Somerset is an exciting and diverse place to live and work. If you are looking for a lifestyle that enables you to manage your work/life balance more easily, gives you easy access to a huge variety of outdoor pursuits, diverse shopping and cultural experiences, but can still offer you a lively nightlife, then Somerset is the place for you.
Often described as the 'gateway to the West Country', Somerset is in an excellent geographical position no matter whether you want to go North, East, South or West. Taunton is the county town; situated just off the M5 and with excellent rail connections.
The county is also famous for many events such as the Glastonbury Festival, its illuminated carnivals and excellent national and international cricket. With beautiful countryside, over 40 miles of coastline and a rich mixture of heritage and vibrant towns, Somerset is a county of contrast to suit all tastes.
Not a lot of people know that in Somerset we:
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Look after a population of over 515,500
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Educate over 70,000 pupils in 283 schools
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Support over 1,000 adults with learning difficulties to live independently
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Maintain over 6,500kms of roads, the equivalent of a straight line from Taunton to Alaska as well as verges, pavements, 2,000 bridges and almost 50,000 street lights
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Deal with around 300,000 tonnes of domestic waste each year
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Conduct 75,000 tests on food, water, asbestos and air samples to ensure our safe environment
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Operate 17 dual-use leisure clubs, which provide support to nationally and internationally ranked clubs and individuals in seven sports including fencing and rowing
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Look after 140 sq miles of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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Host a stage of the Tour of Britain Cycle Race.
For further information on living and working in Somerset, see
http://www.somerset.gov.uk/workingforsomerset/LivingInSomerset.asp (link opens in new window).
