Local News Thursday 17th August

Thursday, 17 August 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh is blocking plans to divert five million pounds away from regenerating the former cattle market and Glovers Walk in Yeovil. A campaign’s been launched in Somerset to help hedgehogs get around more easily. The actor James Purefoy will switch on the Christmas Lights in Ilminster this year...and more.

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh is blocking plans to divert five-million pounds of government funding away from regenerating the former cattle market and Glovers Walk in Yeovil. Somerset Council has asked the Department of Communities for the money to be re-allocated to the Yeovil Refresh Project which is four million pounds over budget with further investment needed to pay for unplanned works. Mr Fysh says the five-million pounds was given specifically to help with re-purposing the Cattle Market and Glovers Walk, and should be spent on those projects.

A campaign’s been launched in Somerset to make it easier for hedgehogs to get around more easily. Currently, they have difficulty moving between gardens due to fences blocking their way. Now, two animal charities have launched a campaign aimed at persuading fencing manufacturers to produce fences with hedgehog entry points to allow the animals to move about more freely.

The British Disabled Strongman and Strongwoman championships take place in Chard next weekend. Disabled athletes from across the UK will be in the town competing to be Britain’s strongest disabled man and woman. The event's being held at Holyrood Academy on the 26th and 27th of August.

This year’s Christmas lights in Ilminster will be switch-on by the actor James Purefoy. Organisers say a twenty-foot-high Christmas tree they plan for the town centre will be the tallest in Somerset.

Organisers of the village newsletter in Donyatt have been presented with a cheque for four hundred pounds. The money was raised by Donyatt Flower Club and will be used to pay the running costs of producing the newsletter.

More from News

Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more