Local News Thursday 23rd December

Thursday, 23 December 2021 at 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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Friday 30th October

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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