Local News Monday 31st January

Monday, 31 January 2022 06:00

It’s reported that work has stopped on the major scheme to upgrade Westminster Street in Yeovil. A section of the A30 in South Somerset will close for three weeks next month for repairs to be carried out to a retaining wall. Plans have been approved for a food van to remain permanently located in the Cocklemoor public car park in Langport. Final plans have been submitted to build sixty-five new houses in Milborne Port. Chard bodybuilding champion, Chris Williams, has announced the staging of his first major bodybuilding event...and more.

It’s reported that work has stopped on the major scheme to upgrade Westminster Street in Yeovil. This follows financial losses at the Midas Group the company delivering the contract. In a statement, Midas said it had filed a court notice with the intention of appointing an administrator to take over the business. Work on the scheme to partially pedestrianize Westminster Street, as part of the multi-million-pound Yeovil Refresh project, started back in August with the pavement on one side of Westminster Street now remains dug up and cordoned off. Exeter-based, Midas, is one of the region’s largest employers, with more than four hundred people directly employed and supporting more than 10,000 jobs in supply chains. It’s reported that work on other Midas building projects across the South West has also ceased. A spokesman for Midas says they’re working with stakeholders to try to resolve the situation. South Somerset District Council, which runs the Yeovil Refresh project, has yet to comment.

A section of the A30 in South Somerset will close for three weeks next month for repairs to be carried out to a retaining wall. Somerset County Council says the wall at Haselbury Plucknett has become a serious road hazard. Work to repair it will begin on Monday, February 7th with traffic management in place for 13-weeks.

Plans have been approved for a food van to remain permanently located in the Cocklemoor public car park in Langport. South Somerset District Council’s Area North Committee voted by a majority of two to allow the food van to trade from a parking space at the western end of the car park despite objections from local shop owners who claimed it would take trade away from the High Street.

Final plans have been submitted to build sixty-five new houses in Milborne Port. Redcliffe Homes was granted outline permission in 2019 to build the homes, a convenience store and community hub at the corner of Station Road and Wheathill Lane and secured detailed approval in 2020. The developer has now put forward fresh plans for the store that will serve both the new homes and the South Somerset District Council is expected to decide on the application by late spring.

Chard bodybuilding champion, Chris Williams, has announced the staging of his first major bodybuilding event. Chris who holds, the British IBFA over 45’s title, will stage the World War Hulk event at Exeter Corn Exchange in September.

People in South Somerset are being asked to open their gardens to the public to raise money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. It’s part of the charities Blossoming and Blooming campaign that for the past two years has been cancelled due to Covid.

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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