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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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.