Somerset Voice: Sarah Dyke
"I’m delighted and humbled to have been elected as the first MP for the new seat of Glastonbury and Somerton and I look forward to serving the entire constituency and all who live within it.
Please keep reading to learn all about my activity over the summer recess. I hope it provides you with an interesting overview of the work I have been doing recently to represent the constituency.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require assistance with anything at all: sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk."
- Sarah Dyke MP
Drop-in Advice Surgeries
I have already held a number of advice surgeries across the new constituency since the General Election. From Glastonbury and Street in the north to Norton Sub Hamdon, Ilton, Barrington, and Montacute in the south. I am committed to working hard for everyone across the new seat of Glastonbury and Somerton - and not just the people living and working in the towns but those in the villages, too.
Staying in touch with residents is important to me, and not just at election time but all year round. If you know of anyone in your Parish who needs my help, please remind them to contact me for assistance. If you would like me to hold an Advice Surgery in your area, please get in touch: sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk
Love Glastonbury Visit
I was humbled to meet all the people behind Love Glastonbury to learn more about their amazing work in the community. An estimated 4 million people across the country have been driven to use food banks and holiday hunger is a growing problem for people dependent on free school meals to feed children.
We discussed how it’s simply not acceptable that so many have been pushed into food poverty and that it’s utterly shocking that in 2024, record numbers of people are turning to food banks in order to feed themselves and their families. I will use my voice in Parliament to work towards a day where everyone is food secure and food banks are a thing of the past.
If you live in the BA6/BA16 postcodes and are experiencing food insecurity please contact Love Glastonbury or the Glastonbury Foodbank for help:
Street Post Office Closure
Those of you who visit Street’s branch of WHSmith will know it is set to close in January 2025 and, along with it, the town’s main Post Office counter. I met with the Street & Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce and local businesses and residents to hear about how this closure will affect them. I am really concerned about this because access to high street services like Post Offices is vitally important to rural communities. The Post Office is looking to find a new location for the counter they have in WHSmith, and a new franchise is currently being advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk. The Post Office would welcome interest from any local retailers who may wish to set up a counter in their existing store.
Ham Hill Visitor Centre update
Earlier in August, I visited Ham Hill Country park for an update on the planned Visitor and Learning Centre. It is being delivered by Somerset Council with a grant of £1.6million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. I was delighted to learn that the team is expecting to "break ground" in January 2025, with some of the enabling works (services, paths etc) starting before then. I plan to visit during the build phase and will keep you updated on progress.
Having been involved in this project from the outset in my previous role as Portfolio Holder for Environment at South Somerset District Council, I am so proud of the work the team are doing to deliver an ambitious vision for Ham Hill despite all the challenges involved with working on such a unique heritage asset.
Meeting at Street Police Station
I was pleased to spend time with Sgt. Lancey at the end of August. It was fascinating to learn more about the work our neighbourhood policing teams do to keep us safe in our homes and walking down our streets. We talked about some of the challenges facing officers who need to have more time and resources to focus on preventing and solving crime. The Liberal Democrats are committed to enabling and encouraging local forces to restore community policing in their areas. We also discussed the provision of appropriate sites for our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community in Glastonbury. I am committed to working alongside all stakeholders to find a better solution for everybody.
Police and Crime Plan - Consultation
This month I received a letter from Clare Moody, the new Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Avon & Somerset. The PCC is running a public consultation on her Police and Crime Plan and wants your suggestions on how to achieve the priorities set out in the Plan, including:
- Strengthen neighbourhood policing
- Reduce violent crime
- Prevent crime
- Support victims
- Improve standards of policing
The plan, a link to the consultation survey, and details about public forums being held by the Commissioner can be found here (The consultation is open until 21st October): https://www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/about/police-crime-plan24-29/
Visit to Wessex Water Sewage Works
Recently I met with Operations Managers at Wessex Water, who talked me through their upgrades at local sewage treatment works. The health of our rivers and watercourses is important to me, and I am committed to holding water companies to account as they work to reduce their impact on rivers across Somerset. Our water industry needs top to bottom reform. That must start with abolishing Ofwat and replacing it with a new regulator with real teeth to clampdown on firms causing pollution, end the sewage scandal and get bill payers the fair deal they deserve.
Strode College Results Day
Attending the A-Level results day at Strode College was a real privilege. It was so lovely to share such a joyful day with so many students who received their exam results and hear about their dreams and aspirations. I also took the opportunity to meet with Principal John Revill, to discuss the challenges currently faced by those working in the Further Education sector.
It’s clear from this year’s A-Level, T-Level, and BTEC results that the staff at Strode College are doing amazing things with overstretched resources. I’m looking forward to working with John and his team to get a fair deal for his students and for everyone in the FE sector.
Somerset Skills & Learning
A few weeks ago I met with Kathryn and Jason (pictured) from Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) to discuss the importance of adult education in Glastonbury and Somerton.
Adult education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to adapt to changing circumstances, pursue new career opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to society. SS&L engages 6,500 learners in adult community education across Somerset annually, covering everything from pre-entry to Level 5 qualifications and facilitates over 600 different courses.
The sector faces numerous challenges, from ensuring accessibility and inclusivity to adapting to emerging trends in digital learning. I look forward to supporting SS&L navigate these challenges effectively and take the opportunities that lie ahead.
Glastonbury Pride
I was invited to speak at Glastonbury Pride, held on the last Saturday of July. There was a wonderful parade through the town centre followed by speeches, food and celebration at St Benedict’s Church. The Liberal Democrats have always been at the forefront of the battle for equality. 10 years ago we successfully legalised same-sex marriage - one of our proudest achievements in government. We will always champion the rights and the dignity of all LGBTQ+ individuals.
Barrington Fete
I was delighted to join in the fun at Barrington Fete this year - what a fantastic afternoon! Well done to all the organisers for putting on such a wonderful show. I had the pleasure of meeting Ollie the owl as well as Bill and Ben (not forgetting Little Weed!) I enjoyed some lovely conversations with visitors and stall holders and my mother really enjoyed the Biscoff sponge and Ginger cake I took home from the cake stall!
If you are organising an event, I would love to come along to support it. Please email details to: sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk