Local News Friday 24th September

Friday, 24 September 2021 06:00

The former Somerset Council Leader, Ric Pallister has been found guilty of 18 historical indecent assault charges. Another 290 cases of coronavirus were recorded in Somerset on Wednesday of this week. Councillors have expressed concern about the road safety implications of allowing 48 new homes to be built at Tatworth near Chard. The NHS Organ Donation Service in the South West is asking for more families to donate the organs of their loved ones when they die...and more.

The former Somerset Council Leader, Ric Pallister has been found guilty of 18 historical indecent assault charges, following a 2-week trial at Taunton Crown Court. Pallister, who lives in East Chinnock was accused of using his position to groom his female victims by sexually touching them. Pallister, who was a Liberal Democrat councillor in South Somerset for almost 20-years will be sentenced later today and was told to expect a custodial sentence

Another 290 cases of coronavirus were recorded in Somerset on Wednesday of this week. This is the most up-to-date figure issued by the NHS with a further 62 cases confirmed in South Somerset. It brings the number of positive test results in South Somerset since the pandemic started to 11,297.

Councillors have expressed concern about the road safety implications of allowing 48 new homes to be built at Tatworth near Chard. Land Allocation Ltd, want to develop two adjoining sites on Fore Street in Tatworth. But members of South Somerset District Council’s Area West Committee voted not to give the plans the go-ahead for the moment, pending further talks about road access with the developers.

The NHS Organ Donation Service in the South West is asking for more families to donate the organs of their loved ones when they die. Currently, when a close relative dies, only half of families agree to organ donation.

A Yeovil solicitor has welcomed planned changes to flexible working. Under the government’s planned changes, employees would have the right to request flexible working from day one of starting a new job. Katy Ponsford of Battens Solicitors says the current system is not working in the interests of new employees.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more