Local News Thursday 16th June

Thursday, 16 June 2022 06:00

Egg producers in Somerset are calling for more recognition of the financial difficulties facing the sector. An online petition has been launched to protect Langport’s historic Hanging Chapel from further damage. The post of Chief Executive at the new Somerset unitary council will be advertised with a salary of up to £200,000. Taxi drivers in South Somerset have applied for an increase in the fares they charge. Taxis drivers in South Somerset have applied for an increase in the fares they charge...and more.

Egg producers in Somerset are calling for more recognition of the financial difficulties facing the sector. Producers say they’re considering shutting down due to rising energy costs and the price of hen feed. The British Free Range Egg Producers Association is warning of shortages unless supermarkets pay producers more than the cost of production.

An online petition has been launched to protect Langport’s historic Hanging Chapel from further damage. The Grade-1 listed structure has been hit several times in the past few months by vehicles that are too high or too wide to pass through its archway. Locals describe the hanging chapel, which dates back to the 13th centenary, as a ‘jewel in the crown’ and want high-sided and heavy vehicles banned from using it.

Photo: A lorry wedged in The Hanging Chapel, Langport, in 2020

The post of Chief Executive at the new Somerset unitary council will be advertised with a salary of up to £200,000. Councillors met yesterday to agree on the pay package, rejecting a recommendation the post should be advertised at £230,000 a year. The Chief Executive of the new Somerset Council will be responsible for running all local council services when the new 'one council' comes into existence next April.

Taxi drivers in South Somerset have applied for an increase in the fares they charge. The district council is being asked to put up rates by 17 percent. It would mean a typical two-mile ride costing £7.60 compared to £6.50 at present. The district council is under pressure to make a quick decision to prevent operators, who are facing higher fuel costs, from going out of business.

Police have renewed their appeal to find a missing Yeovil man. 40-year-old Matthew went missing two weeks ago after boarding a train at Pen Mill station. It's thought he travelled to Brokenhurst in the New Forest but hasn't been seen since, or contacted his family and friends. Here's a picture of Matthew, if you see him, please call 999.

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Thursday 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more