Local News Friday 20th January

Friday, 20 January 2023 at 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.

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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more