Local News Friday 19th February

Thursday, 18 February 2021 21:33

The leader of Somerset County Council has defended increasing its share of council tax. Final designs have been announced to up-grade the look of Chard town centre. Fire has destroyed a garden shed in Yeovil. It happened in Parish Mews. Police are asking for help in tracing a woman who attacked another woman in a Chard supermarket and more...

The leader of Somerset County Council has defended increasing its share of council tax by nearly 5 percent from April. It was agreed as part of the Council's budget for the next financial year and will add 64 pounds to the annual bill for an average 'Band D' home. Leader of Somerset County Council, David Fothergill, says the increase is line with what was allowed by the government and is needed to help fund the provision of adult social care and children’s services both of which continue to be under enormous financial strain.

Final designs have been announced to up-grade the look of Chard town centre. The plans will see the creation of a larger public space in Holyrood Street with new seating and open views towards the Baptist church. More disabled parking will be provided in Fore Street. A government grant of one-million pounds has been given for the improvements, which also include new shop fronts and repairs to a number of historic buildings.

Fire has destroyed a garden shed in Yeovil. It happened in Parish Mews. The soffits and guttering of a neighbouring property were also damaged.

Police are asking for help in tracing a woman who attacked another woman in a Chard supermarket. She was grabbed around the neck by the woman and sustained scratches to her face and neck. The incident happened on Sunday, January 10th but has only just been made public by the police. CCTV images of the woman police want to speak to can be viewed on the Avon and Somerset Police website.

A care home in South Petherton has been celebrating the birthday of its oldest resident. A special party was held at Burnworthy House in South Petherton for the 104th birthday of Gwyneth Isaccs earlier this week. Gwyneth, who was born in Swansea during the infamous Spanish flue pandemic of 1917, lived for many years in Martock.

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Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more