Local News Thursday 2nd March

Thursday, 2 March 2023 06:00

Several schools across Somerset are either fully or partially closed today due to strike action by teachers. The main A30 road between Chard and Crewkerne has reopened to traffic two weeks earlier than planned. People in Chard are being asked for their views about the town in a new consultation. The Manager of Yeovil Town says what the club needs under its new owners is stability...and more.

Several schools across Somerset are either fully or partially closed today It’s due to strike action by teachers belonging to the National Education Union in their row over pay and school funding. In our area the following schools are affected:
Buckler's Mead Academy
Stanchester Academy
Reckleford Infant School and Nursery
Ilchester Community School
Huish Episcopi Academy
Fiveways Special School
Fairmead School
Charlton Mackrell C of E Primary School
Birchfield Primary school
Ashlands C of E First School in Crewkerne

Almost all children in Somerset starting at secondary schools in September will be attending a school of their choice. According to Somerset County Council, 4,439 11-year-olds have been given places at their chosen schools. Parents who applied for places for children starting primary school or, moving from infant to junior or first to middle school, will find out the school places they’ve been offered in April

The main A30 between Chard and Crewkerne has reopened to traffic 2-weeks earlier than planned. The road between the junction of Liddon Hill and St Rayn Hill was due to stay shut up until the middle of March for new drainage pipes to be installed. But Somerset County Council says their contractors have completed the work ahead of schedule and that road is fully open.

People in Chard are being asked for their views about the town in a new consultation. It’s being held to establish what local people consider to be important about the town and how they want to see it developed. The survey’s available on the South Somerset District Council website.

Yeovil Town fans have been reacting to the news that the Club has a new major shareholder. In a statement, the new owners, SU Glovers say they’ve taken on the "stewardship" of Yeovil Town and stop short of calling it a takeover. SU Glovers is understood to be a consortium that includes the businessman Matthew Uggla and former England rugby player Paul Sackey. The Manager of Yeovil Town, Mark Cooper, says the club needs stability under its new owners.

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Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,