Work to improve the facilities and energy efficiency at three leisure centres in Yeovil and Wincanton will begin this spring. Plans have been submitted for a new drive-thru hot food outlet in Chard. It’s thought more families will be holidaying in the UK this year, as pressure mounts on household budgets. People are being advised to check their polling cards for the local elections as the location of some polling stations has changed and Cheddar Caves re-open today.
Work to improve the facilities and energy efficiency at three leisure centres in Yeovil and Wincanton will begin this spring. South Somerset District Council has earmarked six million pounds for new equipment at Goldenstones and the Westlands Fitness Centre in Yeovil, together with fresh exercise spaces and new equipment at Wincanton Sports Centre.
Plans have been submitted for a new drive-thru hot food outlet in Chard. The unit would be built off Tapstone Road, near the Lidl and Tesco stores. South Somerset District Council is expected to make a decision on the application before the summer.
It’s thought more families will be holidaying in the UK this year, as pressure mounts on household budgets. According to tourism managers, Somerset’s B&B’s, hotels, and attractions could be amongst those to benefit with families booking local stays in preference to holidaying abroad. Meanwhile, the Somerset Community Credit Union is encouraging people to speak to them about managing their household bills.
People are being advised to check their polling cards for the local elections as the location of some polling stations has changed. If you haven’t been sent a polling card you should make sure that your name is on the electoral register, if not, then you need to register before the deadline of April 14th. If you’re planning to vote by post, you need to apply for a postal ballot by the deadline of April 19th. Further details about how to vote in the local elections on May 5th can be found on the South Somerset District Council website.
Cheddar Caves re-open today, almost two years to the day after the attraction was forced to close due to Covid restrictions.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,