Friday 14th March

Friday, 14 March 2025 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Four Somerset businesses, including one in Yeovil, have been handed a total of £170,000 in civil penalties for employing illegal workers. National garage chain ATS Euromaster has closed its branch in Wincanton. A farmer in Wincanton is being hailed as a hero after rescuing his pigs from a burning barn...and more

Farmers in Somerset say the closure of a government-funded scheme is "another kick in the teeth". The Sustainable Farming Incentive, which pays farmers to deliver environmental benefits, was a key part of the post-Brexit payment scheme that replaced EU subsidies. The government says further applications to the scheme won’t be accepted. The National Farmers Union says it’s another example of the government 'slamming the door shut' on farmers.

Four Somerset businesses, including one in Yeovil, have been handed a total of £170,000 in civil penalties for employing illegal workers. The Mandarin Chinese Takeaway, run by Mandarin Dinner Limited, in Middle Street, Yeovil, was fined £40,000 for being a non-compliant employer. The Home Office define a non-compliant employer as one that employs a person without checking they have the correct immigration status to undertake work.

National garage chain ATS Euromaster has closed its branch in Wincanton. It’s one of 86 ATS outlets that have been shut since the start of the year. ATS Euromaster blames inflation and slow growth in the business for the closures.

Plans to build nine flats in Yeovil have been turned down. Studley Roofing Ltd had wanted to build an apartment block next to number 3 Everton Road together with a bin store, cycle store, and parking spaces. In rejecting the application, Somerset Council said the building would not integrate appropriately with its surroundings and cause harm to the character and appearance of the area.

The CEO of Visit Somerset is forecasting a better year for Somerset’s hospitality sector. John Turner thinks that world events and the cost of living will lead to more families booking holidays in the UK this summer, which should benefit Somerset.

A farmer in Wincanton is being hailed as a hero after rescuing his pigs from a burning barn. Roger Apsey's farm barn caught fire last weekend, threatening 12 piglets and their mother. The barn was destroyed but thankfully all of the animals - and Roger - got out safely.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more