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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more