Local News Tuesday 14th September

Tuesday, 14 September 2021 06:00

The first families to be resettled in Somerset from Afghanistan are due to arrive in the County in about a month from now. he date of Monday, September 20th has been given for work to start on part-pedestrianising Westminster Street in Yeovil town centre. Garden waste collections have resumed across Somerset. Applications for secondary school places in Somerset for 2022 have opened. Families of young people with learning disabilities in Somerset are being invited to apply for funding...and more.

The first families to be resettled in Somerset from Afghanistan are due to arrive in the County in about a month from now, according to the County Council. This phase of the government’s ‘Warm Welcome’ programme is aimed at helping translators and others who assisted the UK military during the Afghanistan War. However Somerset County Council says, that currently, they don’t know how many Afghan families will come to live in the County.

The date of Monday, September 20th has been given for work to start on part-pedestrianising Westminster Street in Yeovil town centre. The improvements, that are part of Yeovil Refresh, include wider pavement areas, new street furniture, and improved street lighting. The scheme in Westminster Street, which is a year behind schedule, is expected to take nine months to complete.

Garden waste collections have resumed across Somerset. Somerset Waste Partnership suspended the service for 6 weeks due to staff shortages caused by Covid. Collections will be made on the usual day.

A Chard motorist has been fined £226 for driving at 96 mph in a 70 mph zone on the A303 near Wincanton. Wayne Thomas Lewis of Crowshute in Chard pleaded guilty to the charge and also had four penalty points put on his licence.

Applications for secondary school places in Somerset for 2022 have opened. Parents and carers ar being urged to apply for primary and secondary school places online through the County Council website. Applications for Secondary schools close on the 31st of October and primary schools close on the 15th of January.

Families of young people with learning disabilities in Somerset are being invited to apply for funding to take part in therapy sessions with horses. The grants are being offered through the Somerset Community Foundation. Its Chief Executive, Justin Sargeant, says animal therapy can make a real difference.

More from News

Monday 12th October

Two people were arrested on suspicion of racially motivated public order offences during an anti-immigration protest held in Yeovil at the weekend. Women in Somerset now have access to two brand new mobile breast screening units. A drought permit has been approved for Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor which is currently only 18% full...and more
Friday 9th October

A controversial new one-way traffic system in Bridgwater is to be changed back to a 2-way system. Plans to cut support funding to young carers in Somerset have been scrapped. A new website has been launched in Chard bringing together everything residents and visitors need to know about the town...and more
Thursday 8th October

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more
Wednesday 7th October

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more
Tuesday 6th October

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.