Local News Thursday 14th August

Thursday, 15 August 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Businesses in Somerset are being warned about not asking for identification when selling age-restricted goods. The Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard says it needs to raise a further £30,000 to keep its animals safe. Somerset has been ranked among the UK's best places to live...and more.

Businesses in Somerset are being warned about not asking for identification when selling age-restricted goods such as vapes, tobacco and alcohol. It follows the prosecution of a shopkeeper in Bridgwater, ordered to pay more than £3500 after being caught selling vapes to a 15-year-old girl. Trading Standards says shopkeepers who don’t follow the regulations are putting their livelihoods at risk.

Somerset has been ranked among the UK's best places to live. In a survey compiled by the property website, Home Views, the county was ranked the tenth best place to live in Britain. Home Views put the average house price in Somerset at £392,800, and the average rent at £1,350 per calendar month.

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard says it needs to raise a further £30,000 to keep its animals safe. Earlier in the year, the charity launched an appeal to raise £100,000 saying it was at risk of closure. £67,000 has been collected with another £33,000 needed to reach the target. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for 300 animals but says its running costs have risen substantially with veterinary bills alone costing £6,300 monthly.

A cider maker in Long Sutton has been shortlisted for a national prize. Harry's Cider is one of five producers to make to the finals in the Family Farming Business of the Year category of the British Farming Awards 2024 with the winner announced in October.

Police are looking for a woman with links to Cheddar who's wanted on recall to prison. Katie Nolan, 37, is also wanted on a court warrant. She's described as white, 5ft 1 and has shoulder-length brown hair.

The National Trust has opened new outdoor play areas at two properties in South Somerset. A hammock swing, rope traverse, and stepping logs have been introduced at Lytes Cary Manor while at Montecute House, a new slide and stepping logs have been installed, close to the picnic area, off West Drive.

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Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more