Local News Tuesday 23rd May

Tuesday, 23 May 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

National Highways says it plans to go ahead with dualling the A358 linking the Ilminster bypass with the M5 despite government policy shifting towards cheaper road schemes. Permission has been given to build fifteen new houses in the village of Ilton. A creation by a Yeovil garden designer is on display at this week’s Chelsea Flower Show...and more.

National Highways says it plans to go ahead with the major project to dual the A358 linking the Ilminster bypass with the M5 despite a shift in government policy towards building smaller and cheaper road schemes. The promise to dual the A358 at the cost of three-hundred-and-twenty-eight million pounds is contained in the latest National Highways road investment strategy up to 2030. National Highways aren’t saying however when the plans to dual the A358 will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

A creation by a Yeovil garden designer is on display at this week’s Chelsea Flower Show. Julie Haylock has designed a garden in celebration of the Dorset fossil hunter, Mary Anning. Julie, who launched her business Sandhurst Garden Design only three years ago, says she feels very lucky to have her work displayed at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Permission has been given to build fifteen new houses in the village of Ilton. The development on land to the south of St Peter’s Close has been delayed by the Dutch N court ruling that requires that any new development should not increase phosphate levels within the Somerset Levels catchment. Somerset Council says permission was granted to build the new houses after the developer agreed to further phosphate mitigation measures on the site.

Somerset Council says waste collection pick-up days next week will be different due to Monday being a Bank Holiday. If your recycling and/or refuse is usually collected on Monday, then it will be collected on Tuesday, if your usual day is Tuesday, it will be collected on Wednesday and so on. Collections that take place on Friday, June 2nd will take place on Saturday, June 3rd. To help crews speed up collections, you’re asked to have bags and bins ready by 7 am on the day of collection, or better still, ready the night before.

Combe St Nicholas Primary School near Chard has been given a prestigious Artsmark Award. It’s in recognition of the school going above and beyond to give pupils a wide range of art and cultural experiences.

More from News

Friday 8th May

Police investigating a fire in Shepton Mallet are appealing for help to identify two people. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has called for more government support for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. This weekend sees the start of the Great Gardening Show at The Newt near Bruton...and more
Thursday 7th May

A disabled man has taken his case to the High Court, arguing that Somerset Council’s council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Bristol Airport says travellers planning summer holidays should not change their plans. Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal,..and more
Wednesday 6th May

Pharmacists in Somerset say it's becoming difficult to get hold of some medications. The building used as Club Neo in Stars Lane in Yeovil has been put up for sale. Free gym memberships are being offered to people living with Parkinson's in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 5th May

An investigation has been launched following a suspected arson attack at Sherborne Police Station. Somerset Council is spending £2.3 million on 14 new road gritters. Ilminster Literary Festival is marking its tenth anniversary this year... and more
Friday 1st May

A Yeovil man has pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour towards two female paramedics. Police in Chard are appealing for the public’s help following a spate of thefts in the Henson Park area of the town. Pet store chain, Jollyes, is opening a new branch in Yeovil... and more
Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more