Local News Tuesday 21st March

Tuesday, 21 March 2023 at 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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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
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