Local News Wednesday 10th August

Wednesday, 10 August 2022 at 06:00

Controversial plans to convert a former care home in Yeovil into a homeless hostel are due to be decided at a meeting tonight. A new report claims the freight industry in the southwest created over 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2019. Misterton Church of England First School is to re-open as an education centre for vulnerable children. A local motorist has been given a suspended prison sentence for drink driving and with the hot dry weather set to continue, more calls have been made to permanently ban disposable barbeques.

Controversial plans to convert a former care home in Yeovil into a homeless hostel are due to be decided at a meeting tonight. If the change of use is approved, Bournemouth Churches Housing Association will shut their current hostel in Newton Road in Yeovil town centre and convert the former Acacia Lodge care home on Henford Hill to accommodate thirty-nine homeless people. South Somerset District Council’s Area South Committee is being recommended the give the plans the go-ahead at tonight’s meeting. People who live in the area of Hendford Hill however are strongly opposed. They say a better solution would be to provide homeless people with accommodation in smaller units, spaced out around the town.

A new report claims the freight industry in the southwest created over 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2019. Twenty percent of those emissions were generated by empty lorries being driven on local roads. Lorna Hammond is Managing Director of Chard-based logistics firm C and D South West. She says they're trying to tackle emissions.

Misterton Church of England First School is to re-open as an education centre for vulnerable children. The school closed last year as part of controversial school reforms despite a campaign by local parents for it to be kept open. Pupils will attend lessons for two or three days each week, and spend the remaining time at mainstream schools.

A local motorist has been given a suspended prison sentence for drink driving. Caitlin Crisp of the High Street in West Coker was four times over the drink-drive limit when police found her slumped over the wheel of her car in Avishayes Road in Chard in July. Caitland, who pleaded guilty to the offence, was banned from driving for 32 months and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

With the hot dry weather set to continue, more calls have been made to permanently ban disposable barbeques. The Country, Land and Business Association is campaigning for all retailers to stop selling disposal barbeques to reduce the risk of wildfires.

More from News

Thursday 5th November

South West Water says reservoir levels in Somerset are starting to recover after recent heavy rainfall. Castle Cary railway station is to get a new footbridge. A young dancer from Martock has been chosen to perform with the English Youth Ballet... and more
Wednesday 4th November

People in Somerset will go to the polls in May 2028 to elect a new mayor for the Wessex region. A Somerset farmer who failed a breath test after being caught asleep at the wheel of his tractor has narrowly avoided losing his driving licence. The new Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been named a regional winner in the Building Excellence Awards 2026... and more
tuesday 3rd November

Somerset Council says it doesn’t have the money to improve its planning enforcement team. Drivers are being advised that work to replace the central barrier on the M5 near Wellington starts this week. A health food shop in Chard has been crowned High Street Shop of the Year... and more
Monday 2nd November

A motorist was caught driving at 133mph on the A303 between Podimore and Sparkford, according to newly released data from Avon and Somerset Police. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre closed for the last time at the weekend. Public firework displays in Ilminster and Martock have been cancelled due to rising costs... and more
Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more