Local News Tuesday 19th July

Tuesday, 19 July 2022 at 06:00

An amber weather alert for extreme temperatures is in place across Somerset again today. A Yeovil man has been jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to multiple offences. Plans have been submitted to build one-hundred-and-twenty new homes on the outskirts of Keinton Mandeville. Up to seventeen so-called local community networks could be established across Somerset as part of the new Somerset unitary council. An empty church building in Yeovil is to be converted into flats...and more.

An amber weather alert for extreme temperatures is in place across Somerset again today. Road gritters are being used to treat roads with reports of tarmac surfaces melting in the record temperatures. Speed restrictions are in place again across the rail network. Some services have been cancelled as temperatures rise above what train lines are designed to cope with. The RSPCA is reminding dog owners not to take their pets out for walks in the heat.

A Yeovil man has been jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to multiple offences including sexual offences against children. 63-year-old Michael Sellings, of Horsey Lane pleaded guilty to 12 offences, which took place between November 2016 and June 2021.

Plans have been submitted to build one-hundred-and-twenty new homes on the outskirts of Keinton Mandeville. Land for the development has been earmarked south of the B315 between Keinton Mandeville and Somerton. The sites comprise three fields, ending near the village hall and the Lakeview housing development.

Up to seventeen so-called local community networks could be established across Somerset as part of the new Somerset unitary council. It’s believed the LCN’s will include representatives of parish and town councils, police and fire service, community groups, and perhaps members of the public. A pilot LCN for South East Somerset is currently running.

An empty church building in Yeovil is to be converted into flats. The former Elim Church on Larkhill Road will be turned into four living spaces after South Somerset District Council granted planning permission and a change of use on the building.

Repair or reuse old items instead of replacing them. That's the message from Somerset Waste Partnership as it hosts a series of events across Somerset as part of Reuse Week. It says people should try to think about reusing items before putting them in recycling bins.

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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