Local News Thursday 26th May

Thursday, 26 May 2022 06:00

Yeovil is the second easiest place to pass a driving test in the UK, according to new research by the insurance firm, Ingenie. A special church service has been held at RNAS Yeovilton to remember those who lost their lives serving on HMS Coventry and the Atlantic Conveyor in the Falklands conflict. The Liberal Democrats, who won control of Somerset County Council in the local elections earlier this month, have confirmed Councillor Bill Revans in the role of new County Council Leader...and more

Yeovil is the second easiest place to pass a driving test in the UK, according to new research by the insurance firm, Ingenie. Between April 2020 and June 2021, the town had a pass rate of 66.5 per cent. Dorchester had the highest pass rate in the UK with 67.3 per cent of those taking the driving test, passing it.

A special church service has been held at RNAS Yeovilton to remember those who lost their lives serving on HMS Coventry and the Atlantic Conveyor in the Falklands conflict. This week marks 40 years since both ships were sunk during the Falklands War with more than thirty men losing their lives.

The Liberal Democrats, who won control of Somerset County Council in the local elections earlier this month, have confirmed Councillor Bill Revans in the role of new County Council Leader. At the first meeting of all 110 councillors held in Bridgwater who will run the new Somerset unitary council from April next year, Councillor Val Keitch, the current Leader of South Somerset District Council, was given the Local Government Reorganisation and Prosperity portfolio, with Councillor David Woan as her deputy.

Two garden designers from Bruton have won a ‘Best in Show’ award at the Chelsea Flower Show. Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt were chosen for their creation of a garden depicting a beaver wetland habitat. The garden, which also won a Chelsea gold medal, features a beaver lodge, dam, a pond and stream, and various plants including orchids, forget-me-nots and hawthorn.

The first business to move in at a new industrial estate in Yeovil has begun trading. The national chain, GSF, which sells car parts, has opened a Yeovil branch on the new Glenmore Trading Estate, off Lufton Way, close to Yeovil Town’s Huish Park ground.

More from News

Wednesday 17th June

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Tuesday 16th June

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more
Monday 15th June

People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more
Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.