Local News Thursday 18th March

Thursday, 18 March 2021 07:30

Controversial plans to restructure the school system in Ilminster and Crewkerne have finally been approved by Somerset County Council. Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has been defending the government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. Firefighters have rescued a dog after it became stuck down a rabbit hole in Martock....and more.

Controversial plans to restructure the school system in Ilminster and Crewkerne have finally been approved by Somerset County Council. Wadham School will become a secondary school; Maiden Beech, Ashlands, St Bartholomew’s, Merriott and Haselbury Plucknett will become primary schools; Swanmead and Greenfylde will amalgamate and become a primary school and Misterton school is set to close. Governors at Swanmead said they are "shocked, angry and very sad" about the way the plans have been handled by the County Council. The Council said all views had been considered and their priority was to secure a high-quality education for all pupils.

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has been defending the government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
The legislation’s been criticised for not doing enough to tackle harassment and violence against women. Clauses in the Bill allowing police to impose conditions on non-violent protests have also been criticised. Marcus Fysh believes the Bill has many good points and should be welcomed.

Firefighters have rescued a dog after it became stuck down a rabbit hole in Martock. Listening equipment was used to locate Lincoln, a terrier dog after it got into trouble underground in Gastons Lane.

The funeral takes place today of Yeovil entertainer Jimmy Quinn. After service in the Navy, Jimmy turned to show business and is remembered for recording the Yeovil Town anthem ‘Here We Go’ played throughout the season the Glovers won promotion to the Championship in 2013

The Bishop of Bath and Wells has retired early from his post, due to ill health. The Right Reverend Peter Hancock has been receiving treatment for cancer since August. Until his successor has been appointed, the Bishop of Taunton, Ruth Worsley, will continue to lead the diocese.

Ilminster Midsummer Experience will be back-on this year. It’ll be held from June 24th until June 27th, two weeks later than normal due to coronavirus restrictions. The Ilminster Flag Festival has been extended and will run from May 31st until July 4th.

Radio Ninesprings Local News is compiled and edited by our Station Manager Steve Haigh

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Friday 13th March

The first of the new medium lift helicopters being built by Leonardo in Yeovil for the RAF will be delivered in 2031. Somerset Council has launched a public consultation on planned new charges at its two hundred public car parks. More women in Somerset are said to be taking up walking football... and more
Thursday 12th March

A Yeovil headteacher says he’s concerned about plans to stop giving school holiday food vouchers to families on low incomes. The owner of Yeovil Town is calling on fans to be patient as he continues his overhaul of the National League side. A high voltage fault is being blamed for plunging 1700 homes into darkness in the Ilminster area... and more
Wednesday 11th March

Plans have been submitted to convert two properties in Yeovil into houses of multiple occupation. A new court date has been announced for a Yeovil man charged with attempted murder. An engineer who has worked at the Leonardo factory in Yeovil for 40-years has won a top industry award... and more
Tuesday 10th March

Police say a fire at the former Oscar Mayer food factory in Chard was started deliberately. Yeovil College says it would have been adversely affected had Leonardo not won the contract to build new medium-lift helicopters. A seven-foot dragon will be visiting towns and villages in our area during the next few weeks to promote Somerset Day... and more
Monday 9th March

Two Wildcat helicopters from 815 Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton have arrived in Cyprus to help protect RAF Akrotiri from further Iranian drone strikes. New figures show that 40 people were killed on Avon and Somerset’s roads in the last 12-months. A Somerset man has been recalling the day 60-years ago when he was a passenger on the last train on the Somerset and Dorset Railway... and more
Friday 6th March

Defence Minister Luke Pollard has been explaining why it took the government so long to confirm a contract for the Leonardo in Yeovil to build new medium lift helicopters for the RAF. Police are investigating a break in at a pet shop in Ilminster. Somerset Council is to stop using red ink on council tax reminder letters... and more
Thursday 5th March

Two military helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton are being sent to Cyprus to help bolster UK’s defences amid the US-Israel war with Iran. Yeovil Town Council is seeking legal advice over the closure of the hyper acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. Flood warnings have been lifted on the Somerset Levels... and more
Wednesday 4th March

A man has died in a fire in Wincanton. Somerset Council is planning further cuts of twenty-one million pounds to help balance its books. A campaign to raise £30,000 for a minibus has been launched in Chard... and more