Local News Tuesday 6th June

Tuesday, 6 June 2023 at 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 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