A half-a-billion pound budget has been agreed upon for the new Somerset Council. Caravan site owners in Somerset say this summer looks like being one of their busiest ever. Call handlers are being recruited to run the NHS 111 service in Somerset. A national clothing brand has opened a new warehouse and printing facility near Ilminster...and more.
A half-a-billion pound budget has been agreed upon for the new Somerset Council that replaces the county and four district councils on the first of April. The budget represents a near 5% rise in council tax - a typical Band D household in Somerset will pay £78 a year more in council tax. Around £17 million of the Council's budget will go towards the £29 million cost of upgrading the Octagon theatre in Yeovil.
Caravan site owners in Somerset say this summer looks like being one of their busiest ever for bookings. A survey of Caravan and Motorhome Club members suggests more people are booking caravan holidays and booking longer stays.
Call handlers are being recruited to work for the new provider of the NHS 111 service in Somerset. The contract to run the 111 helpline in Somerset has been won by HUC who currently operate the 111 service in the East of England. The company is seeking to employ several dozen new call handlers as well as clinicians, to support its service offer in Somerset.
A national clothing brand has opened a new warehouse and printing facility near Ilminster. Jolly Elephant, who claim their business is grounded in sustainability, has relocated to the Ilton Business Park.
Yeovil College Principal Mark Bolton has joined the Board of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership. The role of the LEP is to support ways to improve the region’s economy and create new jobs.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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