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.

More from News

Friday 21st November

A public inquiry is being held into plans to build a large solar farm in the village of Wayford. Fire crews have put out a small blaze at Tesco in Chard. Canadian firm KDC One is closing its Wellington factory, putting dozens of jobs at risk. It's Ilminster's turn to switch on the Christmas lights tonight... and more.
Thursday 20th November

Taunton Town Council has agreed to provide funding for five years to support the town's Brewhouse Theatre. The Environment Agency is warning that Somerset could experience a drought next spring if this winter is drier than usual. We’re being asked to look out for rough sleepers during the current cold snap...and more
Wednesday 19th November

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is calling for stronger preventative measures to stop sewage discharges into local waterways. Somerset Council is to provide three new children's homes across the County. Street Football Club has appointed a father-and-son team to manage the club... and more.
Tuesday 18th November

Somerset Council has set up a task force to help identify land for a permanent traveller’s site in the county. Police are appealing for information after a charity shop in Martock was targeted by burglars. A Somerset woman is seeking individuals with a connection to the armed forces to join a new amateur rowing club...and more.
Monday 17th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening further strike action. Dunelm says its Yeovil store in the Quedam will reopen on Tuesday, December 16th. A nurse working at Yeovil Hospital has won a place in the final of Miss England...and more.
Friday 14th November

Yeovil Hospital has introduced a new system for handling patients at its A&E department aimed at cutting waiting times. It’s claimed that an Iron Age settlement preserved under Somerset's wetlands for 2,000 years is facing erosion due to climate change. Montacute Road in Tintinhull will be closed for five days next week for repairs to a gas main.
Thursday 13th November

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action in their dispute over pay. Lloyds Bank has closed its branch in Chard permanently. A week-long programme of tree planting will be held at Ham Hill later this month to mark National Tree Week...and more
Wednesday 12th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil begin a two-day strike today. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, has been speaking in a parliamentary debate on improving dyslexia support in schools. South Western Ambulance Service is inviting applications for positions on its governing council...and more