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.

More from News

Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.