Local News Thursday 5th August

Thursday, 5 August 2021 at 06:00

An inquest into the death of Yeovil Town captain, Lee Collins, has been told the footballer took his own life. There’s been a doubling in the number of people in the South West helping with medical research into the Covid pandemic. A decision to remove waste bins at Ham Hill country park near Yeovil has proved to be a real winner. Chard Carnival is set to go ahead this year but not on the grand scale of previous years.

An inquest into the death of Yeovil Town captain, Lee Collins, has been told the footballer took his own life. Mr. Collins, who was 32, was found dead in a hotel bedroom in West Coker on March 31st. Colleagues said he’d struggled with depression and had an alcohol addiction. And, when the football season was cancelled due to coronavirus, had worried about money and resorted to drug-taking. Somerset Coroner, Tony Williams, recorded a verdict of suicide.

There’s been a doubling in the number of people in the South West helping with medical research into the Covid pandemic. The National Institute for Health Research says people taking part in a recovery trial has helped save 20,000 lives.

A decision to remove waste bins at Ham Hill country park near Yeovil has proved to be a real winner. In a bid to stop anti-social littering, South Somerset District Council took away all litter bins at Ham Hill and put up signs asking people to take their litter home for recycling. The Council claims it’s led to an 80 percent reduction in littering at Ham Hill and has thanked visitors for contributing to the wellbeing of the country park and its wildlife.

Chard Carnival is set to go ahead this year but not on the grand scale of previous years. With clubs not building new floats due to a lack of funds, it’s been decided that they should use their old costumes and props to stage a shorter ‘Celebration of Carnival Parade’. The parade will be held on Saturday 9th October starting at 7 pm.

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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