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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Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more