Local News Friday 19th February

Thursday, 18 February 2021 at 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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