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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