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.

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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,