Local News Tuesday 1st March

Tuesday, 1 March 2022 06:00

The village of Thornford near Sherborne has unofficially twinned with Ukraine. Businesses in Chard say ongoing road works in the town are putting people off coming into their shops. Plans have been submitted for temporary permission to extend a stone quarry near Chard. Verbal abuse shouted at rugby referees is on the increase in Somerset and boulders are being put on the road leading to Glastonbury Tor to stop people parking.

The village of Thornford near Sherborne has unofficially twinned with Ukraine. To show solidarity with the people of Ukraine against Russian forces, locals in Thornford have put up a sign at the entrance to the village stating ‘Thornford Twinned with Ukraine’.

Businesses in Chard say ongoing road works in the town are putting people off coming into their shops. The work is part of a regeneration programme and includes introducing more trees and seating areas. But it's led to large areas of on-street parking being inaccessible. South Somerset District Council say it's been liaising with local shops to minimise disruption and has launched a grant scheme for those businesses that wish to renovate their shop fronts

Plans have been submitted for temporary permission to extend a stone quarry near Chard. A decision on the application to extend the Chard Junction Quarry at Westford Park Farm is due to be made by South Somerset District Council within the next three months.

Verbal abuse shouted at rugby referees is on the increase in Somerset. The Somerset Rugby Referees Society says the behaviour of fans, coaches, and players in recent months has grown to unacceptable levels. They claim the bad behaviour often starts with spectators and coaches and then causes a reaction from the players, making it difficult for referees to manage the game. The Rugby Referees Society is appealing for everyone at matches, to show referees more respect.

Boulders are being put on the road leading to Glastonbury Tor to stop people parking. Police say parking on the double yellow lines around the base of The Tor blocks farm traffic and emergency vehicles. Work putting the boulders in place has started and will last for three weeks. Police say blue badge holders will still be able to park in the designated spaces around The Tor.

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