Local News Friday 20th January

Friday, 20 January 2023 07:23

A new large-scale solar farm could be built near Crewkerne. Greentech Ltd has submitted an inquiry to South Somerset District Council about using land on Dunsham Lane in Wayford for the scheme. The Environment Agency says flood water on the Somerset Levels is receding but that a major incident remains in place. Councillor Jenny Kenton has been elected as the new Mayor of Chard...and more.

A new large-scale solar farm could be built near Crewkerne. Greentech Ltd has submitted an inquiry to South Somerset District Council about using land on Dunsham Lane in Wayford for the scheme. The company claims the site would be enclosed to prevent it from impacting the character of the village.

The Environment Agency says flood water on the Somerset Levels is receding but that a major incident remains in place. Extra pumps are being used to remove the excess water but residents and the Leader of Somerset County Council, Councillor Bill Revans have both accused the Agency of not acting fast enough.

Councillor Jenny Kenton has been elected as the new Mayor of Chard. Her appointment follows the resignation in December of Councillor Martin Carnell as Mayor. Councillor Kenton will serve until May when a fresh election will be held to fill the post of Mayor. The new Deputy Mayor of Chard is Councillor Claire Brown.

The Chair of Avon and Somerset Police Federation, Mark Loker, wants his colleagues to speak out if they have suspicions about their fellow officers. It follows the case of David Carrick - the former Met Police Officer who committed numerous acts of sexual abuse, including rape, while a serving officer.

The owner of a flower shop in Ilminster has donated £500 towards the costs of the town’s Christmas lights. Angie Blackwell of Cottage Flowers in the High Street raised the money by giving a demonstration of festive flower arranging at The Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster in December.

The Fixy Reuse van operated by Somerset Waste Partnership is in Martock today. It’s parked outside the Parish Hall until 1 pm for people to hand in items of unwanted tech equipment like PCs, laptops and screens. All the items will be re-used.

More from News

Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more