Local News Thursday 11th August

Thursday, 11 August 2022 at 06:00

Residents in the Hendford Hill area of Yeovil have won their fight to stop a former care home from being converted into a homeless hostel. Another heat warning is in force in Somerset today with the Met Office forecasting extreme heat up to Saturday. A local man caught growing cannabis has been jailed for three years and seven months and National Highways is advising motorists in Somerset to check their tyres more often to avoid the risk of breaking down.

Residents in the Hendford Hill area of Yeovil have won their fight to stop a former care home from being converted into a homeless hostel.
Bournemouth Churches Housing Association had wanted to turn Acacia Lodge in Hendford Hill into a hostel for thirty-nine homeless people. At a meeting last night of South Somerset District Council’s Area South Committee, the plan was unanimously rejected. The meeting was attended by around 200 local objectors, many of whom spoke directly to the councillors claiming that a homeless hostel would increase the fear of crime in the Hendford Hill area.

Another heat warning is in force in Somerset today with the Met Office forecasting extreme heat up to Saturday. Despite the dry weather, water companies say they're not planning a hose-pipe ban in Somerset at the moment but concern is growing over the health of wildlife living in local canals and rivers. The Canal and River Trust in Somerset say local waterways have become stagnant.

A local man caught growing cannabis has been jailed for three years and seven months. Taunton Crown Court was told that Wesley Wells-Burr of Middle Street, North Perrott, near Crewkerne made more than half a million pounds dealing in cannabis that he grow at a property he owned in Chard.

National Highways is advising motorists in Somerset to check their tyres more often to avoid the risk of breaking down. So far this year 19,300 breakdowns have been recorded on roads in Somerset due to tyre problems.

More from News

Thursday 5th November

South West Water says reservoir levels in Somerset are starting to recover after recent heavy rainfall. Castle Cary railway station is to get a new footbridge. A young dancer from Martock has been chosen to perform with the English Youth Ballet... and more
Wednesday 4th November

People in Somerset will go to the polls in May 2028 to elect a new mayor for the Wessex region. A Somerset farmer who failed a breath test after being caught asleep at the wheel of his tractor has narrowly avoided losing his driving licence. The new Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been named a regional winner in the Building Excellence Awards 2026... and more
tuesday 3rd November

Somerset Council says it doesn’t have the money to improve its planning enforcement team. Drivers are being advised that work to replace the central barrier on the M5 near Wellington starts this week. A health food shop in Chard has been crowned High Street Shop of the Year... and more
Monday 2nd November

A motorist was caught driving at 133mph on the A303 between Podimore and Sparkford, according to newly released data from Avon and Somerset Police. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre closed for the last time at the weekend. Public firework displays in Ilminster and Martock have been cancelled due to rising costs... and more
Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more