Latest news with #NorthSomersetCouncil
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Households can apply for £200 cost of living cash in DAYS
HOUSEHOLDS will soon be allowed to apply for cost of living cash worth £200. Struggling households can get access to free cash through the Household Support Fund. 1 The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need. Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income. Households in Birmingham will soon be able to apply for support worth £200, with applications opening in June. Those who have not received a payment from the council in the past 12 months will qualify for this round. The money is intended to help with energy, grocery and water costs. You can apply for support by visiting If you think you may qualify for the support but are not sure, it may be worth reaching out to the council to find out more. You can find out more by visting, Other councils to have announced details of their schemes include Salford where residents can apply for free food vouchers and fuel top up credits. Cash for Care North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers worth up to £100 to those in need. And, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500. Meanwhile, Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200. Hartlepool council is also distributing £100 food vouchers to all children eligible for free school meals aged between two and 19. WHAT IF I DON'T LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England. So, if you don't live in this area but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help. This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable. What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers. It's worth bearing in mind, because the new round of the HSF has only just opened, you might not be able to apply for help yet. However, it's worth keeping an eye on your local council's website or social media channels. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date. Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Bizarre squiggly road markings leave drivers baffled – would YOU know what they mean?
BIZARRE squiggly road marking have left residents baffled and wreaked havoc for drivers. But following widespread criticism, the local council has decided to take action. 2 The unique wiggly road markings in Clevedon, Somerset, have now been removed following a fierce backlash. After review, the traffic scheme has been scrapped with the wobbly lines removed and the original parking reinstated. The work to remove the road markings started in February and was completed at the weekend at a total cost of £500,000. It is thought that over £1 million was spent on previously installing the lines. In addition to the sea-facing parking being re-introduced, a mini-roundabout, pedestrian crossing and new loading bays have also been created. 2 The seafront will remain a one-way system and the two-way cycle path has made way for a contra-flow lane. Overall, the works took 13 weeks to complete and the whole scheme including its removal has cost the taxpayer nearly £1.5 million. North Somerset Council installed the wavy lines, cycle lane and one-way system along Beach Road in 2022. This was in an effort to slow drivers and deter people from roadside parking there. But the markings sparked confusion and anger amongst residents who could no longer park their motors on the seafront overlooking the Bristol Channel. At the time, one local reckoned the markings resembled a "lane for drink-drivers." Another insisted that "the road layout is a hot mess." It was also described as "Balamory from hell for a motorcycle" by a third resident. The RAC previously dubbed the markings as one of the most "bizarre" schemes it had seen. MP Liam Fox also hit out at the "shambles" and called for the scheme to be axed. The scheme even prompted protests amid widespread media ridicule. At the time, a council spokesman said: "The lines are a design feature to reduce the potential abuse of parking at these locations and help make the road feel narrower, which is a technique used to slow traffic speeds. 'In this case, the area is adjacent to the sailing club entrance so needs to be kept clear. 'A wavy line provides uncertainty to the driver and is proven to help reduce unwanted parking.' North Somerset Council has been approached for comment.
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Clevedon's 'bizarre' wiggle road markings removed amid £1.5m cost
Work to remove wiggly road markings that sparked controversy in a seaside town has been Somerset Council caused outrage in Clevedon when it introduced the changes, which included the removal of sea-facing parking, along the waterfront in 2022. RAC previously described the lines as one of the "most bizarre" road schemes it had originally cost about £1m and a further £425,000 was spent on the reversal, but the council said the move was "in line with significant public feedback" from businesses and residents. Councillor Hannah Young, cabinet member for highways, said: "We have listened to the local community and reinstated sea-facing parking." Work to remove the markings started in February and also included creating new loading bays, a single contraflow cycle path, a mini roundabout, a pedestrian crossings and vehicular access to the promenade for boats and ice cream vans. New planters will be added to the area and the community will be consulted on the plans. Councillor Young added: "We would like to thank everyone for their patience and encourage all residents and visitors to come and support the seafront businesses that have been affected as you enjoy the new configuration."
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Britain's daftest road markings are finally removed after council spent £1.5m on wiggly lines that left drivers and cyclists baffled
Britain's 'most bonkers' wiggly road markings - which wreaked havoc on drivers and cyclists and sparked widespread protests - have finally been removed in a humiliating blow to the council who wasted £1.5million of taxpayers' cash on them. The notorious road markings, dubbed the 'yellow brick road', were met with a wave of criticism and confusion when first laid down on the Georgian seafront at Clevedon, north Somerset, in 2022. The wavy lines, cycle lane and one way system were installed along Beach Road as part of a scheme to slow traffic and discourage roadside parking at a cost of more than £1million. North Somerset council said the lines helped make the road feel narrower, which would help reduce the speed of motorists. But the new seafront layout sparked derision and anger among locals and visitors who could no longer park their vehicles facing towards the sea to enjoy the stunning views across the Bristol Channel. The traffic scheme - described by the RAC as one of the 'most bizarre' it has ever seen - was reviewed and the decision made to reinstate the original parking and remove the wobbly lines. The work, which took 13 weeks to complete and cost a further £500,000, was finally completed at the weekend. The works re-introduced sea facing parking, removed the two-way cycle path, the yellow brick road, the wavy line and made way for a mini-roundabout. North Somerset council said the works would 'improve' pedestrian crossing points. Resident Cathy Hawkins who set up the campaign group 'Save our Seafront' said the scheme was a 'disaster' and a 'complete waste of money'. Cathy, who claims the scheme cost £2million, said: 'They made themselves a laughing stock in the country. 'I don't think it is much better than it was before and it is a complete waste of £2million. 'It is still one way and it still causes real traffic issues - I'm not particularly happy that it is not in the initial way but it's better than it was. ' She claimed her campaign group 'begged' the council to refuse going ahead with the project. Ms Hawkins added: 'This is the outcome of not listening to their residents. 'They refused to speak to us and they went ahead. 'It was a ridiculous scheme that was dangerous. People could open their doors onto the cycle lane which meant people could get knocked down their bikes. 'There were massive issues reported - it was an awful design in the first place. The wavy lines, cycle lane and one way system were installed along Beach Road as part of a scheme to slow traffic and discourage roadside parking at a cost of more than £1million The wiggly lines are being removed in Clevedon, Somerset, following the outrage 'They need to do what the residents wants not what the council wants. 'They are putting these schemes all over the country. This has got to stop - councilors are not there to force things onto people. People are fed up with it.' The initial plans were originally met with heavy criticism from local residents - who even staged a 'conga line' protest in fancy dress amidst widespread media ridicule of the project.
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Hard up households can apply for cost of living support worth £230
Keep scrolling to learn about other councils giving out free cash HELPING HAND Hard up households can apply for cost of living support worth £230 THOUSANDS of households can apply for cost of living cash worth up to £230. Cash-strapped households can get access to money through the Household Support Fund (HSF). 1 Households can apply for support worth £230 The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need. Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income. Households in Redcar & Cleveland can now apply for support worth £230. How much you can get depends on different factors such as whether you have children or not. For example, if you are household without children receiving Council Tax Support you will receive a payment of £116. And if you have one or more dependent children in your household and claiming the support you will receive £230. Those with children who don't receive Council Tax Support but have a low household income and are financially struggling will also receive £230. The payments will be sent to applicants bank accounts and can be used for daily living essentials and utility costs. You can find out more about how to apply by visiting, Household Support Fund Other councils to have announced details of their schemes include Salford where residents can apply for free food vouchers and fuel top up credits. North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers worth up to £100 to those in need. And, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500. Meanwhile, Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200. What if I don't live in Redcar & Cleveland The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England. So, if you don't live in this area but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help. This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable. What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers. It's worth bearing in mind, because the new round of the HSF has only just opened, you might not be able to apply for help yet. However, it's worth keeping an eye on your local council's website or social media channels.
