Local News Monday 6th September

Monday, 6 September 2021 06:00

More bus routes will be running across South Somerset from today. The partner of the former Yeovil Town club captain Lee Collins has repeated her criticisms of the Professional Footballers Association. It’s been revealed that only one in five licensed taxis in South Somerset are wheelchair friendly. An empty bungalow in East Lambrook near South Petherton has been damaged by fire...and more.

More bus routes will be running across South Somerset from today (06-09). Buses of Somerset have introduced a new timetable to coincide with schools going back after the summer break and an easing of coronavirus restrictions. Meanwhile, limits on using concessionary bus passes will restart from today with an end to free bus travel before 9:30 am.

The partner of the former Yeovil Town club captain Lee Collins has repeated her criticisms of the Professional Footballers Association for not giving professional players enough support at moments of crisis. Lee took his own life earlier this year after being treated for an addiction to alcohol and gambling. Rachel Gibbon says PFA needs to give a higher priority to help players suffering from mental health issues.

It’s been revealed that only one in five licensed taxis in South Somerset are wheelchair friendly. The figures from the Department for Transport show that of the 246 taxis operating in South Somerset only 48, around 20% of all vehicles, can be used by people in wheelchairs. The disability charity, Scope, says the lack of accessible public transport is robbing disabled people of their independence.

An empty bungalow in East Lambrook near South Petherton has been damaged by fire. Crews from Ilminster, Crewkerne and Somerton were brought in to tackle the blaze at the property on Owl Street.

A motorist in Marston Magna has been fined £230 for exceeding the speed limit on the A303 in South Somerset. Richard Norman pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle with a trailer at 79mph on the A303 east of Sparkford in June of this year.

A chef in South Somerset has won through to the semi-finals of a competition to find Britain's Best Young Chef. 28-year-old Ben Champkin works at The Newt, near Bruton. Ben says due to his age this will be his last chance of winning the title.

A Yeovil man is attempting to complete eight marathons in eight days for charity. Neil Rhodes is running 189 miles across North Yorkshire in aid of The Brain Charity. So far, Neil, who suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2003, has already completed three marathons since embarking on the challenge on Saturday.

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Thursday 4th June

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Wednesday 3rd June

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Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more
Friday 29th May

South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more
Wednesday 27th May

The UK Health Security Agency has increased its heat health alert for Somerset to amber. Trading Standards officers have shut down three shops in Taunton after illegal cigarettes and vapes were discovered on the premises. Bridgwater Town Council is considering running its own bus services...and more
Tuesday 26th May

A Martock agricultural machinery business has gone into administration, putting around thirty jobs at risk. A new sensory room has opened at a Yeovil schook to support neurodiverse pupils. The headteacher of a Chard primary school is stepping down... and more