A local district councillor has called on locals to help support their friends, neighbours and co-workers who may be struggling with the bureaucracy needed to say on in the UK in just a few weeks time.

Writing to residents of Evercreech and surrounding communities Cllr Barry O'Leary, who is also deputy leader of Mendip District Council, urged residents to "Please talk to your friends who might be EU Nationals".

He said: "This seems especially timely given how we are all looking and shouting on the various nations in the European Football Championships.

"I know of lots of Somerset residents including people who are Polish Czech, Estonian, Romanian, Swedish, Danish, French, German, Spanish, Italian and, like me, Irish.

"If you do know any EU or EEA national please make sure they know their rights, it has been a very stressful time for many who simply decided going back to a country they may have left decades ago was a simpler option than waiting to see what would happen, or than getting a right that could possibly be withdrawn due to some international trade disagreement.

"Our community, our district and our county depend on key frontline workers from EU and EEA nations.

"We have seen only this week the impact that a shortage of HGV drivers has caused on waste collections.

"Equally agri-business, farmers and the hospitality industry are now struggling to cope over the peak summer months.

"Clearly we cannot undo the decisions that got us here but it's important EU and EEA workers feel welcome, know they are needed and are supported.

"I urge all those affected by the bureaucratic changes to act now to stay in the place you choose to call home.

"Personally I've helped many residents who have been caught up in the net of bureaucracy to get their affairs in order.

"I will do all I can to support the many people affected in our communities, without whose help many residents who have struggled through lockdown.

"The deadline is June 30 2021 - don't miss out, act now to stay in the place you call home."

Cllr O'Leary urged anyone affected to contact him on [email protected] or call 01749 321421 for help.

The link to the Government website is here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/settled-status-for-eu-citizens-and-their-families-translations