Local News Thursday 10th February

    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.

    More from News

    • 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

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 6°C

    • Chard

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 5°C

    • Crewkerne

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 5°C

    • Somerton

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 6°C

    • Wincanton

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 6°C

    Recently Played