Local News Tuesday 21st September

Tuesday, 21 September 2021 06:00

The farmer’s union the NFU says it wants to see visas relaxed so more European workers can come here to help tackle a staffing shortage. Up to £6.5 million pounds is being invested in improving Yeovil and Wincanton's leisure facilities. Police in Somerset are using unmarked HGVs to help spot dangerous drivers. South Western Railway, which runs services between Crewkerne and London Waterloo, has come under fire after a series of recent cancellations...and more.

The farmer’s union the NFU says it wants to see visas relaxed so more European workers can come here to help tackle a staffing shortage. Farmers in Somerset say they've been struggling to recruit workers since Brexit and some are reducing the number of times a day they milk their cows as a result. The Government says it's aware of the challenges facing the industry but is encouraging the farming sector to make employment more attractive to UK domestic workers.

Up to £6.5 million pounds is being invested in improving Yeovil and Wincanton's leisure facilities. Freedom Leisure, who manage Goldenstones, Westlands sports centre and the leisure centre in Wincanton, has outlined a series of major improvements to each of the three buildings. At Goldenstones, the gym will be "refreshed" with new equipment and the swimming pool changing rooms completely revamped. At Westlands, an additional aerobics studio will be provided. And in Wincanton, an indoor cycling studio will be created.

Police in Somerset are using unmarked HGVs to help spot dangerous drivers. It's part of a region-wide operation over two weeks following a programme run by National Highways who've helped train officers to drive the vehicles.

South Western Railway, which runs services between Crewkerne and London Waterloo, has come under fire after a series of recent cancellations. Over 2,400 unhappy customers have formed a Facebook group to share their stories of cancelled journeys, long delays and other issues. They're calling on the train service to improve services immediately. South Western Railway has apologised and says the cancellations are due to a number of drivers and guard having to self-isolate; as well as a slow intake of new train drivers.

Historic England is to invest in improvements to older buildings in Chard. The town is one of 60 places in England chosen as a High Street Historic Action Zone that will see buildings transformed and restored in the hope of attracting more people onto local high streets.

The go-ahead has been given to build 8 new homes in the village of Compton Dundon, near Somerton. The development, at Home Farm on Compton Street, will involve demolishing several existing agricultural buildings.

More from News

Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,