Thursday 18th July

Thursday, 18 July 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Plans have been submitted to build 650 new houses in Wincanton. Farmers in Somerset have criticised Avon and Somerset Police for re-deploying four officers from the rural crime team. Glastonbury and Somerton MP, Sarah Dyke, has written to the new Transport Secretary asking for a meeting about restoring a rail link between Langport and Somerton...and more.

Plans have been submitted to build 650 new houses in Wincanton. Land alongside the A371 at West Hill has been earmarked for the scheme, which includes a new primary school, care home and commercial units. To prevent the appearance of urban sprawl, the site has been arranged into four 'quarters' separated by green corridors - Hook Valley to the west, Furze Hill to the north, West Hill to the northeast, and Brook to the southeast.

A planning inspector has rejected an application to build 120 new homes in Evercreech, near Shepton Mallet. West Estates Development Ltd lodged an appeal after twice being refused permission to build the homes on the former Greencore factory site on Prestleigh Road. In his report, the Inspector says the scheme failed to respect the distinctive character of Evercreech, and would put the local services under greater pressure.

Farmers in Somerset have criticised Avon and Somerset Police for re-deploying four officers from the rural crime team. Police say the move is temporary and the offers are needed to meet demand elsewhere in the force area. But farmers say due to theft, hare coursing and illegal raves, demand for police support in rural areas is higher than ever.

Glastonbury and Somerton MP, Sarah Dyke, has written to the new Transport Secretary asking for a meeting about restoring a rail link between Langport and Somerton. The two towns were originally served by trains on the Taunton to Castle Cary line but their stations were closed in the 1960s. Sarah Dyke says a rail link would be economically beneficial to the local area, and the new Labour government should give it careful consideration.

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is holding a Summer Fayre on Saturday. The charity, which provides a home to more than 300 animals, has run into financial problems with the event vital to its future.

More from News

Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more