Local News Friday 21st May

Friday, 21 May 2021 06:00

The government has confirmed a grant of ten million pounds towards helping to smarten up Yeovil town centre. A man from London has been arrested in Yeovil in connection with the supply of class A drugs. A date has been announced for holding a public inquiry into plans to build 100 new homes in Wincanton. Somerset Wildlife Trust has launched a research project into how many insects there are locally...and more.

The government has confirmed a grant of ten million pounds towards helping to smarten up Yeovil town centre. The money, provided through the Future High Street Fund will be spent on widening pavements, a bus gate, a water feature, a big screen TV as part of an amphitheatre in Lower Middle Street, and the pedestrianisation of the Borough. Leader of South Somerset District Council, Val Keitch, believes the works will transform the look and feel of the town centre.

A man from London has been arrested in Yeovil in connection with the supply of class A drugs. Shadrack McKenzie-Perkins faces two counts of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin, and in possession of cannabis. He’s due to stand trial at Taunton Crown Court in early June.

A date has been announced for holding a public inquiry into plans to build 100 new homes in Wincanton. Greystoke Land Ltd wants to build the homes at Bayford Hill, but South Somerset District Council says it would damage the character of Wincanton. The inquiry is scheduled to begin on June 8th, with the proceedings expected to last four days.

Somerset Wildlife Trust has launched a research project into how many insects there are locally. They’re asking vehicle owners to count the number of bugs that become stuck to the number plates and bonnets of vehicles.

A bat that was found injured on the A303 by an engineer working for Highways England - has been released back into the wild. After being treated for a broken wing at Mid-Devon Bat Rescue Centre, the female Soprano Pipistrelle is back close to the spot near Marsh on A303, from where she was rescued.

More from News

Thursday 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more