Local News Thursday 6th October

Thursday, 6 October 2022 06:00

Bus workers in Somerset are to take strike action next week, in a continuing row over pay and conditions. People living in the village of Hatch Beauchamp are calling for the scrapping of plans to turn the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton into a four-lane expressway. A Yeovil man’s been jailed for throwing bleach and other items at police during a five-hour siege. There’s been a big increase in abandoned pets in Somerset...and more.

Bus workers in Somerset are to take strike action next week, in a continuing row over pay and conditions. The RMT union has notified bus operators that its members will stop work on the 10th and 21st of October and the 4th and 11th of November. Meanwhile, strike action is taking place on the railways for the rest of the week causing significant disruption to travellers in Somerset. No trains ran in the county yesterday and up until Saturday, only a limited service will operate.

People living in the village of Hatch Beauchamp are calling for the scrapping of plans to turn the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton into a four-lane expressway. Yesterday, they staged a protest at a meeting of Somerset County Council describing the plan by National Highways as “overkill” and claiming it would bisect local communities.

A Yeovil man’s been jailed for throwing bleach and other items at police during a five-hour siege. Taunton Crown Court was told that William Price threw bleach at an officer after he’d taken over his ex-partner's property by locking her out. Some of the liquid made contact with the officer's face, narrowly missing his eyes. Price, of West Coker Road, admitted affray and was sent to prison for 14 months.

There’s been a big increase in abandoned pets in Somerset. The RSPCA says that compared to this time last year, the number of pets abandoned by owners has risen by a quarter. The charity says the cost of living crisis has led to fewer people being able to look after their pets.

Taunton is to get a town council for the first time in 50 years. Taunton has been the only part of Somerset without a town or parish council. Elections to fill the twenty seats on the new authority will be held in May next year.

The A303 Ilminster by-pass is due to close overnight for four nights later this month. The closure takes place on October 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st between 9 pm and 6 am with a diversion in operation. It’s to allow for repair work to take place along the entire length of the by-pass.

More from News

Friday 31st October

There's anger in Chard about a road diversion in place alongside two sets of roadworks through the town. A motorcyclist has been injured in an accident in Bruton. £100,000 has been donated towards re-opening Shepton Mallet’s Amulet theatre... and more
Thursday 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .