Local News Tuesday 21st March

Tuesday, 21 March 2023 06:00

A report by the Federation of Small Business in Somerset says half its members are struggling because they're not being paid on time. A special meeting of Chard Town Council is to be held to consider making public a report into allegations of bullying at the Council. Plans have been approved for a new fitness and wellbeing centre in Bruton. Last year’s Christmas panto at the Octagon in Yeovil has been nominated for four national awards...and more.

A report by the Federation of Small Business in Somerset is warning that half its members are struggling because they're not being paid on time. It comes as many are also facing pressure from rising energy costs.

A special meeting of Chard Town Council is to be held on March 29th to consider making public a report into allegations of bullying at the Council. It’s understood the report will contain the findings of an independent investigation into alleged incidents of bullying made by former town clerks and other members of staff at Chard Town Council.

Somerset veterans of the Iraq invasion are being urged to come forward for help if they're struggling. This week marks the 20th anniversary of the invasion with support being offered by the Royal Marines Charity.

There's disruption across the rail network in Somerset this week. Track upgrades by Network Rail mean that rail services won't be operating between Castle Cary and Taunton.

Plans have been approved for a new fitness and wellbeing centre in Bruton. South Somerset District Council has given permission for the enterprise to operate from a building previously used for storage behind Church Bridge Stores in Patwell Street in Bruton.

Last year’s Christmas panto at the Octagon in Yeovil has been nominated for four national awards. ‘Dick Whittington’, produced by Evolution Productions, could win Best Pantomime, Best Contribution to Music, Best Choreography and Best Lighting Design at the national Pantomime Awards 2023 that take place in London on April 11th.

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Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more