Local News Friday 4th June

Friday, 4 June 2021 06:00

Strawberries grown in Somerset this year are set to be bigger and juicier thanks to unseasonal weather in May. Drivers travelling between the A303 Ilminster bypass and the M5 may have to wait until 2028 for the journey to take less time. The Environment Agency says there’s ‘no quick fix’ to the problem of water pollution in protected habitats on Somerset's Levels. People in South Somerset have until 5 pm today to vote on the planned changes to local government in the County...and more.

Strawberries grown in Somerset this year are set to be bigger and juicier thanks to unseasonal weather in May. Fruit farmers in the County claim the local strawberry crop this summer will be one of the tastiest on record

Drivers travelling between the A303 Ilminster bypass and the M5 may have to wait until 2028 for the journey to take less time. Highways England plan to dual the A358 between the Southfields roundabout near Ilminster and Junction 25 on the M5 at Taunton to make it easier to get between the two places but before work can start, the public has to be consulted on the plans and detailed design work carried out which could take several more years to complete.

The Environment Agency says there’s ‘no quick fix’ to the problem of water pollution in protected habitats on Somerset's Levels. Natural England has downgraded the water quality status of some sites on the Levels and called for urgent action to reduce pollutants, called phosphates, which harm wildlife.

People in South Somerset have until 5 pm today (04-06) to vote on the planned changes to local government in the County. The government is considering replacing Somerset’s five existing councils with one or two councils. The one council option is supported by the County Council. The two council option, with one based on the eastern side of Somerset, the other on the western side and this proposal is supported by Somerset’s four District Councils. The result of the poll is due to be announced on Monday.

A new subscription service for using e-scooters in Yeovil has been launched. Z-wings, who run the e-scooters in the town, has introduced a Z-wings Ride Pass for riders to buy passes based on how much they use e-scooters. Four pass options are available ranging in price from £50 to just £5.

More from News

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