Local News Monday 7th March

Monday, 7 March 2022 06:00

There’s renewed concern over the safety of pregnant ewes and newborn sheep in Somerset. The Liberal Democrats have taken a seat from the Conservatives after a by-election in South Somerset. A Yeovil care home has been put up for sale and could be redeveloped by a new owner. A Somerset man who gave up one of his kidneys to help a friend says it was an easy decision to make. A local man has been fined £400 after being caught driving at twice the speed limit on Tunnel Road at Beaminster...and more.

There’s renewed concern over the safety of pregnant ewes and newborn sheep in Somerset. Insurers, NFU Mutual, say farm animals with a value of £228,000 were either killed or injured by dogs in the South West last year. Rebecca Davidson from NFU Mutual says too many owners still let their dogs roam free in the countryside when they should be keeping them on a lead.

The Liberal Democrats have taken a seat from the Conservatives after a by-election in South Somerset. Ray Buckler was elected after receiving 390 votes, the Conservatives got 315. It's the first time the Lib Dems have held the Neroche seat on South Somerset District Council. Councillor Buckler will serve as a member of SSDC up to May 2023 after which the Council will cease to exist and be replaced by Somerset’s new unitary council.

A Yeovil care home has been put up for sale and could be redeveloped by a new owner. Cool Runnings Too, on Preston Road, is advertised with a guide price of £450,000.

A Somerset man who gave up one of his kidneys to help a friend says it was an easy decision to make. Jason Wide shared a house with his friend Philip Church and saw how ill he became due to kidney failure. When Jason discovered he was a match, he says it was obvious he had to help.

A local man has been fined £400 after being caught driving at twice the speed limit on Tunnel Road at Beaminster. Benjamin Docherty of Compton Pauncefoot, near Wincanton, was clocked travelling at 61 mph in a 30-mph zone. Apart from the fine, he was also given six penalty points by local magistrates.

The British Red Cross in Somerset is appealing for more volunteers to come forward. They’re looking for drivers to take cancer patients to and from appointments.

Baby eels that have travelled thousands of miles have started to arrive in Somerset. The Glass Eels started life near the Caribbean, and are now being given extra protection on rivers in Somerset by the Environment Agency.

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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