Local News Tuesday 8th June

Tuesday, 8 June 2021 07:02

The result of a poll on changing local government in Somerset has come out strongly against one council to run all services in the county. Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh is calling on the government to stick with the plan to lift all covid restrictions by June 21st. The number of car journeys on Somerset's roads fell to a 17 year low last year with people making fewer journeys because of the pandemic. Bradfords Building Supplies in Yeovil has been voted ‘Builders' Merchant of the Year’ in the National Builders' Merchants Awards...and more.

The result of a poll on changing local government in Somerset has come out strongly against one council to run all services in the county. Under the changes, Somerset’s five existing councils, including the County Council, would be replaced by one council or two councils, one based on the western side of the county, the other on the eastern side. Of the 111,000 people who took part in the poll, the one council option was rejected by more than two-thirds of voters. The result was 34.7 percent in favour of one council and 65.3 percent in support of two councils, the so-called ‘Stronger Somerset’ option. The result’s been sent to the Secretary of State for Local Government, Robert Jenrick, who will make the decision on the future shape of local government in Somerset but he’s said the poll, which was organised by Somerset’s four district councils, will not influence his decision.

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh is calling on the government to stick with the plan to lift all covid restrictions by June 21st. He believes enough people in Somerset have now been vaccinated for a return to normal life. Mr. Fysh says the country should not be held back every time a new covid variant emerges.

The number of car journeys on Somerset's roads fell to a 17 year low last year with people making fewer journeys because of the pandemic. Somerset Green party campaigner, Shane Collins, Is hoping the changes in the way get about over the past 15-months are here to stay.

A Chard woman caught shoplifting on three occasions has been given a one-year conditional discharge. Appearing before local magistrates, Sophie Plyer of Furzehill, Chard, pleaded guilty to stealing items from a shop in Crewkerne for which she was ordered to pay £104 compensation. She also admitted stealing from shops in Chard and in Axminster.

Bradfords Building Supplies in Yeovil has been voted ‘Builders' Merchant of the Year’ in the National Builders' Merchants Awards. It’s the second year in a row that the title has been won by Bradfords, who have 43 branches across the South West with headquarters in Yeovil.

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Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more
Thursday 3rd September

Fifteen thousand people have signed a petition calling on Somerset Council to cancel plans for a huge data centre in Bridgwater. A nest of Asian hornets has been found in Somerset. More patients in Somerset are set to benefit from a hospital project aimed at restoring independence... and more
Wednesday 2nd September

Yeovil-based charity, School in a Bag, has started sending supplies to Nepal to help in the aftermath of the devastating floods. 6,000 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a new relief road in Chard. The Royal British Legion in Somerset is appealing for more volunteers to help run this year’s Poppy Appeal... and more
Tuesday 1st September

One person had to be cut free from a vehicle following a two-vehicle collision on the A30 near Chard. A Yeovil man has been jailed for 7-and-a-half years for supplying cocaine and cannabis. Two Somerset teenagers have become the youngest to swim the Bristol Channel... and more
Friday 28th August

An organisation that investigates loan sharks has opened a branch in Taunton. Free parking on Sundays in Somerset's main towns could end just before Christmas. Local communities in and around Draycott will be able to take advantage of a shuttle bus service... and more.
Thursday 27th August

A 21 mile stretch of the M5 is to be given a 50mph speed limit for three years. Chard remains a safe place to work, live and visit say Avon & Somerset Police. Sunflowers of Somerset is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a photography competition and community activities... and more.
Wednesday 26th August

Two people have been arrested and released under investigation after the death of a baby in Crewkerne. A large sand picture of the prime minister has appeared in Burnham On Sea. The wet winter and hot summer means cider producers are struggling with their yields... and more.