Local News Thursday 30th March

Thursday, 30 March 2023 at 06:00

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.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more