Local News Thursday 6th May

Thursday, 6 May 2021 07:30

Polling is underway in today’s local elections in South Somerset. Builders in South Somerset say the lockdown has led to a surge in construction work. Health managers say they’re concerned about the added pressures new housing schemes are putting on medical services in Chard. A woman from Crewkerne has been fined for drinking driving. A community food larder has been proposed for Castle Cary...and more.

Polling is underway in today’s local elections (06-05). In South Somerset, voting is taking place to elect a new Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset. Also, for seats on Parish and Town Councils, while referendums are being held on Neighbourhood Plans in Martock and Queen Camel. Polling stations are operating with social distancing in place and are open until 10 pm tonight.

Builders in South Somerset say the lockdown has led to a surge in construction work, as people decide to have home extensions and renovate their properties. Some builders are booked solid until 2022. Builder’s merchants have also seen a big increase in sales.

Health managers say they’re concerned about the added pressures new housing schemes are putting on medical services in Chard. Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group says GP surgeries and the community hospital in Chard are already oversubscribed and that to accommodate further housing growth, developers will have to pay the costs of improving these services.

A Bruton woman who has come out of retirement to work as a full-time carer is encouraging others to do the same. Schirstan Bampton is a former district nurse and retired 15 years ago. She recommending caring as a career and says it's never too late in life to start out all over again.

A woman from Crewkerne has been fined for drinking driving. Elaine Shears, of Middle Path, Crewkerne, pleaded guilty to the offence at Yeovil magistrates court and was fined £207 and disqualified from driving for 14 months.

in a building used as a public toilet. Castle Cary Town Council plans to convert the public conveniences in Millbrook Gardens into a place where people can donate food items for giving to local families in the greatest need.

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