Local News Friday 26th November

Friday, 26 November 2021 at 06:00

A driver has been jailed for taking police on a 100 mph car chase through South Somerset. Independent retailers in Somerset are calling on shoppers to remember them on Black Friday today and support "Indie Friday" instead. A Chard man has appeared in court charged with assault and being the owner of a dangerous dog that was out of control. A man who handed a purse into Chard police station is being asked to contact the police. Yeovil’s open-air market in Middle Street tomorrow has been cancelled...and more

A driver has been jailed for taking police on a 100 mph car chase through South Somerset. Taunton Crown Court was told that Lee McGinty drove so fast that police saw his BMW leap two feet off the ground in Ilminster before escaping. Ten days later he led police on another high-speed pursuit driving along Reckleford in Yeovil at 90 mph then through Chilthorne Dormer before reaching a top speed of 100mph on the A37 at Ilchester where he crashed his car and was arrested. McGinty of Puddletown in Dorset was jailed for 3-years and disqualified from driving for three years.

Independent retailers in Somerset are calling on shoppers to remember them on Black Friday today and support "Indie Friday" instead. They say they can't afford to match the same discounts and promotions offered by most online businesses but still need people to buy from local shops.

A former employee at Westland Helicopters in Yeovil, now Leonardo, is trying to locate former colleagues he worked with in the 1970s after being diagnosed with the lung disease, mesothelioma, an incurable cancer that can be caused by exposure to asbestos. Ian Ebdon believes he might have contracted the disease while working at the Leonardo factory in Yeovil 40-years ago. Leonardo says they’re unable to comment as Mr. Ebdon has lodged a claim against the company.

A Chard man has appeared in court charged with assault and being the owner of a dangerous dog that was out of control. Wayne Brewer of Montague Way in Chard pleaded guilty to both offences at Taunton Magistrates Court and was fined £120 with £85 costs.

A man who handed a purse into Chard police station is being asked to contact the police. The black purse was dropped through the letterbox at Chard's Police Station at about 9 am on Friday, November 12th. Police want to talk to the man to find out where he found the purse. You can view a photo of the man on the Avon and Somerset Police website. If you can help, you’re asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

Yeovil’s open-air market in Middle Street tomorrow has been cancelled. Organisers say following a yellow weather issued by the Met Office, the market won’t be held for safety reasons.

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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