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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more