Local News Monday 19th June

Monday, 19 June 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police has described her force as being "institutionally racist". Plans have been submitted to open two new restaurants in Yeovil town centre. Waste collections across South Somerset are starting one hour earlier at 6 am all this week to help crews cope better with the hot temperatures...and more.

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police has described her force as being "institutionally racist". Sarah Crew says she’s reached her judgement after closely examining data about how her force operates. The Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, has refuted her comments, describing them as "virtue signalling but Ms Crew says she’s sticking by her assessment.

Plans have been submitted to open two new restaurants in Yeovil. If approved by Somerset Council, the burger chain, Fat Twins, and the Greek and Turkish cuisine specialists, Doner and Gyros, will open outlets below the Premier Inn on South Western Terrace.

Waste collections across South Somerset are starting one hour earlier at 6 am all this week with households asked to put out their bins the night before they’re due to be picked up. Somerset Waste Partnership says the earlier start is to help crews cope better in the hot weather and minimise the chances of crews getting stuck in traffic going to Glastonbury Festival.

Organisers of the Gert Gathering in Yeovil have been explaining why they’ll be charging an admission fee at this year's event. Previously, the Gert Gathering, held in Johnson Park, has been a free event but this year a five-pound entry fee will be charged.

Local broadband provider, Wessex Internet, are celebrating after winning two top industry awards. The business was voted ‘UK Fibre Provider of the Year’ and ‘Best Rural Provider’ at the UK Fibre Awards held in London.

‘Star’ the missing therapy pony, who disappeared from her home on the Blackdown Hills in South Somerset last week has been found safe and well. The Shetland's owner, Anne Allen, from the Riding for the Disabled Association, says they’re relieved to have her back.

More from News

Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.