continually questioned and took notes as observations were conveyed from a SOGS team perspective from cities, towns, villages and farms.

Mr Rayner said: "It was five of us nominated to speak for the forum that covers from North Gloucestershire down to Cornwall.

"It was a pleasure to go and it was a success as he listened and constantly took note of what we had to say.

"It was supposed to be an hour but we overrun and got a lot out of it."

This follows a SOGS request for answers regarding planning questions to the Minister of Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.

Locally, Mr Rayner is most concerned about Sedgemoor District Council's future housing and jobs plan.

He said: "I believe the council's plans are troublesome, they keep building houses in places such as Bridgwater but there are not the necessary jobs available there.

"They also plan to build them on prime food growing land."

Shock as another business closes

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

TRADERS in Bridgwater's Eastover are devastated as another prominent business premises is closing – leaving another gap.

Eastover Indoor Market manager Wendy Sapsford has confirmed the centre, only revamped two years ago, will close its doors for the last time on September 30, but declined further comment.

But many traders have recently left.

Eastover trader and Bridgwater Forward member, Sally Jones, called the loss devastating.

She said: "So it's confirmed the large market is closing and yet another prominent Eastover draw has gone.

"Soon there will be nothing left here – where is the district council?"

Former centre manager Pearl Johnson, who was a force behind the revamp, reopened Bridgwater Shopmobility after it closed, in the market.

She is again looking for a home for the charity.

The Bridgwater and Burnham Times only featured a story on Pearl and how business was booming at the centre, in April.

She said: "It's really sad to see something I've been part of for 15 years close. Everyone is shocked and customers are devastated.

"My biggest concern is Shopmobility, as a charity we are busy and it's a unique service for the area."

One shopper called the closure "upsetting", another said they would "be sad to see it go", but it appears as though it was becoming less popular.

Bridgwater Chamber of Trade chairman Steve Leahy, who runs Bridgwater Communications in Eastover, said it was sad but was optimistic a big name business could take it on and attract more shops and businesses to the area.

MP slams expenses watchdog delays

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:00:00 GMT

A West MP has criticised the Commons expenses watchdog as the "most incompetent Government department" because it was preventing MPs from doing their job.

Ian Liddell-Grainger, Conservative MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, has tabled a series of parliamentary questions to expose the chaos at the heart of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).

Many MPs claim IPSA, which was created in the wake of last year's expenses scandal, is too complex and time-consuming.

Mr Liddell-Grainger says the slow response to claims means it has made it difficult for his office to buy headed notepaper.

As a result he has asked Government ministers to provide detailed information about the running of IPSA – including how much its board members claim in expenses.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said: "First of all, every single MP is owed money. In some cases £10,000 to £15,000. They are employing 50 agency staff. Their computer has failed. This is the most incompetent organisation and it is preventing MPs doing their jobs."

See what new Hinkley Point nuclear station can offer you

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Businesses are being urged to explore opportunities to benefit from the proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset and off-site developments.

A new Supplier Day event is being held by EDF Energy on Tuesday, September 28, at the Canalside Conference Centre in Bridgwater.

A morning session will be held from 9am to noon (registration will start at 8.15am) and is aimed at local technical suppliers.

The afternoon session is between 2pm and 5pm and is focussed on local support services. Registration for this session will start at 1pm.

Duke will open new St John headquarters

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:00:00 GMT

The Duke of Gloucester will formally open Somerset St John Ambulance's new Bridgwater training centre next Monday.

The Duke, who is Grand Prior of the nation's leading first aid charity, will meet staff and volunteers and tour the purpose-built centre which replaces facilities in Taunton as the county HQ.

The new £1.5 million state-of-the-art building, just off junction 23 of the M5, will enable the charity to train more people in the skills needed to save a life in an emergency.

Busy few days for rescue services

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

THE bank holiday weekend again proved busy for Burnham's vital rescue services – the worst case involving two boys and a man trapped on Brean beach mudflats.

Despite repeated warnings about the mud, a beach warden spotted the three, aged 12, 14 and 23, trapped knee-deep hundreds of metres from shore at about 7.15pm on Monday, August 30.

Coastguards alerted Burnham's hovercraft rescue charity BARB after the trio from Bridgwater and North Petherton failed to respond to the warden's calls to come back to the beach with the fast incoming tide around them.

Both Burnham lifeboats and even a rescue helicopter were called shortly afterwards.

Ian Jeffries, Burnham coastguard officer, said: "One of the youngster's family was frantic and given the incoming tide and falling light, this was potentially a very serious situation."

Two coastguard mud rescue team members waded to the trio and guided them safely across the mudflats to the beach.

BARB's Spirit of Lelaina and Light of Elizabeth hovercrafts were taken by road to the scene ready for launch, while the lifeboats and helicopter were stood down soon after launching.

A Burnham RNLI spokesman said: "The tide was in full flood so no effort was spared in reaching the casualties, but both lifeboats were stood down at 7.42pm by Swansea Coastguard Control, and returned to Burnham beach for recovery and wash down by the lifeboat station volunteer shore team."

A BURNHAM lifeboat was called to a grounded 21ft yacht in the River Brue.

The yacht was seen sailing into the river having trouble manoeuvring in harsh winds and had grounded itself on the river's lee shore on Sunday morning, August 29.

The lifeboat was being recovered by its crew after a training session so was diverted to help the troubled vessel.

The crew acted fast and towed the stricken vessel from the mud to mooring pontoons.

Burnham RNLI operations manager Ricky Holmes said: "Due to the dropping tide, had the yacht not been assisted at the time, there was a strong chance it could have stayed aground until September 6 at the earliest."

A VAN owner needed at least eight people to help push after his vehicle got stuck on Burnham beach on Monday, August 30.

The driver was trying to retrieve a jet ski when he got into difficulty, but witnesses say the van got stuck on the soft sand.

Fortunately a group of holidaymakers helped push the heavy vehicle free as the tide crept closer.

A similar marked vehicle got trapped in a similar position last year – but was swamped by the sea.

Yesteryear

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

100 years ago

The St John's school will reopen on Tuesday, September 6.

Band concert – The town band gave a concert and dance in the grounds of Chalice House, by kind permission of Mrs and Miss Rocke on Wednesday evening.

Recognition services in respect to the appointment of the Rev D Davis, B.A., D.D., to the pastorate of the Street Baptist Church were conducted on Wednesday. It is hoped that he will prove a worthy successor to the late popular pastor, the Rev. A Hewlett.

50 years ago

A raincoat, belonging to Mr Joseph Andrews, of 8, Ivythorn Road, Street, was taken from Mr Andrews' seat at the Maxime Cinema, Street, on Saturday, during one of the performances.

Police are making enquires.

Mr D Niven, of the Caravan Mission to Village Children, visited the village on Sunday to preach at the evening service. He will stay for a fortnight. All children are invited to attend his meetings which will be held in the church or in the village hall. Meetings will also be arranged for adults.

The Rev R W Clayton, who is to be instituted to the benefice of West Lydford on September 20 (7pm), has been serving the church abroad since 1948.

He was vicar of the cathedral church in Delhi from 1948-54 and since then has been a priest in charge of Tai-i, Borneo.

25 years ago

Butter and cream to the value of £40 were last week stolen from Slocombe's Grocers, Street.

Police and campers at Greenlands Farm clashed at the camp after a car chase on Friday.

A car refused to stop when flagged down by police and was pursued to the camp by a police vehicle. Police reinforcements were called, but after almost an hour, the officers and their vehicles left. The driver has since been reported.

Glastonbury's Mrs Beatrice Weare will celebrate her golden wedding on Saturday (September 7) in the house where she was born at Manor House Road.

Beatrice has only lived away for six years – between 1935 and 1941.

10 years ago

A horse, trapped in a ditch at Baltonsborough, was rescued using a hydraulic tractor last Wednesday. A fire appliance from Glastonbury, a special rescue unit from Bridgwater and a rescue unit from Yeovil were mobilised.

The horse was rescued using lines from the special rescue unit.

There will be a chance to see Glastonbury from the rooftops when the tower of St John's Church, Glastonbury, will be opened to the public from 10am on Saturday (September 2) as part of the annual church fete.

Lucky-to-be-alive Rosie battles bug with music

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

A TEENAGER from Bridgwater who survived the country's only recorded case of an extremely rare form of meningitis unscathed is organising a gig for Meningitis UK.

Rosie Collington, 17, was struck down with varicella zoster meningitis last year, and doctors considered it a miracle she pulled through so well.

This is the country's first recorded case of varicella zoster and Rosie was told there have been only three cases ever reported.

It is believed the teen initially contracted shingles, caused by the varicella zoster virus, which then led to life-threatening meningitis.

Had she been treated just an hour later she may have died or suffered hearing or sight problems.

Luckily, doctors at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton treated her immediately for suspected meningitis and she miraculously recovered.

Just weeks later, Rosie completed her GCSEs - scoring 7 A*s and 5 As.

She said: "I had been on holiday in Egypt and a week later became really photophobic.

"I tried getting up but started being sick. I had a migraine and couldn't eat.

"I'd slept the whole day but when I woke I started throwing up again and fainted. My mum called an ambulance and straightaway they suspected meningitis."

Results from a lumbar puncture confirmed an unusual strain of the disease, but it was student doctor Camilla Peevers who pinpointed the exact form.

Now Rosie, who studies for the International Baccalaureate at Bridgwater College, and friend Chloe Kirkpatrick, 17, have organised the acoustic gig for the charity to help fund research into finding a vaccine for the disease.

The event takes place at The Duke on Sunday, September 5, from 6.30pm.

Entry is free but donations are encouraged on the door.

Rosie said: "Organising the gig is our way to help a vital charity.

"I love music and perform so asked others on the local music circuit to help me."

Money raised goes towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7 million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against all forms of meningitis.

Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "We're really grateful for Rosie's fundraising efforts and hope everyone will support her on what should be a good night of live music.

"We were pleased to hear that she made such a good recovery thanks to prompt treatment at hospital."

EDF road plan will split school

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

A SCHOOL'S land would be split in two by French energy giant EDF's proposals for road links to a planned new nuclear power station.

Governors of Brymore School of Rural Technology at Cannington are considering their response to EDF's proposals to route a bypass for traffic heading to and from the proposed Hinkley C station across its land.

The controversial construction road would cut across the school's tree-lined drive.

Many villagers are opposed to the road and say EDF should build a new road to the north, avoiding Cannington and linking Hinkley directly with Dunball Wharf at Junction 23 of the M5.

Governors have invited parents to make their comments, either directly to EDF or by signing a response letter that will be available at the school at the beginning of next term.

Brymore, a boys-only state boarding school, has its own 60-acre farm with cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry and a high reputation for teaching rural technology skills to students aged from 13-17.

Its management is soon to come under a new trust being set up between the school, Bridgwater College and Somerset county council.

Some residents fear the EDF plan could make the school vulnerable to absorption within neighbouring Cannington Centre for land-based studies, which is itself part of Bridgwater College.

Bridgwater MP Ian Liddell-Grainger backs Save Cannington Action Group's call for a new road to be built north of the village, from Dunball Island directly to Hinkley Point, crossing the river Parrett.

It would relieve traffic pressure on Bridgwater and the A39 west of the town, and allow used fuel to be shipped out avoiding public roads.

Alan Beasley, from the action group, said: "We believe a dedicated road is the answer. It is in the best interests of everyone, including the people of Bridgwater.

"It would benefit the whole area and take a major problem away from the area in one go."

The action group proposes a two-lane road that is designed to carry construction and decommissioning traffic, as well as frequent use by power station service equipment, including used-fuel flasks of 100 tonnes plus.

579 entrants at 'superb' flower show

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

THIS year's Bridgwater Flower Show enjoyed the second highest amount of entries since 2000.

A total of 579 entries, flows of visitors and a range of new initiatives made this year's two-day event a phenomenal success.

Visitors to the annual show at Bridgwater Town Hall last weekend enjoyed sections including flowers, vegetables, photography and children's classes.

Show secretary Jackie Sealey said: "This year's show was a superb success. The flowers were colourful, the vegetable section boasted big entries and the photography section was again the most popular section.

"Children's entries could have been higher but we are working on attracting more young entries next year. We thank everyone who entered, visited and hope next year's show is as good – if not better."

There were several initiatives to bring the century-old show into the 21st century, including a new photography class.

The class, Seasons, asked for four prints depicting each of the four divisions of the year and could be presented on card or paper up to A4 size.

The winner received a £10 voucher from Tim's Cameras & Studio in Bridgwater's High Street.

Mrs Sealey said: "We wanted to embrace digital photography with this special class and it's great to work with Tim's Cameras to encourage this lovely hobby. The photography section brings in people who are not necessarily into gardening but they can still be a part of our historic show."

Many of the exhibits were displayed on state-of-the-art tiered staging thanks a Somerset Community Foundation grant.

The new lightweight uPVC design was the brainchild of society treasurer Michael Sealey, after the cash came from the foundation's Grass Roots scheme.

All children were entered into a draw with the winning name receiving the prize.

All entrants also received a free packet of seeds thanks to www.packetseeds.com.

Policeman, 40, is charged with rape

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

A DECORATED policeman believed to be currently based in Bridgwater has been charged with rape and three counts of misconduct while on duty in Devon around decade ago.

PC Nicholas Stone, 40, was also charged with three misconduct charges when he served with the Devon and Cornwall force between 1999 and 2001.

PC Stone, who, in 2003, was one of several officers to receive a commendation from the then Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable, Maria Wallis, for good police work, is charged with raping a woman at Tiverton between June 1 and July 31, 2001.

He is also charged with two counts of misconduct by having sex with the same woman while on duty and assaulting her in 1999.

The officer is also accused of misconduct by threatening to arrest another woman if she did not do what he told her in 1999.

PC Stone is currently suspended and any internal disciplinary process would follow the criminal case.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: "We cannot comment on this case as it goes through the criminal process or to where he was serving before his suspension."

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said: "We confirm PC Stone was an officer with this force at the time of the alleged offences.

"We're carrying out the investigation, but Avon and Somerset are dealing with the internal disciplinary side.

"We cannot comment further until the conclusion of the case."

PC Stone was later transferred to the Avon and Somerset force and is currently based at Bridgwater.

PC Stone, of Pitminster near Taunton, was due to appear at Exeter Magistrates' Court last week, but was excused from appearing.

He was bailed in his absence and he is due to appear before Exeter magistrates on September 3.

Feel-good rock with Toploader

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

ALTERNATIVE feel-good rock band Toploader has reformed and will perform in Bridgwater on Friday, September 17.

The recently-reformed band, famous for their catchy cover Dancing in the Moonlight, are at Bridgwater Sports and Social Club.

The gig comes courtesy of local promoters SRL Promotions, which is responsible for the town's ever-growing SomerRock festival.

Formed in 1997, Toploader swiftly rose from unknown to catchy feel-good favourites.

After supporting Paul Weller on his 1999 tour, the band embarked on their own tour on the back of successful limited edition single Achilles Heel.

Toploader landed slots at Glastonbury and Reading festivals, before their biggest hit, a cover of '70s band King Harvest's Dancing in the Moonlight, charted, remaining there for months.

Their debut album Onka's Big Moka reached number five in the UK album charts, remaining in the top five for over six months and hit gold status after just a fortnight.

They were riding high by summer 2000 and further gigs with Weller at the Royal Albert Hall and a 30-date tour with Bon Jovi followed.

The band's second album Magic Hotel reached number three in the UK album charts, producing hit singles Time of my Life. Toploader split shortly afterwards – but the five-piece reformed in 2009 after a five-year gap.

Supporting is 3 Bags Full, who count Stevie Wonder, Beatles, Dylan and Cat Stevens as influences. Doors open 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £13 each by calling 01278 446215, 07723 377500, the sports and social club, Bath Road, The Mansion House pub or Strings 'n' Things, both Bridgwater town centre.

EDF offer 'way off the mark'

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

COUNCIL chiefs have sent a war cry to residents to pile pressure on to the French energy giant behind the proposed Hinkley Point C.

EDF Energy promises a £1 million community pot to fund a host of schemes such as sports facilities and children's play parks.

But Sedgemoor District Council chief executive Kerry Rickards called this sum "way off the mark" and is calling upon residents district-wide to demand millions of pound more from the company.

He believes the sum is insufficient to compensate the area for years of disruption.

Mr Rickards said: "It's impossible to say an exact figure as to how much the area should get or deserves from EDF – but it's got to be a heck of a lot more than £1 million. The area will be disrupted until it is built in 2017 and during the 60 years it's operational.

There will be huge strain on roads, housing and people."

Mr Rickards believes if the company's build disturbs the infrastructure then EDF should contribute towards facilities such as the new Bridgwater hospital and swimming pool.

He said: "We could get a bigger and better new Bridgwater hospital with funding and also more than one pool, or, at least, a much fancier pool than the one planned."

In response, EDF said Hinkley C's benefits were way beyond the community fund, but declined to discuss specific projects.

As previously stated, a spokesman said the build would contribute £100 million-a-year to the area during construction and £40 million-a-year during its operational time.