Local News Monday 10th October

Monday, 10 October 2022 06:00

Drivers employed by Buses of Somerset are on strike today in a pay dispute. The go-ahead has been given to build 185 new homes on the outskirts of Yeovil. Major repair works to Chard’s sewerage system are due to start later this month. A thirty-four-million pound defence contract to upgrade torpedo launch systems on board Navy frigates has been awarded to a Somerset firm and the outgoing Lord Lieutenant of Somerset says being in the role for the past eight years has been an immense privilege.

Drivers employed by Buses of Somerset are on strike today in a pay dispute. The stoppage by members of the RMT union has led to the cancellation of local services.
The routes are:
6 from Yeovil to Crewkerne
30 through Ilminster and Chard to Taunton
51 to Abbey Manor Park via Cavalier Way
54 from Yeovil and calling at Langport and Somerton
55 Curry Rivel to Strode College
58/58A from Yeovil to Henstridge and Wincanton
Meanwhile, the RMT says that unless they’re made an improved pay offer, their members will stop work on Friday, October 21st, and again on the 4th and 11th of November.

The go-ahead has been given to build 185 new homes on the outskirts of Yeovil. The new development will be located off Tintinhull Road, near the Brimsmore Garden Centre. Road access to the site will be from Tintinhull Road, with the existing junction with Coppits Hill Lane closed. To prevent any increase in phosphates, a wastewater treatment plant will be constructed on the site.

Major repair works to Chard’s sewerage system are due to start later this month. Wessex Water is planning to reline an 800-metre stretch of pipework along Furnham Road - between Chaffcombe Road and Glynswood. The work’s due to begin on Monday, October 24th last for two weeks with temporary traffic lights in operation.

A thirty-four-million pound defence contract to upgrade torpedo launch systems on board Navy frigates has been awarded to a Somerset firm. Systems Engineering and Assessment, who are based in Frome, say it will secure up to 150 jobs within the business.

The outgoing Lord Lieutenant of Somerset says being in the role for the past eight years has been an immense privilege. Annie Maw retires at the end of the month and says she will leave the role with many fond memories.

More from News

Thursday 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more