Local News Thursday 23rd December

Thursday, 23 December 2021 06:00

The final go-ahead has been given to build a new hard-standing runway at the Leonardo Helicopters site in Yeovil. Average council tax bills in Somerset look set to rise by £40.47 for county council services from April. Small businesses in Somerset are calling for 100% business rate relief from the government. A biscuit product made by a Yeovil bakery has been named Christmas Product of the Year and Police saw the funny side when they stopped a BMW for not having a front registration plate.

The final go-ahead has been given to build a new hard-standing runway at the Leonardo Helicopters site in Yeovil. Leonardo says the tarmac runway is needed because the current runway on their airfield off Bunford Lane is no longer fit for purpose. South Somerset District originally gave the plans the green light in 2019. This latest approval involves permission to construct a building for lighting purposes, next to the existing factory sheds at the Leonardo site

Average council tax bills in Somerset look set to rise by £40.47 for county council services from April. The County Council says the extra £30million it would raise is needed to pay the higher costs of delivering adults' and children’s services. A public consultation on the proposed increase has opened and will close at the end of January. Somerset County Council claims it currently has the fourth-lowest council tax amongst English counties.

Small businesses in Somerset are calling for 100% business rate relief from the government. The Chancellor has announced a one billion pounds support fund for businesses struggling to deal with the Omicron variant. It means they can claim a grant of six thousand pounds for each of their premises.

A biscuit product made by a Yeovil bakery has been named Christmas Product of the Year in The Quality Food Awards 2021. Percy’s Bakery in Artillery Road on the Lufton Trading Estate has been given the award for its Chocolate Caramel Thins, which can be bought in Aldi supermarkets.

Police saw the funny side when they stopped a BMW for not having a front registration plate. The driver told them he’d been to the Longleat safari park and that a monkey had jumped on the bonnet of his car and stolen the number plate. Avon and Somerset Police have voted it the ‘best creative excuse of the festive season so far’. After giving the driver ‘some advice’, he was allowed to continue with his journey.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more