Breadcrumbs
Potential industrial action: Update and advice
Unite union members working on Somerset waste collections plan to take industrial action starting from Wednesday 12 July. They intend to strike on Wednesday, Thursday Friday, each week for the four weeks from Wednesday 12 July to Friday 4 August.
We hope industrial action can be avoided and will do everything practical to minimise disruption. However, if it goes ahead large numbers of missed collections will be unavoidable across all parts of the county.
***NOTE: Industrial action could be called off as late as Tuesday 11 July 2023 – if that happens collections would operate as normal***
We will prioritise collections of clinical waste, refuse and waste from communal properties and schools BUT this is no guarantee these collections will take place on time.
Recycling collections are much more likely to be missed as staff are redeployed. We will do our best to make sure everyone gets at least one recycling collection during the strike.
We do not plan to suspend garden waste collections but expect significant delays. We will make a decision about existing subscriptions when we know the full impact of strike action.
Throughout the strike www.somerset.gov.uk/strike will be the best place for the latest information about disruption and advice on how to manage waste when collections are missed. Please check it frequently.
Service specific messages for the public
Refuse and clinical collections
- When to present: put your refuse out on your usual collection day throughout the strike.
From 17 July onwards crews will accept one additional black sack of refuse, placed at the side of the bin.
- If missed: report a missed collection in the usual way, online using the My Waste Services A crew will try and return as soon as they can, but long delays are likely.
Recycling collections
- When to present: put your recycling out on your usual collection day throughout the strike. However, we expect to see high numbers of missed collections.
- What to do if missed: take it in and put it out again on your next scheduled recycling day.
There are special arrangements for anyone with a recycling collection due on Wednesday 12 July, Thursday 13 July and Friday 14 July and Friday 21 July only.
- If missed on Wednesday 12 July, put it out again on Monday 17 July.
- If missed on Thursday 13 July, put it out again on Tuesday 18 July.
- If missed on Friday 14 July and Friday 21 July put it out again on Monday 24 July.
How to apply for affordable housing in Cannington:
As you may know, 22 affordable homes will be delivered this year on the Grange Meadow development in Cannington, managed and owned by Aster. Construction of the attractive new homes on the site continues to progress well. This would mean that anyone wanting an affordable home on this development should be ready to bid ASAP on Homefinder Somerset.
Local people with a housing need, and who have the strongest connection with Cannington, will be given the highest priority for the new homes.
The next steps, if you are interested in one of these affordable homes:
Step 1: You must be registered on the Homefinder Somerset system. You can do this online at www.homefindersomerset.co.uk. Help is available for those who cannot register online by contacting Somerset Council’s Housing team on 0300 123 2224. You are advised to do this as soon as possible, as it can take two months to complete the assessment process. Once registered:
Step 2: You must make sure your information is up to date and crucially, make sure your application confirms what local connection you have with Cannington. This is very important.
Step 3: From Summer 2023 onwards (timing to be confirmed and will be advertised locally), you must regularly login to this system to check when you can bid for one of these homes. The advert will make it clear that priority for the new homes goes to applicants with a connection to the parish of Cannington.
Step 4: You must bid for one of these properties (when advertised) to be considered.
Key Messages
If you are not registered, you cannot bid. You will not be considered for one of these homes, if you do not bid.
You can find out further information about the allocation system at www.homefindersomerset.co.uk
The Parish Office will also have information to circulate shortly. We will advertise further details to help possible applicants on the Parish notice boards. We hope local shops and other outlets will be willing to help advertise also, we will also post information on this website and on Facebook – please check frequently for updates.
Ryan Morgan
Housing Development Business Apprentice
Delivering-Developing New Affordable Housing and a New Generation of Council Homes
Homes in Sedgemoor | Bridgwater House | King Square | Bridgwater | TA6 3AR
If you have any queries about the development and affordable housing please contact the Housing Development Team at [email protected]
If you have any Homefinder Somerset enquiries about houses becoming available and regarding your Homefinder account please contact [email protected]
