Streetlights, bus shelters and traffic lights in South Somerset are to be used to host more infrastructure for 4G and 5G mobile phone networks. It’s been confirmed that Midas Construction Limited has gone into administration. The former Beale’s department store in Yeovil has been put up for rent. Sexey’s School in Bruton has been rated as ‘good’ for its boarding provision following an Ofsted inspection. Registration has opened for people planning to vote by proxy in May’s local elections...and more.
Streetlights, bus shelters and traffic lights in South Somerset are to be used to host more infrastructure for 4G and 5G mobile phone networks. It follows Somerset being chosen to take part in a national trial to boost mobile coverage by cutting local council red tape.
It’s been confirmed that Midas Construction Limited has gone into administration. The company was awarded a multi-million-pound contract by South Somerset District Council to smarten up Yeovil town centre as part of Yeovil Refresh. Midas has stopped work on the improvement scheme in Westminster Street and at the bandstand in Lower Middle Street.
The former Beale’s department store in Yeovil has been put up for rent. The five-floor Grade-II listed building was sold at auction in May last year and has been unoccupied since Beale’s left Yeovil in March 2020. The building at 23-25 High Street is advertised to rent at £1,535 a month.
Sexey’s School in Bruton has been rated as ‘good’ for its boarding provision following an Ofsted inspection. Their report highlighted the commitment by staff to ensure the welfare and safety of students at Sexey’s which is managed by the Quantock Education Trust.
Registration has opened for people planning to vote by proxy in May’s local elections. Polling on Thursday, May 5th is to elect councillors to run the new Somerset unitary council. Somerset Council will operate in shadow form for one year and take responsibility for all council’s services in May 2023 at which point the district councils and County Council will close. You can register for a proxy or postal ballet on the South Somerset District Council website.
Children at Horsington Church School have been learning about the world of horse racing. A group of children from years 5 and 6, spent a day behind the scenes at Wincanton racecourse, under the guidance of ‘Racing to School’, a charity that aims to inspire the next generation to take an interest in horseracing.
Somerset’s Lando Norris has extended his contract with McLaren. The Formula One racing driver will stay with the team until the end of 2025.
The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,