The Peasedown St John Lunch Club, with Pam Wright (back, centre)

Two community groups in Peasedown St John have received financial aid this week thanks to their local Councillor.

The Peasedown St Lunch Club and Waynsdyke Play Association have been awarded funding from Cllr Nathan Hartley’s Councillor Initiative Fund.

The Lunch Club, which meets in Beacon Hall, has been running for over ten years on a Monday afternoon. The group acts as a lifeline for those that attend. A number of which are elderly and don’t see anyone else during the week. 

Dear Editor,

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since our first ever Party in the Park in Peasedown St John.

When a group of us got together in September 2008 we had no idea that our idea for a new community festival would take off so quickly.

Its success is down to the fact that there is a growing feeling of community spirit in Peasedown, people are crying out for events like this to help them feel passionate about the area they live in.

As a group of residents complete the first stage of a thriving new community farm on the outskirts of Peasedown St John, businesses are now being given the opportunity to get involved.

The new farm, which is almost unique in the area, is already attracting active participation from local children and their parents. In under 12 months there are now animals, the local youth club runs sessions from the site and Norton Radstock College has held workshops on the site.

Project managers have now launched a new initiative linked with the farm to both raise money and help promote local businesses. 

Every year Peasedown Primary School is limited to a two-form entry of 60 pupils. However, due to a baby boom four years ago, over 70 children submitted applications to join this September.                                        

Following negotiations and talks B&NES Council has agreed to increase the number of entrants for this year. 

Cllr Nathan Hartley, the Lib Dem spokesperson for Children’s Services in B&NES, worked with senior council officers to resolve the situation. He said: 

"I'm really pleased that the Council has made this decision. It's very important that local children can attend their local primary school. I do wish them all the best in their future years at the school."

Following calls from residents for improvements to the footpath next to 53, Eckweek Gardens leading through to Beacon Hall, Cllr Sarah Bevan began negotiations with Somer Housing Trust. Their contractors first treated the weeds which were cracking up the tarmac, but further work was required to complete the job. Cllr Bevan said:

“The initial attempt at improving this path was not going to last, so I asked whether the whole thing could be re-surfaced. The job is now perfect and will last a worthwhile length of time. Residents with mobility scooters in particular will now have a much more comfortable ride.”

Photo shows Cllr Bevan with resident Steven Miller, who helped provide contact names for his housing trust, as Cllr Bevan plans further work for this location involving another housing trust.