Local News Tuesday 6th June

Tuesday, 6 June 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Attorney General’s office says the jail sentence given to a Yeovil man who crashed a stolen car into three pedestrians in Mosterton will not be increased. The fire service is asking people not to light bonfires and barbecues in the countryside to avoid the risk of wildfires. Plans have been submitted to convert a disused church in Langport into a house...and more.

The Attorney General’s office says the jail term given to a Yeovil man who crashed a stolen car into three pedestrians in Mosterton, killing one of them and seriously injuring the two others, will not be increased. Shane Bovey was jailed for fourteen years at Bournemouth Crown Court in May after pleading guilty to dangerous driving.

Devon and Somerset Fire Service is asking people not to light bonfires and barbecues in the countryside in the warm weather to avoid the risk of fire. It follows parts of the county being put at the second highest level of wildfires breaking out on the Fire Severity Index.

Tourism businesses in Somerset say they're feeling cautiously optimistic ahead of the summer season. It follows a successful May half-term with outdoor attractions benefiting from the good weather. But the CEO of Visit Somerset, John Turner says despite the upturn, some tourism businesses continue to struggle.

Advice sessions are being held in West Camel, Podimore and North Cadbury for people whose homes and businesses were affected by last month’s major flood event. The drop-in events, which have been organised by Somerset Council and the Environment Agency, are being held at the Davis Hall in West Camel tomorrow, Wednesday, 7th June, The Podimore Inn at Podimore on Thursday, June 8th, and at North Cadbury Village Hill next Monday, June 12th.

A ‘plant swap’ is being held in Yeovil tomorrow. Take along a plant from your own garden and exchange it for another plant. Organised by Yeovil In Bloom with two thousand plants to give away, it’s taking place in the grounds of St John’s Church in Yeovil.

Plans have been submitted to convert a disused church in Langport into a house. The application is to connect the former United Reform Church building on Bow Street to the property next door, to create one large house. The building was closed as a church in May 2021.

More from News

Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.