Local News Monday 21st March

Monday, 21 March 2022 06:00

A new report claims the controversial cull of badgers that began in Somerset ten years ago and aimed at helping stop the spread of TB among cattle hasn’t worked. Plans have been submitted to build a new drive-thru coffee shop, using repurposed shipping containers, in Yeovil. Kerbing and drainage work at Boden Street in Chard is due to be completed by the end of the month, A new home for adults with autism and other learning disabilities is to open in Yeovil...and more.

A new report claims the controversial cull of badgers that began in Somerset ten years ago and aimed at helping stop the spread of TB among cattle hasn’t worked. It’s been published by a group of scientists known as Born Free, who are opposed to culling badgers. The government says the report has manipulated official data.

Plans have been submitted to build a new drive-thru coffee shop, using repurposed shipping containers, in Yeovil. The facility would be on land opposite Palmers fish and chip shop, next to the Bluebell roundabout on Bunford Lane. South Somerset District Council is due to make a decision on the application in the next three months.

Kerbing and drainage work at Boden Street in Chard is due to be completed by the end of the month, making way for the new asphalt to be laid. South Somerset District Council says a new footway along the east side of Boden Street will be in place by April, making it safer to walk into town from the Boden Street car park, as well as Chard Leisure Centre. The improvements are part of the multi-million pound Chard Regeneration project.

A new home for adults with autism and other learning disabilities is to open in Yeovil. The complex of five-bed bungalows on The Avenue in Yeovil is for people who have ended a stay in hospital. They will stay for 2-years after which they will move into permanent accommodation.

A water tap has been installed in Middle Street in Yeovil for public use. It’s aimed at encouraging people to drink more tap water and not use water in plastic bottlers to avoid the use of single-use plastic bottles. The tap and has been provided by Wessex Water as a free service.

Parliament has passed legislation allowing for the setting up of Somerset’s new unitary council. The Somerset Structural Changes Order gives responsibility for creating the single unitary council from April next year and replacing the County Council and four district councils, to a new Implementation Executive. It also gives approval for local elections to be held on May 5th to elect 110 councillors to run the new Somerset unitary council.

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Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,