Local News Friday 2nd July

Friday, 2 July 2021 06:00

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, Andy Marsh, has officially stepped down after five years in the role. Highways England has given a start date for dualling the A303 in South Somerset. Construction will begin in September. A survey into an electric car-sharing scheme in South Somerset has shown a majority of people in favour of the idea. Children at the Castle School in Stoke-sub-Hamdon are to get more opportunities to express themselves through art.

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, Andy Marsh, has officially stepped down after five years in the role. It’s been a tricky final year for the Chief Constable, with the pandemic, the toppling of the Edward Colston statue, and the ‘Kill the Bill’ riots in Bristol. Chair of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation, Ian Prideaux, says thanks to his leadership, the Avon and Somerset force remains in good shape. Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police are asking for comments on current policing issues in a new survey. Newly-elected PCC Mark Shelford wants to know people’s opinions on how the police are tackling crime and, in particular, anti-social behaviour. The survey’s open for comments via the Avon and Somerset Police website.

Highways England has given a start date for dualling the A303 in South Somerset. Construction will begin in September on turning the stretch between the Sparkford and Podimore roundabouts into a dual carriageway. Work on the scheme, costing £250 million pounds, is expected to take two years to complete.

A survey into an electric car-sharing scheme in South Somerset has shown a majority of people in favour of the idea. The survey, organised by the District Council, showed 60 per cent of respondents would use the car-sharing scheme for shopping, running errands and day trips. Several others said the scheme would mean they would not need to own a car.

Paintbrushes at the ready! Children at the Castle School in Stoke-sub-Hamdon are to get more opportunities to express themselves through art. It follows the awarding of £1500 in extra funding by Artsmark SPARK to widen the teaching of art subjects.

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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