Local News Thursday 31st August

Thursday, 31 August 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Engineers have concluded that the weather rather than work laying a new pavement in the High Street in Yeovil has caused the War Memorial to lean. The UK's first artificial sports pitch made entirely from corn was laid at Preston School in Yeovil. Yeovil Town Council is appealing for help finding a time capsule...and more.

Structural engineers have concluded that the weather rather than work laying a new pavement in the High Street in Yeovil has caused the War Memorial to lean. Concerns were raised about the structure's safety shortly after work began in The Borough laying new pavement slabs. In a report, engineers say hydration within the stonework is the most likely reason why the upper section has developed a slight lean.

The UK's first artificial sports pitch made entirely out of corn has been laid at Preston School in Yeovil. It has cost nearly seven hundred thousand pounds and comes ahead of an expected ban in Europe on traditional 3G pitches that use microplastics.

A Somerset housing developer has welcomed plans to ease water pollution restrictions for new developments. Up to one hundred thousand new homes could be built by 2030 if EU rules around house building near waterways are loosened. Environmental groups have described the move as "disgraceful" but housing developer, Chris Winter, says the current regulations need to be changed.

The Somerset Building Preservation Trust has outlined plans to restore the old courthouse building in Chard. The Trust bought the lease to Number Nine Fore Street in May this year and through a programme of tailored repairs will give the building a new communal purpose.

Yeovil Town Council is trying to trace a time capsule believed to be buried under the Millennium Clock in Yeovil town centre. The capsule, containing items of Yeovil history, is thought to have been deposited in the clock's foundations when it was erected in 1999. The Town Council would like to hear from anyone who can shed light on the capsule's existence or anyone with photographs of the ceremony held to mark the capsule’s burial.

A date has been announced to open a new McDonald’s near Ilminster. The restaurant and drive-thru at the Southfields Enterprise Park off the A303 will open from Thursday, September 20th and has created sixty-five new jobs.

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.