Dear Editor,

My letter a fortnight ago, regarding the major Pegasus housing development south of Oldway Road, prompted some people to participate in the important public consultation. As reported in last week’ WWN Somerset Council has extended the consultation period to February 6 so there remains one more week for Wellington residents to make representations online.

On Tuesday of last week HM government published on its website a document entitled Nature security assessment on global diversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security. It reveals some key judgements and assessments regarding food security and biodiversity that the Planning Authority would do well to take into consideration in making its decision on the Pegasus proposals. The document suggests that countries “best placed to adapt are those that invest in ecosystem protection and restoration, and resilient and efficient food systems.” It goes on to say the “UK does not have enough land to feed its population and rear livestock.”

The Pegasus development proposal for 250 dwellings is on land categorised as Best and Most Versatile (BMV) because it has the highest versatility and productive potential. As such it obtains stronger protection in planning decisions. To take this farmland out of productive use for all time would be a crime especially considering the UK’s less than adequate food security position. If the Pegasus proposal were to be approved it would set a catastrophic precedent opening up a huge area of valuable BMV land for future development and it would adversely affect those iconic views of the Blackdown Hills’ northern escarpment and the Wellington Monument itself.

There are multiple reasons to oppose this development as have been reported previously in this paper. Many Wellington residents have already made their views known to Somerset Council. Those who feel strongly can still make their contribution. The public consultation remains open until February 6. Residents can view the plans and submit comments directly to Somerset Council at: somerset.gov.uk/planning (search 44/25/0013). Public participation in this process is essential to achieve an outcome that works for Wellington.

Tim Lomas

Wellington

Dear Editor,

More than 117-million people around the world have been forced from their homes, yet new research shows that many crises driving this displacement remain almost entirely unknown to people in the UK.

Across countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mozambique, families are fleeing conflict, climate disasters, and deepening poverty. Many have had to escape more than once and are now living in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters with little protection.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults reveals just how wide the awareness gap is. Only eight per cent knew about the situations in Mozambique and Cameroon, where whole communities have been uprooted by violence. Awareness was only slightly higher for other crises – 12 per cent for Burkina Faso, 28 per cent for Ethiopia, and 37 per cent for Somalia.

At ShelterBox, the UK‑based disaster relief charity behind the study, we’re responding in all five countries. We support people forced to flee from conflict, the climate crisis, and other disasters with emergency shelter and essential items like solar lights, water filters, and cooking sets.

Working with the Juba Foundation, we supported Nuria, who left her rural village in Somalia after drought destroyed her livelihood.

Sam Hewett

Regional director for East and Southern Africa, ShelterBox

Dear Editor,

Many people want to give back to their communities, but sometimes finding the time to volunteer can be a real challenge.

It’s not always easy to commit to a traditional volunteering shift, at a specific time or on a regular basis. Balancing giving back with work, family, and other responsibilities can be difficult.

That’s why, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Royal Voluntary Service has launched GoVo, a free platform created to make it easier for people to discover volunteering opportunities in their local area, or remote, suited to their interests, availability, and the causes they care about.

Alongside the more traditional and regular volunteering roles people may already be familiar with, GoVo also offers flexible, one-off, remote, and more unexpected opportunities, with location dependent roles. These include dog walking for people with a terminal illness, DJing at discos for people living with dementia, knitting baby clothes for families in need, and providing exam support for young people with visual impairments.

So, to anyone who would like to give volunteering a go – even if you feel short on time – I would encourage you to explore what’s available at GoVo.org, or to visit your local volunteer centre. There’s so much out there, and you may be surprised by just how easy it is to make a difference.

Thank you,

Dave Stott

Director of Volunteering at Royal Voluntary Service