Local News Monday 24th May

Monday, 24 May 2021 06:58

The leader of Somerset County Council, David Fothergill, has criticised a poll being held about the plans to reorganise local government in the County. Land on the outskirts of Yeovil, linked to building a "garden town" has been put up for sale. The Mill on the Brue outdoor centre in Bruton has started to welcome back children following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions. A popular pub near Yeovil has been put up for sale..and more.

The leader of Somerset County Council, David Fothergill, has criticised a poll being held about the plans to reorganise local government in the County. The ballot, organised by Somerset's four district councils, and costing more than 300 thousand pounds, is to give people the opportunity to choose between having one council to run all services across Somerset or two councils – one based on the western half of the county, the other on the eastern side, including Yeovil and the rest of South Somerset. Speaking on behalf of the district councils, who are behind the two councils' proposition – Ros Wyke of Mendip Council says the ballot is needed to make the process for changing local government in Somerset more democratic.

Land on the outskirts of Yeovil, linked to building a "garden town" has been put up for sale. The 678-acre site near Podimore alongside the A303 is being offered with a guide price of £6.8 million. The proposed new rural town, featuring a shopping centre and a university at the location, was first muted 3 years ago. But, as yet, no formal planning application has been submitted. Agents, Strutt and Parker, who are marketing the location, have set a closing date of this Friday, May 28th, for submitting bids.

The Mill on the Brue outdoor centre in Bruton has started to welcome back children following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions. The centre says it’s lost around one million pounds in income over the last 14 months. Owner, Tricia Rawlingson-Plant, says some restrictions remain but even so, they’re glad to be operating again.

A popular pub near Yeovil has been put up for sale. Offers are being invited to take over running the Carpenter's Arms in Chilthorne Domer, which is described as an established food-led business with a substantial turnover pre COVID-19.

If you're heading to the shops today, the charge for single-use plastic carrier bags at all retailer outlets has gone up to ten pence. The original five pence charge was brought in 6-years and in that time plastic bag, usage has decreased by 95 percent.

People needing to find public conveniences in Castle Castle are to be given more help. The Town Council plan to make the toilet block in Milbrook Gardens more recognisable with the addition of four external non-illuminated fascia signs at the front of the building.

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Friday 13th March

The first of the new medium lift helicopters being built by Leonardo in Yeovil for the RAF will be delivered in 2031. Somerset Council has launched a public consultation on planned new charges at its two hundred public car parks. More women in Somerset are said to be taking up walking football... and more
Thursday 12th March

A Yeovil headteacher says he’s concerned about plans to stop giving school holiday food vouchers to families on low incomes. The owner of Yeovil Town is calling on fans to be patient as he continues his overhaul of the National League side. A high voltage fault is being blamed for plunging 1700 homes into darkness in the Ilminster area... and more
Wednesday 11th March

Plans have been submitted to convert two properties in Yeovil into houses of multiple occupation. A new court date has been announced for a Yeovil man charged with attempted murder. An engineer who has worked at the Leonardo factory in Yeovil for 40-years has won a top industry award... and more
Tuesday 10th March

Police say a fire at the former Oscar Mayer food factory in Chard was started deliberately. Yeovil College says it would have been adversely affected had Leonardo not won the contract to build new medium-lift helicopters. A seven-foot dragon will be visiting towns and villages in our area during the next few weeks to promote Somerset Day... and more
Monday 9th March

Two Wildcat helicopters from 815 Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton have arrived in Cyprus to help protect RAF Akrotiri from further Iranian drone strikes. New figures show that 40 people were killed on Avon and Somerset’s roads in the last 12-months. A Somerset man has been recalling the day 60-years ago when he was a passenger on the last train on the Somerset and Dorset Railway... and more
Friday 6th March

Defence Minister Luke Pollard has been explaining why it took the government so long to confirm a contract for the Leonardo in Yeovil to build new medium lift helicopters for the RAF. Police are investigating a break in at a pet shop in Ilminster. Somerset Council is to stop using red ink on council tax reminder letters... and more
Thursday 5th March

Two military helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton are being sent to Cyprus to help bolster UK’s defences amid the US-Israel war with Iran. Yeovil Town Council is seeking legal advice over the closure of the hyper acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. Flood warnings have been lifted on the Somerset Levels... and more
Wednesday 4th March

A man has died in a fire in Wincanton. Somerset Council is planning further cuts of twenty-one million pounds to help balance its books. A campaign to raise £30,000 for a minibus has been launched in Chard... and more