Friday 15th November

Friday, 15 November 2024 05:00

By Steve Haigh

National Highways says the scheme to dual the A303 between Ilchester and Sparkford has been designed in the interests of motorists, horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. An investigation has been launched after a teenage girl was forced into a car in Wincanton. The number of children in Somerset being home-educated has nearly doubled since the Covid pandemic...and more

National Highways says the scheme to dual the A303 between Ilchester and Sparkford has been designed to benefit motorists, horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. Along the three-and-a-half-mile stretch of new highway, National Highways has included specially designed access points to make the area safer for horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians.

An investigation has been launched after a teenage girl was forced into a car in Wincanton. It happened just after half past ten last Tuesday night. The girl was followed by a car near the junction of The Batch and Shadwell Lane. She was grabbed and bundled into the car but managed to escape and run away. The car is described as a dark-coloured, five-door hatchback. If you witnessed the incident or have information that would help the police, you’re asked to please call the non-emergency number 101.

The number of children in Somerset being home-educated has nearly doubled since the Covid pandemic. New data show that in the last four years, the number of children being home-schooled in Somerset has risen from 477 to nearly 900. The Children's Commissioner has expressed her shock at the figures, claiming it’s because children’s needs aren't being met by mainstream schools.

Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke has expressed disappointment over delays rolling out rural fibre broadband in parts of her constituency. Fibre installer, Airband, had aimed to deliver high-speed broadband to more than 55,000 premises in rural Somerset and Devon by the end of this year but now says only 27,000 premises will be connected. Speaking in the House of Commons, Sarah Dyke called on the government to ensure the interests of rural communities, that depend on broadband access for economic and social well-being, are properly listened to.

And, how would you fancy dressing up as Father Christmas to help set a world record? Clark’s Village in Street is planning an attempt on the record for the most Father Christmas skating on an ice rink at any one time, using the ice rink that has been opened for the festive season at the shopping outlet.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more