Local News Thursday 1st September

Thursday, 1 September 2022 at 06:00

Building a new multi-million-pound police centre in Yeovil has been put on pause. The peat industry in Somerset is facing pressure because of a new law that comes into force in two years. South Somerset District Council has been explaining why people in Chard think the famous Stringfellow monument in the town centre has been wrongly reinstated and Avon and Somerset police are warning of a scam in which fraudsters trick people into sending money to someone they say is a family member in distress.

Building a new multi-million-pound police centre in Yeovil has been put on pause. Plans to redevelop the current Horsey Lane station with a new police centre have been in the pipeline since 2018. However, it now appears the plans could be scrapped with the Avon and Somerset police re-considering their requirements for policing across South Somerset. They say a firm decision will be made by no later than the Spring of next year.

The peat industry in Somerset is facing pressure because of a new law that comes into force in two years, banning the sale of peat at garden centres. The move’s designed to reduce the release of carbon emissions, with Somerset having the largest peat industry in the UK.

South Somerset District Council has been explaining why people in Chard think the famous Stringfellow monument in the town centre has been wrongly reinstated. The structure was taken down as part of street improvements on Fore Street and recently returned to its original location. But locals believe it’s been repositioned facing in a different direction. The Council says the only change has been placing a plaque on the side of the monument in a different position which has given the impression that the structure is facing in a different direction when, in fact, it’s facing in the same direction it always has faced.

Avon and Somerset police are warning of a scam in which fraudsters trick people into sending money to someone they say is a family member in distress. The messages usually come through a text or WhatsApp message. More than 180 reports of the scam have been reported to the local police so far this year.

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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