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.

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