Somerset County Council is to end its lease agreement on renting Dillington House, near Ilminster. The Falkland Square shopping centre in Crewkerne has a new owner. There’ll be no fireworks display at Sherborne Castle this year. Somerset County Council says it’s expecting more care homes to shut this winter because of rising costs and staff shortages. Wessex Water is undertaking water main works on two roads in Chard and Ilminster later this month...and more.
Local News Friday 23rd September
Somerset County Council is to end its lease agreement on renting Dillington House, near Ilminster. The council has been a tenant at the stately home since the 1960s using it for adult education and weddings. Somerset County Council says it’s pulling out because it can no longer justify the costs involved in subsidising the running of the venue.
The Falkland Square shopping centre in Crewkerne has a new owner. The complex that consists of eleven retail units has been acquired by Evolve Estates Ltd, a firm of London-based property investors.
There’ll be no fireworks display at Sherborne Castle this year. The event was due to take place on Saturday, November 4th but organisers have cancelled holding it blaming rising costs.
Somerset County Council says it’s expecting more care homes to shut this winter because of rising costs and staff shortages. Eight homes in Somerset went out of business in the last six months. The council has set aside 1.2 million pounds to deal with any further closures.
Wessex Water is undertaking water main works on two roads in Chard and Ilminster later this month. From October 3rd to November 25th temporary traffic lights will operate on the old A303 through Ilminster as work takes place there. In Chard, Summerfields Road will be closed in places from September 22nd to November 3rd for repairs to take place.
Sixteen-year-old, Becca Randolph from Chaffcombe, near Chard, has raised £750 for charity by taking part in a skydive. Becca made her brave descent at Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton last weekend and has donated the money she raised to a national learning disability charity.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more