Local News Tuesday 28th September

Tuesday, 28 September 2021 06:00

Covid booster jabs have started to be given to people in eligible groups in South Somerset. Plans have been published to transform the grass surface of the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil into a "hard surface". Pig farmers are warning that a shortage of workers is causing a surplus of animals in Somerset. Plans have been approved to introduce new visitor facilities at Sutton Bingham reservoir, on the outskirts of Yeovil...and more.

Covid booster jabs have started to be given to people in eligible groups in South Somerset. Those vaccinated twice more than six months ago in eligible groups will have received letters offering a booster. Vaccinations are being delivered through existing centres, including pharmacies and GP practices.

Plans have been published to transform the grass surface of the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil into a "hard surface". The airfield is the longest grass runway in the UK at 1,386 metres. It would be laid to tarmac under the scheme. South Somerset District Council is due to make a decision on the application before the end of the year.

Farmers in Somerset will be allowed to spread slurry this autumn but changes by the Environment Agency mean it could be further regulated next year. The Agency is worried about rivers becoming polluted after rainfall causing run-off. Farmers say they wouldn't spread slurry if poor weather is forecast. Chairman of the NFU in Somerset Tom Kimber says tightening the regulations will mean farmers having to build new slurry lagoons for which they will need financial help.

Pig farmers are warning that a shortage of workers is causing a surplus of animals in Somerset. The Industry is warning of a looming crisis that could lead to animals having to be culled on local farms.

Plans have been approved to introduce new visitor facilities at Sutton Bingham reservoir, on the outskirts of Yeovil. A new entrance gate will be installed, new cycling racks provided and improvements made to the car park on Sutton Hill at the north-western corner of the reservoir, a short distance from All Saints Church.

An Ilminster woman has held an event to raise funds for Brain Tumour research. Katie Wilkinson, who has an incurable brain tumour, organised a "walk of hope" in the town at the weekend with around 60 local people taking part.

A new food and craft event is set to start next month in Ilminster. The market with more than twenty stalls at Donyatt Village Hall will showcase small local businesses. The launch event will be held on Saturday, October 16th, starting at 9 am.

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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
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more