Friday 23rd February

Friday, 23 February 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of committing fraud and money laundering in the South West, including in Somerset. Bus users in Yeovil have welcomed the decision to keep the 54 and 58 services running for a further 12 months. Young people in Chard will soon have the chance to learn about dance, drama and singing at a new School of Musical Theatre...and more.

Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of committing fraud and money laundering offences in the South West, including in Somerset. The group defrauded six people out of eight million pounds. Two of the victims are from Somerset, with over four million pounds taken from one of them. Using doctored telephone numbers, the fraudsters convinced their targets that their savings were at risk, and persuaded them to move their money to other cryptocurrency accounts.

Bus users in Yeovil have welcomed the decision to keep the 54 and 58 services out of the town running for a further 12 months. Both routes had been under threat due to low passenger numbers and Somerset Council cutting its subsidy. The 54 from Yeovil to Taunton through Somerton and Langport and the 58 that runs between Yeovil and Wincanton via Sherborne have been funded until March next year when a further review will take place.

Taunton Town Football Club has confirmed that it has now paid all the money it owed to tax authorities. The Club was subjected to a winding-up petition in January and stopped from buying and selling players. In a statement, the club says the news is a relief, but doesn't mean they are free from financial challenges. The transfer embargo against the club has also been lifted.

The National Trust is looking for volunteers to work at its properties in Somerset. It’s planning a series of local drop-in sessions in the hope of finding volunteers to help out at places like Montecute House and Lytes Cary Manor.

Young people in Chard will soon have the chance to learn about dance, drama and singing at a new School of Musical Theatre opening in the town. Chard-based musician and actress Bethany Goodman is behind the idea and will launch the Bethany Brown School of Musical Theatre at Holyrood Academy starting in April.

Wincanton Chamber of Commerce has announced the date of its annual Business Fair. It’s being held in the Memorial Hall in Wincanton on Wednesday, March 27th. To display your business at the event will cost £50.

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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