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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Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more