Friday 3rd November

Friday, 3 November 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council is looking to sell off £220 million of commercial properties at a potential loss of £70 million to help stave off bankruptcy. A teacher in Wincanton has been banned from working in schools after completing a prison sentence for asking pupils to send him indecent images. Despite the damp conditions, tonight's fireworks display at Minterne House near Sherborne is going ahead...and more.

Somerset Council is looking to sell off £220 million of commercial properties at a potential loss of £70 million. The move follows news that Somerset Council has to make huge savings in its spending or face bankruptcy. The Council's portfolio of properties includes ownership of shop premises like the Marks and Spencer store in Yeovil, office buildings and other commercial units both in Somerset and other parts of the country.

A teacher in Wincanton has been banned from working in schools indefinitely after completing a prison sentence for asking pupils to send him indecent images. 35-year-old Scott Evans, who taught at King Arthur’s School, served a two-year-and-four-month prison sentence after being convicted in 2021. The Teacher Regulation Authority, part of the Education Department, said there was no evidence that his actions were not deliberate.

The number of councillors on Somerset Council could be cut by the time of the next local elections. The Council currently has 110 members which is the third highest of any upper-tier or unitary authority in England. Now, the Local Government Boundary Commission is to hold a review and has indicated the number of seats on Somerset Council could reduce to between 70 and 90 by the time the next local elections in May 2027. The review will also look into the boundaries of the existing council divisions and may rename some divisions to reflect their local character.

Despite the damp conditions, Minterne House near Sherborne say their fireworks display tonight is going ahead as planned. Gates to the house open at 5 pm with the fireworks starting at 7.30 pm.

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