Local News Monday 25th October

Monday, 25 October 2021 06:00

A new classroom block at Fairmead Special School in Yeovil has been officially opened by the Princess Royal, Princess Anne. A public car park in Yeovil town centre could be turned into a car wash. National Highways says it will consider all public comments on the plan to dual the A358 between Ilminster and the M5 at Taunton. Efforts are being stepped up to attract more young people into engineering in Somerset. People in Chard are being asked for their comments on a new draft strategy for the town's future...and more.

A new classroom block at Fairmead Special School in Yeovil has been officially opened by the Princess Royal, Princess Anne. The building has created six new classrooms and a state-of-the-art sports facility. Fairmead School now has enough classroom space to accommodate 140 children.

A public car park in Yeovil town centre could be turned into a car wash. The site in South Street, opposite Club Neo, would be fitted fencing and gates and the creation of improved access.

National Highways says it will consider all public comments on the plan to dual the A358 between Ilminster and the M5 at Taunton. The latest proposals for the widening of the A358 were published last week with people expressing concerns about access when the road is dualled.

Efforts are being stepped up to attract more young people into engineering in Somerset. A campaign aimed at schools has been launched highlighting the lack of young people applying for engineering apprenticeships. Leigh Howarth from Somerset-based M-CNC Precision Engineers wants to schools to do more to promote engineering as a career choice.

People in Chard are being asked for their comments on a new draft strategy for the town's future. It follows an earlier consultation in June by South Somerset District Council. The strategy includes ideas about transport, planning and shops. Sessions will be held at the Guildhall in Chard on Sat 23rd, Mon 25th and Tues 26th of November for residents to comment.

Parents in Somerset can now book a Covid jab for their teenage children. Appointments are available throughout the school half-term holiday. To book a jab go online to the NHS Covid vaccination website or call 119.

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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.