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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Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.