Local News Friday 21st May

Friday, 21 May 2021 at 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.

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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