Local News Friday 30th June

Friday, 30 June 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Avon and Somerset Police have spent one-point-three-million-pounds on the planned changes to Yeovil Police station even before a new brick has been laid. Plans to build ninety-seven new homes in South Chard have been turned down. After a series of delays and a contractor going bust, work to improve Westminster Street in Yeovil town centre has now finished...and more.

Avon and Somerset Police have spent one-point-three-million- pounds on the planned changes to Yeovil Police station even before a new brick has been laid. Figures show the bulk of the money, eight-hundred-and-ninety-six thousand pounds, has been spent on consultants, architects and other professional fees. A further three-hundred-and-thirty-three thousand pounds has been spent renting temporary accommodation for the police to operate from while Yeovil Police Station remains closed.

Changes have been finalised to Somerset’s parliamentary boundaries. The area covered by Somerset County Council is divided into five constituencies and then there's North East Somerset which takes in Radstock and Midsomer Norton. The current six constituencies will become eight, to try and even out the number of voters in each area.

Plans to build ninety-seven new homes in South Chard have been rejected by councillors. The proposal to develop land in Perry Street was turned down because of concerns about road safety and over-development.

Avon and Somerset Police are to put more resources into policing the countryside. It comes as the National Farmers Union reports that higher inflation has led to an increase in rural thefts with the value of stolen farm equipment doubling in the last year.

West Country-based wheelchair tennis player Lucy Shuker says she's 'as hungry as ever for success' as she prepares for her thirteenth Wimbledon appearance. The paralympic silver medallist has been given a wildcard at this year’s championships and will compete in both the singles and doubles events.

After a series of delays and a contractor going bust, work to improve Westminster Street in Yeovil has now finished. Somerset Council says the installation of wider natural stone paving and street planters has refreshed the look and feel of Westminster Street in the town centre.

More from News

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
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more