Census 2021

The census is coming, and it makes a difference to everyone. By taking part and telling the Office for National Statistics (ONS) about yourself, you will help make sure you and your community get the services and support needed. It’s important you fill in your census questionnaire because the information you share affects the life of every single person living in England and Wales. We want to make sure the census informs us about all communities so that public services meet everyone’s needs. ETHNICITY RELIGION AND NATIONAL IDENTITY The ONS will ask you about your ethnicity, religion and national identity. You can identify with your chosen background, religion and national identity. If you cannot find the option you require, you can use the search-as-you-type function. Alternatively, you can request a paper questionnaire. That will allow to you write in the identity that you feel most accurately represents you. SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY Census 2021 asks voluntary questions about sexual orientation and gender identity for the first time. This is to give us more accurate information on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender populations. It will help organisations combat any inequalities these groups face and show where services are needed. The ONS will only ask people aged 16 years and over these voluntary questions. If you do not feel comfortable identifying on the same form as the rest of your household, you can request an individual census questionnaire and answer separately. ARMED FORCES For the first time, the census will ask if you’ve served in the UK Armed Forces. The information you share will help us understand the numbers, locations and ages of our armed forces community. This will show where resources and services are needed to make sure those who have served, and their families, are treated fairly. You only need to answer this question if you are aged 16 years or above. Census Day is Sunday 21 March. You can fill yours in online as soon as you get your access code in the post. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let The Office for National Statistics (ONS) know. Remember, it’s up to you to decide how you would like to answer each question. Do it in the way that you feel best represents you. If you, or anyone you know, needs help or advice, visit www.census.gov.uk

Parks, Playground and Open Spaces.

Midsomer Norton Town Council will be following Government guidelines and will keep all parks, playgrounds and open spaces open to support our residents’ physical and mental wellbeing. It is important that in doing so, government guidelines are followed and social distancing measures are observed by all. To ensure the safety of everyone and following the Government restrictions the gym at West Clewes will remain closed to reduce the risk of infection, this temporary closure will remain in place for the duration of the restrictions. Latest Guidelines state: You may exercise on your own, with your household or support bubble, or with one person from another household (when on your own). Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble.

Support

Should anyone be in need of assistance to collect food, medicines, or just want someone to talk to, Compassionate Community can now be contacted by phone - 0300 247 0050. Initially the line will be operated from Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm. See this extract from B&NES press release: "The telephone number is 0300 2470050. Please understand we may experience high call volumes and ask you to bear with us during this time. The Compassionate Community telephone hub will see teams from partners including Virgin Care, Bath & North East Somerset Council and the NHS come together to work with 3SG, who are co-ordinating the efforts of third sector groups and volunteers to help people who are most in need with food, mental health, wellbeing and welfare."

Midsomer Norton High Street Heritage Action Zone

The Midsomer Norton High Street HAZ Project will deliver £2m of investment in three project areas through the provision of: A new multi-use Market Square at The Island and improvements to the adjacent Town Hall and shop frontages; Improved pedestrian links to the High Street, particularly from the South Road Car Park; High Street shop frontage and signage improvements. Funding is also allocated to develop and implement sustainable and inclusive activities such as pop-up shops, outdoor markets, community events and business engagement The public consultation for Scheme 1: Midsomer Norton Market Square is taking place between Friday 27th November – Tuesday 29th December 2020 and can be viewed at this web address: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/business/major-projects/historic-england-high-street-heritage-action-zones/midsomer-norton See our Projects page on this website for more information.

Life Magazine Survey

What do you think about Life magazine? Midsomer Norton Life magazine launched in Autumn of 2011. The Winter issue in 2021 will mark ten years of publication of the quarterly magazine, which we hope keeps residents informed about events, news and issues affecting their local area. How do you think our magazine is faring nearly a decade on? Which features do you enjoy? How could we improve? What would you like to see in Life magazine? Midsomer Norton town Council would be grateful if you could complete a short questionnaire to help us survey the impact the magazine is having. Please scroll down to the bottom of this home page and answer the questions. Just type your answers and click submit.