Local News Friday 5th August

Friday, 5 August 2022 06:00

Plans to improve the look of Wyndham Street in Yeovil are to go ahead following a change of mind by members of South Somerset District Council. An investigation is being held into a fire near Ilminster in which two campervans were destroyed. Rising costs and staffing challenges are affecting small businesses in Somerset, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. Police are asking people in South Somerset to look out for a convicted drug offender...and more.

Plans to improve the look of Wyndham Street in Yeovil are to go ahead following a change of mind by members of South Somerset District Council. The Council voted in June to abandon smartening up the pavement and changing the road layout in Wyndham Street at a cost of £770,000. Now, it’s been decided to spend £891,000 of council reserves to carry out the work. Meanwhile, at a meeting of the Council’s Executive, it was also decided to scale back on other aspects of the Yeovil Refresh programme to ensure improvements in Westminster Street, Lower Middle Street and The Borough are completed within the deadline of 2024 set by the government for payment of a £9.75 million grant from the High Steet Improvement Fund.

An investigation is being held into a fire near Ilminster in which two campervans were destroyed. The blaze at Sea near Ilminster broke out late on Wednesday night. A barn, in which the vehicles were parked, was also destroyed. The fire service says at the moment the cause of the blaze is ‘undetermined’.

Rising costs and staffing challenges are affecting small businesses in Somerset, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. In a new report, the Federation says business confidence is at its lowest level since the start of the pandemic.

Police are asking people in South Somerset to look out for a convicted drug offender. Merseyside Police have issued an appeal through Avon and Somerset Police to find Ellis Bala, who has connections with South Somerset and who is wanted on a recall to prison for breach of his license conditions. Bala, who’s 30, is described as Albanian, 6ft 1in tall, of heavy build, with dark brown shaved hair and brown eyes. If you can help the police, please call the non-emergency number 101

Turkey producers in Somerset are warning that prices could rise this year because they're facing increasing production costs. Local turkey farmer, Colin Reasons, says a labour shortage is also adding to problems.

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Friday 21st November

A public inquiry is being held into plans to build a large solar farm in the village of Wayford. Fire crews have put out a small blaze at Tesco in Ilminster. Canadian firm KDC One is closing its Wellington factory, putting dozens of jobs at risk. It's Ilminster's turn to switch on the Christmas lights tonight... and more.
Thursday 20th November

Taunton Town Council has agreed to provide funding for five years to support the town's Brewhouse Theatre. The Environment Agency is warning that Somerset could experience a drought next spring if this winter is drier than usual. We’re being asked to look out for rough sleepers during the current cold snap...and more
Wednesday 19th November

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is calling for stronger preventative measures to stop sewage discharges into local waterways. Somerset Council is to provide three new children's homes across the County. Street Football Club has appointed a father-and-son team to manage the club... and more.
Tuesday 18th November

Somerset Council has set up a task force to help identify land for a permanent traveller’s site in the county. Police are appealing for information after a charity shop in Martock was targeted by burglars. A Somerset woman is seeking individuals with a connection to the armed forces to join a new amateur rowing club...and more.
Monday 17th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening further strike action. Dunelm says its Yeovil store in the Quedam will reopen on Tuesday, December 16th. A nurse working at Yeovil Hospital has won a place in the final of Miss England...and more.
Friday 14th November

Yeovil Hospital has introduced a new system for handling patients at its A&E department aimed at cutting waiting times. It’s claimed that an Iron Age settlement preserved under Somerset's wetlands for 2,000 years is facing erosion due to climate change. Montacute Road in Tintinhull will be closed for five days next week for repairs to a gas main.
Thursday 13th November

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action in their dispute over pay. Lloyds Bank has closed its branch in Chard permanently. A week-long programme of tree planting will be held at Ham Hill later this month to mark National Tree Week...and more
Wednesday 12th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil begin a two-day strike today. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, has been speaking in a parliamentary debate on improving dyslexia support in schools. South Western Ambulance Service is inviting applications for positions on its governing council...and more