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

Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more