Local News Thursday 23rd March

Thursday, 23 March 2023 06:00

Plans have been submitted to redevelop the site of Yeovil College. A Somerset man has been jailed for three years for importing drugs into the UK. Yeovil-based Screwfix has bought a business out of administration saving 400 jobs. An empty building in Chard, earmarked for demolition, won’t now be knocked down. A Somerset man has been chosen to feature in a new fundraising campaign for guide dogs...and more.

Plans have been submitted to redevelop the site of Yeovil College. If approved, a number of the older buildings, including the main Kingston building, would be demolished and replaced by three new buildings. The plans also include a one-way internal through-road linking the A37 Ilchester Road and Mudford Road.

A Somerset man has been jailed for three years for importing drugs into the UK. Robert Lane was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court after pleading guilty to offences relating to cocaine and cannabis. He was caught when Border Foe officials intercepted a parcel addressed to his home in Somerset containing an estimated five-thousand pounds worth of cannabis.

Yeovil-based Screwfix has bought a business out of administration saving 400 jobs. Connect Distribution Services in Birmingham which retails homewares and accessories was facing closure. The buyout, worth three million pounds, will see Screwfix, which is part of the same retail group as B&Q, operating Connect Distribution Services as a going concern, acquiring its e-commerce platforms, stock, intellectual property and product data.

A Somerset man has been chosen to feature in a new fundraising campaign for guide dogs. Appearing on social media, In the campaign on social media, Alex Gosney is seen asking the public to donate generously so that more guide dogs can be trained.

An empty building in Chard, earmarked for demolition, won’t now be knocked down. The former ACI building off Silver Street next to the new Chard Leisure complex has been given a reprieve pending further enquiries into how it might be given a new purpose.

Roads across Yeovil will be closed on Sunday for the Yeovil Half Marathon. The roads affected include Addlewell Lane, South Street, Park Street, Brunswick Street, Hendford, Silver Street, Middle Street and Market Street. Sherborne Road up to Pen Mill Hotel will also be closed. The race starts in South Street outside the library and makes its way to Montecute House before the runners return to the finish line in the Quedam Shopping Centre.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more