Local News Monday 3rd July

Monday, 3 July 2023 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Waste collection crews in Somerset are threatening strike action. The Mayor of Yeovil has spoken of the importance of Yeovil's ethnic minority communities to the local economy. Plans have been submitted to install solar panels on the roof of Chard Guildhall. West Country-based wheelchair tennis star Lucy Shuker says she's 'as hungry as ever for success'...and more.

Talks are due to resume this week to try and avert a planned strike by waste collection crews in Somerset. Members of the Unite Union are threatening to stop work for three days each week starting Wednesday, July 13th. A pay increase of eight per cent made by Suez UK; the contracted waste collectors for Somerset Waste Partnership, was rejected in a ballot of Unite members, in favour of industrial action. Crews are also refusing to do overtime and catch-up collections. SWP says contingency planning is underway to try and limit the impact on households and businesses should the strike go ahead.

The Mayor of Yeovil has spoken of his support for Yeovil’s ethnic minority communities. Councillor Andy Kendall, who was attending the Yeovil Together gathering held yesterday at the Westland Entertainment venue, said people from other nations living in Yeovil were essential to the local economy and to the delivery of local services.

Plans have been submitted to install solar panels on the roof of Chard Guildhall. If approved by Somerset Council, twenty-eight photo-voltaic solar panels would be fitted to the West facing roof slope at the rear of the Guildhall.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to crash on the A30 near Yarcombe in which a man was killed. It happened on Saturday and involved a white Ford Fiesta. No other vehicle was involved. Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash cam footage to please call the non-emergency number 101.

Seven buildings in Somerset, including the former NatWest Bank in Crewkerne, have been put on a list of buildings in England considered to be ‘at risk’. The list’s been compiled by Save Britain’s Heritage.

West Country-based wheelchair tennis star Lucy Shuker says she's 'as hungry as ever for success' as she takes part in her thirteenth Wimbledon beginning today. The paralympic silver medalist has been given a wildcard at this year’s championships and will be competing in both the singles and doubles events. Lucy says her focus is on winning a title.

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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more