Local News Monday 16th August

Monday, 16 August 2021 at 06:00

The Oscar Mayer food factory site in Chard that closed at the weekend has been bought by Numatic. Police are expected today to name the two people killed when their light aircraft crashed at Buckland St Mary near Chard. An appeal's been launched to find volunteers to support victims of modern slavery in Somerset. Land is being sought to create a new woodland in Ilminster. An office building in Yeovil could be converted into flats.

The Oscar Mayer food factory site in Chard that closed at the weekend has been bought by Numatic, the company famous for making the 'Henry' vacuum cleaner. Numatic, based in Chard, say they need the site to meet demand. Meanwhile, the Mayor of Chard, Jason Baker, has praised Oscar Mayer for the way in which they have handled the factory closure. He says a majority of the eight hundred workers who worked there have been found new jobs.

Police are expected today to name the two people killed when their light aircraft crashed at Buckland St Mary near Chard. The crash happened last Thursday on farmland and the area remains closed as the Air Accidents Investigation Branch carries out an investigation.

An appeal's been launched to find volunteers to support victims of modern slavery in Somerset. The pilot project called ‘Hidden Voices’ is an initiative by the Diocese of Bath and Wells. It's one of the first projects of its kind in the country with funding provided by the Home Office.

Land is being sought to create a new woodland in Ilminster. The woodland’s being planted to mark the Queen's Platinum jubilee next year as part of the Green Canopy Project, launched by Prince Charles.

An office building in Yeovil could be converted into flats. Plans for a ‘change of use’ on Brunel House on the Houndstone Business Park have been submitted to South Somerset District Council. If approved, the two-storey building would be transformed into 8 one-bed and 16 two-bed flats.

More from News

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