Local News Friday 29th October

Friday, 29 October 2021 06:00

Wessex Water says placing controls on storm overflows will not necessarily reduce levels of sewage going into local rivers. It’s claimed switching from EU subsidies to a post-Brexit payment scheme, could force farmers out of business. A Yeovil motorist has been ordered to pay more than £500 for driving a vehicle without a licence and insurance. One of Somerset's spookiest myths is being brought to life for Halloween by the National Trust at Barrington Court...and more.

Wessex Water says placing controls on storm overflows will not necessarily reduce levels of sewage going into local rivers. Wessex Water were responding to a government U-turn that will now see new legal sanctions imposed on water companies.

It’s claimed switching from EU subsidies to a post-Brexit payment scheme, could force farmers out of business. The transition is being introduced over seven years and will, it’s claimed, mean less money for farmers. Chairman for Somerset NFU, Tom Kimber, says farming is likely to get more intensive as a result.

A Yeovil motorist has been ordered to pay more than £500 for driving a vehicle without a licence and insurance. Richard Phillips of Sunningdale Road was stopped by Police on the A35 Dorchester bypass and found not to have a licence or insurance to drive. He was fined £392, with court costs of £90 and had his driving record endorsed with six penalty points.

One of Somerset's spookiest myths is being brought to life for Halloween by the National Trust at Barrington Court, in the village of Barrington. Seven Hinkypunks have been hidden around the grounds of the stately home for children to find.

Members of Windwhistle Motor Club have taken part in an annual drive from Chard to Lands End. Twenty classic cars, ranging from a Sunbeam Imp Sport to a Daimler SP250, successfully completed the 250-mile journey raising funds to help pay for a new lifeboat station in Minehead.

Yeovil Literary Festival is now in full swing. Michael McIntyre, Miriam Margolyes and Sarah, the Duchess of York are amongst the big-name authors appearing at this year’s event.

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Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,