Local News Tuesday 9th March

Tuesday, 9 March 2021 07:30

Somerset County Council says a final decision on changes to the school system in Ilminster and Crewkerne will be made at a meeting on March 17th. Great Western Railway, that run trains through Castle Cary, is increasing services this week. Brympton Parish Council is asking for a reduced speed limit on Thorne Lane in Yeovil....and more.

Somerset County Council says a final decision on changes to the school system in Ilminster and Crewkerne will be made at a meeting on March 17th. The Council plans to scrap the current three-tier school system, comprising infant, middle and upper schools and replace this with a flatter two-tier system of primary and secondary schools. Despite strong opposition from parents, the Council says a two-tier structure is necessary due to falling pupil numbers in the area.

Great Western Railway, that run trains through Castle Cary, is increasing services this week as schools and colleges reopen fully. The timetable was reduced when a third national lockdown was introduced in January but is now back to ‘near normal’.

Brympton Parish Council is asking for a reduced speed limit on Thorne Lane in Yeovil. It claims the road has become more dangerous with increased numbers of people using it for exercise during the pandemic. (Story courtesy of Yeovil Press).

Fresh calls have been made for the government to help resolve an issue that's left plans for more than 11,000 new homes in Somerset on hold. District councils have delayed more than 750 planning applications because of concerns over water pollution on the Somerset Levels and Moors.

An Ilminster couple who next month celebrate 60 years of marriage say the secret to a successful marriage is ‘give and take’ and laughter. John and Norah Robson, of Summerlands Drive, were married on April 1st 1961 and are well known for their work with the Royal British Legion and the Army Cadet Force in Ilminster.

An appeal to build a pre-school facility at Hinton St George Primary School has so far raised £25,000. The building will be constructed using two shipping containers. A further £50,000 in donations is needed for the project. (Story courtesy of Lopen Eye community magazine).

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

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