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

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
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more