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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more