Local News Thursday 16th September

Thursday, 16 September 2021 at 06:00

Former Leader of South Somerset District Council, Rick Pallister, has been giving evidence at his trial at Taunton Crown Court. Children aged 12-to-15 in Somerset are to be offered a coronavirus vaccine starting from next week. ASDA has submitted a planning application to redevelop part of their Yeovil store. Two men have appeared in court in connection with the supply of class A drugs in Yeovil...and more.

Former Leader of South Somerset District Council, Rick Pallister, has been giving evidence at his trial at Taunton Crown Court. Mr. Pallister, who denies 36 charges of alleged historic indecent assault and indecency with a child told the court he believed all contact with the alleged victims was "entirely consensual". He said he had no memory of some of the incidents described by the complainants taking place, and said several more did not take place "as described". He also flatly denied making any inappropriate contact with any of the complainants while they were under the age of 16. The case continues. (Story courtesy of Somerset Live).

Children aged 12-to-15 in Somerset are to be offered a coronavirus vaccine starting from next week. They will need the consent of their parents to receive the jab, which will be given at school. Pupils will also be able to receive a flu vaccine, in the form of a nasal spray, at the same time.

ASDA has submitted a planning application to redevelop part of their Yeovil store. The supermarket chain wants to add a new click and collect pod and drive-thru facility to the site on Preston Road. ASDA maintains the proposed changes would "have minimal impact on the visual effect of the building and on the scale of the site”. A decision on the application will now be made by South Somerset District Council.

Two men have appeared in court in connection with the supply of class A drugs in Yeovil. Lemel Plomer-Roberts from South Norwood in London and Shane Ricketts from Croydon are charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin. They were remanded in custody until their next court hearing at Taunton Crown Court on October 11th.

Events are taking place in Chard this week to celebrate the town’s proud history. ‘Heritage Week Chard’ includes an event about the town during the Second World War and the history of Chard Reservoir.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more