Local News Thursday 7th October

Thursday, 7 October 2021 at 06:00

Avon and Somerset police have introduced new measures for the public to check an officer’s identity following the murder of Susan Everard by serving police officer, Wayne Couzens. It’s claimed 15,000 people in Somerset will be impacted by the 20-pounds-a-week cut in Universal Credit. The RSPCA in Somerset says it has rehomed thirteen hundred animals during the period of the pandemic. A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with possession of a class-B drug and using threatening behaviour...and more.

Avon and Somerset police have introduced new measures for the public to check an officer’s identity following the murder of Susan Everard by serving police officer, Wayne Couzens. When asked, officers now have to give the person they have stopped their name and collar number. Officers also have to let a member of the public speak directly with the Police Control Room to confirm the officer is who they say they are.

It’s claimed 15,000 people in Somerset will be impacted by the 20-pounds-a-week cut in Universal Credit. The government has defended the move saying the uplift, introduced at the start of the pandemic, was always meant to be temporary

The RSPCA in Somerset says it has rehomed thirteen hundred animals during the period of the pandemic. The charity says the boom in pet ownership over the last 20-months is due largely to the public turning to animals for companionship. The RSPCA says, however, that anyone thinking of getting a pet should check they have the time, money, and lifestyle to care for the animal for the whole of its life.

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with possession of a class-B drug and using threatening behaviour. George Darch, 26, of Aldon Springs on Dorchester Road, pleaded guilty to having in his possession 6.8 grams of cannabis when searched by police.
Darch was made the subject of a restraining order and fined £70 with costs.

A conference is being held today (07-10) to discuss the new, one council for Somerset. Around 200 Parish and Town Council representatives are attending the event in Bridgwater organized by the County Council and four district councils. Somerset will have a single council governing the whole county from April 2023 with the County and four district councils all abolished.

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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more