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.

More from News

Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,