Local News Tuesday 16th August

Tuesday, 16 August 2022 06:00

A yellow warning is in place for thunderstorms across Somerset today and tomorrow. Plans have been submitted to radically alter a former restaurant building in Yeovil town centre. The conservation group, the People's Trust for Endangered Species, is asking people in Somerset to help carry out a wildlife survey. A former garage on the A30 between Yeovil and Sherborne has been put up for sale with development potential...and more.

A yellow warning is in place for thunderstorms across Somerset today and tomorrow. The Met Office says while some places will stay dry, others will experience heavy downpours, with torrential rain causing disruption. Meanwhile, Devon and Somerset Fire Service say they’ve been fully stretched dealing with grass fires brought on by the extremely dry conditions. They say the past few days have been some of their busiest ever.

Plans have been submitted to radically alter a former restaurant building in Yeovil town centre. The property at 66 Middle Street, opposite the old bandstand area, has stood empty for three years, but could now have two new upper floors added for making into flats. Two other floors in the building would also be converted to flats under an application to South Somerset District Council. Eleven flats in total would be created with the ground floor retained for serving food and drink.

The conservation group, the People's Trust for Endangered Species, is asking people in Somerset to help carry out a wildlife survey to reflect the habits of wild animals during this year’s very hot summer. They’re looking to gather data on how animals have been coping with the extremely high temperatures.

A former garage on the A30 between Yeovil and Sherborne has been put up for sale with development potential.

The 1.3-acre site, which was formerly the Forward Garage, is advertised with a guide price of £650,000.

A partially sighted pensioner from Somerset is planning to complete a 900-mile road trip to raise money for the charity, Somerset Sight. Graham Salter is due to set off next month in his vintage Austin 7, travelling from Lands End to John O'Groats. Graham says every penny he raises will go towards helping Somerset Sight with their good work.

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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.