Yeovil-based leather manufacturer, Pittards, is urgently seeking an injection of cash to keep the company afloat. The woodland community, Tinkers Bubble, near Norton sub Hamdon, has been granted permission to remain on the forty-acre site indefinitely. BUPA Dental Care says the future of its dental practice in Crewkerne is under review. A new community defibrillator has been installed in Chard...and more.
Yeovil-based leather manufacturer, Pittards, is urgently seeking an injection of cash to keep the company afloat. In a statement, the company says it plans to issue one-million new shares at twenty-five pence each to raise cash of £344,000. A meeting of shareholders has been called for April 11th to agree on the plan. Pittards, which specialises in producing leather for bags and other leather goods blames its financial difficulties on adverse foreign currency movements.
The woodland community, Tinkers Bubble, near Norton sub Hamdon, has been granted permission to remain on the forty-acre site indefinitely. The so-called ‘off grid, low impact community’ was set up as a temporary campsite twenty-four years ago surrounded by huge controversy. Since then, Tinkers Bubble has grown in size and now has sixteen residents who produce their own timber, cider, apple juice, and vegetables, which they sell locally. The application for permanent status was granted by South Somerset District Council with no objections from Norton sub Hamdon parish council.
Bupa Dental Care says the future of its dental practice in Crewkerne is under review and will stay open for the time being. It follows the announcement that BUPA is shutting twenty-six dental practices in England and Wales.
Avon and Somerset Police have been working with colleagues in other forces across the South West this week to tackle drug crime. The operation has also focused on the crimes that drugs bring with them - like violence, robbery, burglary and theft, as well as anti-social behaviour.
There's just under a month to go to sign up for a fifty-two-mile Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge to raise money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The annual event will start in Watchet and end at West Bay in Dorset on 23rd April.
A new community defibrillator has been installed in Chard. The portable device is located on the Millfield Industrial Estate. The Chard Defib Group has thanked the National Grid and C and D Transport of Chard for funding the project.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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,