Peasedown St John is to see almost £350,000 in funding invested in it over the next 12 months, thanks to successful lobbying from the village's Independent councillors.

Community leaders, Cllr Karen Walker and Cllr Sarah Bevan submitted a series of requests to the council's leadership before last Tuesday's annual budget meeting.

Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown St John) said:

"We're extremely pleased that some of our requests for funding, made on behalf of local residents, were met by the council.

The role of any local councillor is to always put their community first. On a regular basis, Cllr Bevan and I meet with residents, visit them in their homes, and discuss issues that matter to them.

These extra funds coming to Peasedown have all been requested by people that we've listened to, met on the doorstep or at one of our Advice Surgeries."

During the next 12 months, the village is to see spent:

- £110,000 for the resurfacing of Braysdown Lane

- £35,000 for drainage improvements on the A367 by-pass

- £165,000 for the resurfacing of parts of Roman Way and the by-pass

- £31,000 for the resurfacing of parts of Wellow Mead

The councillors also secured £25,000 in a previous budget that is being spent this year on the upgrading of the children's play park in Eckweek Lane, which is located between Saxon Way and Under Knoll.

Cllr Sarah Bevan (Independent, Peasedown St John) added:

"We'll continue to lobby for funding for other requests that weren't met, such as the resurfacing of Carlingcott and Lower Peasedown.

Since I became a councillor in 2003, one of the regular issues that residents have constantly raised with me is the condition of our roads. This funding therefore will be welcomed by many."

The additional funding for the village has also been welcomed by the Chairman of the Peasedown Community Trust, Gavin Heathcote. He said: "The year ahead looks like it's going to be a positive one for Peasedown.

As well as this funding windfall secured by our local councillors, we've got the Jubilee Party in the Park festival happening this summer, plus the community trust will soon be announcing plans to spend £3,000 on a new mental health support initiative for residents.

It's fantastic to see the council and local charities working together in such a positive way."