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.

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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
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more