Local News Tuesday 16th February

Thursday, 18 February 2021 at 17:32

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash. Citizens Advice in Somerset is calling on the government to better regulate broadband companies. A Sherborne man has been charged with an alleged offence related to the Hunting Act and Yeovil College is celebrating the work of 50 of its apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash between a car and a lorry on the A303 Ilminster by-pass at the weekend. The collision happened close to the South Petherton roundabout at around 5:30 pm on Sunday. The driver of the car, a 24-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone who can help is asked to call 101.

Citizens Advice in Somerset is calling on the government to better regulate broadband companies, in a bid to make it more affordable and more accessible to people in rural areas. The charity is arguing that it is an essential utility that people need for not just home schooling and shopping but also to claim benefits and apply for jobs.

A woman whose body was found in a lake at Yeovil Country Park has been named as Jean Osborne, aged 78, of Rivers Road, Yeovil. An inquest has been opened and adjourned into her death. The inquest was told that the cause of death remains unclear but they are no suspicious circumstances and general enquiries by the police are on going. The inquest is scheduled to resume in May.

More than 1,000 homes are standing empty in South Somerset, according to latest figures. 133 of the properties have been empty for between two and five years and 62 empty for more than five years. South Somerset District Council is taking the opportunity of ‘Empty Homes Week’ to raise awareness of the support it provides to owners to bring empty properties back into use.

A Sherborne man has been charged with an alleged offence related to the Hunting Act following an investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police. Mark Hankinson is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on March 4th charged with intentionally encouraging or assisting others to commit an offence under the Hunting Act 2004. (Story courtesy of Chard and Ilminster News).

Yeovil College is celebrating the work of 50 of its apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week. Each student has been given a National Apprenticeship Week Award including 39 health and social care apprentices who’ve been working on the front line during the pandemic at Yeovil Hospital.

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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