Local News Thursday 15th April

Thursday, 15 April 2021 07:30

People in South Somerset are being invited to take part in a major UK trial looking at whether coronavirus vaccines can be safely mixed. The Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has criticised Somerset’s district councils over a proposal to hold a local poll. A revised application for a new McDonald’s in Yeovil has been granted full planning permission, despite local objections...and more.

People in South Somerset are being invited to take part in a major UK trial looking at whether coronavirus vaccines can be safely mixed. The trial to see different ones being used for first and second doses is being expanded to include two new jabs, Moderna or Novovax. People aged over 50 who have received a first dose of the Pfizer or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines can apply to take part. Their second dose will either be the same again or one of the newer vaccines.

The Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has criticised Somerset’s district councils over a proposal to hold a local poll on the planned reorganisation of local councils in the County. Last week, Somerset’s four district councils said they could hold a survey next month, at an estimated cost of more than 300-thousand-pounds, to gauge support for a countywide referendum on the issue. The government is already holding its own online consultation, which ends on Monday. The issue is whether the County should have one council, or be run by two councils; one based on the eastern half of Somerset; the other to serve the western half of the County.

A revised application for a new McDonald’s in Yeovil has been granted full planning permission, despite local objections. The fast-food chain had its application to build a restaurant on Sherborne Road approved in 2020. The only difference with the revised application is that the building will be single-storey rather than spread over two floors. Pittards, who have their factory next to the new McDonald’s, had asked for an entry and exit road to be built off the A30 but the County Highway Authority says vehicles using the new McDonald’s will not impact adversely on the A30.

Horse riders have failed in their efforts to secure a right of way across the A303 at Sparkford. The South Somerset Bridleway Association had wanted a bridleway included In the work to dual the A303 between the Sparkford and Podimore roundabouts. Somerset County Council claims no evidence existed of there having been a bridleway in use in the area and refused to add it to the local ‘rights of way map’.

The cancer charity CLIC Sargent is appealing for donations of clothes and toys for its shops in Somerset. It follows losses of around £1.5 million in sales due to shops having to shut during the lockdown. CLIC Sargent’s shop in Princes Street in Yeovil re-opened fully for trading earlier this week.

More from News

Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.