Local News Monday 30th January

Monday, 30 January 2023 06:00

A section of the main road in Chard is closed for emergency work today. Plans to build 100 new homes in Crewkerne have been turned down. A report is warning that confidence within small businesses across the South West is at its lowest since lockdown. The number of people being admitted into hospitals in Somerset with flu is starting to fall. A Somerset explorer is preparing for her next big adventure...and more.

A section of the main road in Chard is closed for emergency work today. The A30 East Street is shut between the Good Shepherd’s Church and the roundabout leading towards Tesco’s. A diversion is in operation along Furnham Road and Victoria Avenue. Meanwhile, a section of the A358 near Ashill is shut until 3 pm for repairs. The same stretch of road will close again between 9.30 am and 3 pm tomorrow and Wednesday.

Plans to build 100 new homes in Crewkerne have been turned down. Land at Kithill to the south of the town had been identified for the development. However, South Somerset District Council rejected the scheme on the grounds it did not “adequately integrate” with the character of the local area.

A report is warning that confidence within small businesses across the South West is at its lowest since lockdown. It's cited concern over the ending of Government support packages, rising energy costs, and staffing shortages.

The number of people being admitted into hospitals in Somerset with flu is starting to fall. Former member of the Covid Task Force, Professor Adam Finn says Covid is currently the main reason for hospital admissions.

A Somerset explorer is preparing for her next big adventure. Rosie Stancer has already crossed the South and North Poles solo. Now she’s embarking on a four-week trek across the Sinai Peninsula and into Saudi Arabia to explore the effects of climate change.

A well-known local gastropub has been put up for sale. The White Post at Rimpton which was recently voted in the top fifty best gastropubs in England is advertised with a guide price of £595,000.

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Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more