Local News Thursday 19th August

Thursday, 19 August 2021 at 06:00

A Yeovil care home has been placed in special measures following a damning report by the Care Quality Commission. Work to regenerate Yeovil town centre is set to begin more than a year later than first planned. The owners of Kilver Court shopping outlet in Shepton Mallet have decided to sell the site. Somerset distance runner, Hannah Taunton, is being tipped for honours at the Tokyo Paralympics.

A Yeovil care home has been placed in special measures following a damning report by the Care Quality Commission. Ferns Nursing Home in St Michaels Avenue in Yeovil was inspected in May and given the lowest possible rating of inadequate. Inspectors found numerous faults in the way the home was run, including that Covid risk assessments had not been undertaken in line with published guidance. The home now has now been given six months in which to address the CQC’s findings or face possible closure. A spokesperson for the operators, Almondsbury Care Ltd, said a comprehensive action plan had been drawn up and significant progress made in implementing the plan

Work to regenerate Yeovil town centre is set to begin more than a year later than first planned. South Somerset District Council had promised the first phase of Yeovil Refresh involving pavement improvements to Westminster Street would begin last summer. The date was then moved to late 2020 and then to June this year. The Council blames the delay in finalising road closure arrangements with Somerset County Council. SSDC now says the improvement works to Westminster Street will begin in September.

The owners of Kilver Court shopping outlet in Shepton Mallet have decided to sell the site due to the challenges of the pandemic. It was bought 25 years ago as the headquarters for Mulberry. Many of the businesses there, including the Great House, the Fashion Emporium, the Plant Nursery and the Garden Kitchen Restaurant will close in three weeks time.

Somerset distance runner, Hannah Taunton, is being tipped for honours at the Tokyo Paralympics. When the games get underway next week, Hannah will compete in the T20 1500 meters. Her coach Charlotte Fisher thinks she stands a good chance at making the podium.

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