Local News Friday 23rd July

Friday, 23 July 2021 at 07:04

The Leader of Somerset County Council, David Fothergill is calling for everyone in local government in Somerset to work together to make a success of creating a new unitary authority for the County. The number of Covid patients in Somerset’s main hospitals is doubling week-on-week. South Somerset District Council has rejected plans to build nineteen new houses in Templecombe...and more.

The Leader of Somerset County Council, David Fothergill is calling for everyone in local government in Somerset to work together to make a success of creating a new unitary authority for the County. The government announced earlier this week that its preferred choice for the future of local government in Somerset is one council to run all services. The idea of having two councils, promoted by Somerset’s District Councils, was rejected. and these councils warned that the single council plan will ‘level down’ the county and not help tackle the 'extreme poverty' that exists in some areas. They also say 300 District Council employees will lose their jobs.

The number of Covid patients in Somerset’s main hospitals is doubling week-on-week, according to NHS in Somerset. They say that on Monday this week, twelve patients were being treated for Covid in local hospitals. This compares to five patients the previous Monday.

South Somerset District Council has rejected plans to build nineteen new houses in Templecombe. The homes would have been built on the site of the former Knights Templar Nursing Home, close to Templecombe railway station. The Council says the developer’s refusal to build affordable homes was one reason why the application was turned down.

A husband and wife team in Norton-sub-Hamdon have retired after twenty years of fundraising for a local children’s charity. Carol and Doug Rogers launched the Smokestack Country Music Club in 2001, raising £165,000 for the Children’s Hospice South West.

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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