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

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