Latest news with #TessaMunt
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Headlines: Wetlands, VE Day and rugby squads
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. Thousands of people reacted to ITV West Country's video about the role of Sikhs in the British Indian Army, as those from Bristol were remembered as part of VE Day celebrations. A red "high-friction surface" is set to be installed on a cycle lane in Bristol as part of a trial to reduce conflict between cyclists, pedestrians and other road users, Bristol 24/7 reports. The Wiltshire Times reported the story of a resident who had been left "angry and saddened" after an oak tree he estimated to be 20 years old was cut down in Bradford-upon-Avon. Sheff Utd thump 10-man Bristol City in play-off first leg Man jailed for killing partner who was leaving him Thousands raised for memorial after geese killed Bristol Bears, Bath Rugby and Gloucester Rugby's posts about call-ups to the Lions squad attracted a lot of attention from fans on Facebook. In line with VE Day on Thursday, Cheltenham Animal Shelter reflected on its role during World War II when it became a first aid post for animals suffering war injuries and a house for carrier pigeons. Swindon Police issued a statement after a woman was arrested on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control, following two attacks on a person, two other dogs and a fatal attack on a cat. The BBC also covered this story. Tessa Munt, the MP for Wells and Mendip Hills, has written to the government asking it to step up research and understanding of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Solid Ground, a youth-led mobile cafe which is designed and operated by its staff has opened in Swindon. Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) Slimbridge has unveiled its new Estuary Shoreline, a wetland landscape surrounded by wildflower meadows and native trees. And car fans are getting excited ahead of an Italian Automoto Festival taking place at Gloucester Docks on Sunday. Follow BBC West social channels in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Headlines: Wetlands, VE Day and rugby squads
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. Our pick of local website stories Thousands of people reacted to ITV West Country's video about the role of Sikhs in the British Indian Army, as those from Bristol were remembered as part of VE Day celebrations.A red "high-friction surface" is set to be installed on a cycle lane in Bristol as part of a trial to reduce conflict between cyclists, pedestrians and other road users, Bristol 24/7 reports. The Wiltshire Times reported the story of a resident who had been left "angry and saddened" after an oak tree he estimated to be 20 years old was cut down in Bradford-upon-Avon. Our top three from yesterday What to watch on social media Bristol Bears, Bath Rugby and Gloucester Rugby's posts about call-ups to the Lions squad attracted a lot of attention from fans on line with VE Day on Thursday, Cheltenham Animal Shelter reflected on its role during World War II when it became a first aid post for animals suffering war injuries and a house for carrier Police issued a statement after a woman was arrested on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control, following two attacks on a person, two other dogs and a fatal attack on a cat. The BBC also covered this Munt, the MP for Wells and Mendip Hills, has written to the government asking it to step up research and understanding of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).Solid Ground, a youth-led mobile cafe which is designed and operated by its staff has opened in & Wetlands Trust (WWT) Slimbridge has unveiled its new Estuary Shoreline, a wetland landscape surrounded by wildflower meadows and native car fans are getting excited ahead of an Italian Automoto Festival taking place at Gloucester Docks on Sunday.
BBC News
19-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
New VAT cap puts Wells Cathedral in 'unachievable' position
A new cap on the amount of VAT listed places of worship can claim on repairs makes an "incredible challenging" situation feel "almost unachievable", a cathedral boss has now and the end of March 2026, cathedrals and other places of worship which are listed will only be able to claim up to £25,000 VAT per Watts, chief operating officer of Wells Cathedral, told the BBC the change would add £8m to planned repair costs over the next 10 years."They [the buildings] have extensive repair needs, and they're a key part of our nation's heritage that we want to hand on to future generations", she said. According to government data, 94% of claims should be unaffected by the Ms Watts said the cap will make a "really big difference". Ms Watts said: "Historic buildings like these and historic churches are very expensive to maintain and look after."We don't want to lose them. So not having to pay VAT, saving that 20%, has been significant."The cathedral is looking to fully repair its lead roofs which were constructed more than 100 years ago, a project which Ms Watts said will need "a lot of money".Tessa Munt, MP for Wells and Mendip Hills, said she supports the schemes extension to March 2026 but added she is "worried" about the cost the cap could bring to places of worship."The daily cost of running the cathedral is absolutely staggering, but these are very beautiful places," she told the BBC."Taking the VAT out of the bill by allowing people to claim that would be very significant, it's going to mean a lot in some of our cathedrals in the country."She wants the government to give "leniency" at the end of March 2026 to allow people who have completed the works to be able to claim the VAT after that date. A spokesperson for the department for culture, media and sport said: "Listed places of worship provide a range of services to the public regardless of faith or background. "Many of them are architecturally and historically significant."This is why the government has extended the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme until 31March 2026. "It will continue to enable religious organisations to claim grants covering eligible VAT costs paid towards repairs and renovations."It is unclear what will happen to the scheme beyond March 2026.
