Local News Tuesday 15th March

Tuesday, 15 March 2022 06:00

The government’s 'Home for Ukrainians' scheme has been welcomed in Somerset. The numbers of Covid patients in hospitals are rising faster here in the South West than anywhere else in the country. Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society's performance of Kinky Boots at the Octagon Theatre tonight (15-03) has had to be postponed due to Covid. Vandals have damaged a red telephone box at Holwell near Sherborne for a second time...and more.

The government’s 'Home for Ukrainians' scheme has been welcomed in Somerset. It’s aimed at finding homes for the thousands of Ukrainian refugees expected in the UK from next week. Those providing refugees with accommodation will be paid £350 pounds a month. Cabinet Member for Education and Public Health at the County Council, Councillor Claire Paul, says Somerset is ready for the challenge.

Drivers travelling at night on the A303 between the Southfields roundabout and the A30 junction at Newcott are being advised to plan their journeys in advance. It’s due to the stretch of the A303 shutting for repairs overnight between 6.30 pm and 7 am. Another local main road that is closed overnight for repairs is the A358 between the junction at Ilminster Road and the junction at Langport Road. A diversion is in place during the hours of closure.

The numbers of Covid patients in hospitals are rising faster here in the South West than anywhere else in the country. The NHS says the majority with Covid are in hospital for other reasons. The rise in patient numbers testing positive with the virus is proving to be a big challenge.

Long Sutton Post Office has re-opened at a new location. It'll now run from the Village Shop on Martock Road, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, and 9.30 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.

Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society's performance of Kinky Boots at the Octagon Theatre tonight (15-03) has had to be postponed due to Covid. Several cast and crew members have tested positive for the virus and have been forced to withdraw from the show.

Vandals have damaged a red telephone box at Holwell near Sherborne for a second time. Glass panels replaced from an earlier incident have been smashed again. If you feel you can help the police with their enquiries you are asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

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Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.