You may have spotted that the electrical works that have taken place in Fore street are now completed, and that the excavation is now being refilled, there will be a temporary tarmac surface in place whilst National Grid await delivery of the paving slabs.

Once the new slabs arrive the tarmac will be removed and the new paving installed so that it matches in with the rest of the paved area, it is disappointing that we must have a temporary surface but there is a delay in receiving delivery of the paving slabs.

The boundaries for the new local community networks have now been published, our local community network will cover Chard, Tatworth, Forton, Combe St Nicholas, Corfe, Hatch Beauchamp and other villages.

The Local Community Networks will be Committees of the unitary Council, with formal decision-making powers and influence. They will enable the Council, partners and communities to work together to address local issues and priorities, support health and wellbeing activities, and improve outcomes for residents.

I am sure most of you are now aware that Springmead surgery is closing on the 24th of February, this has caused concern for many local residents, I have been assured that all existing patents will be moved over to Ariel healthcare following the closure.

I have spoken with the lead member for public health as well as writing to our MP to express my concern at the closure as well as the lack of both GP’s and dentists in our area and asked that a meeting is held to discuss the future of both services in Chard and how we can expand the capacity to meet not only the needs of our residents now but of those in the future.

Plans are now underway for the upcoming Coronation celebrations, if you would like to get involved or have some ideas for the events please get in touch as we are keen for this to be a community event for all to enjoy.

Please feel free to contact me via email jason.baker@somerset.gov.uk or call 07736 310805, alternatively you can pop along to my monthly drop in surgery which is held on the first Saturday of the month between 10am and 12pm in the Guildhall.