Wednesday 10th July

Wednesday, 10 July 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

New figures show that from the start of the year, black people were six times more likely than white people to be the target of a stop and search by Avon and Somerset Police. A housing developer is taking legal action against Somerset Council. A Somerset teenager hopes to break records when he sets off on a journey around the UK coastline in an electric boat...and more.

New figures show that from the start of the year, black people were six times more likely than white people to be the target of a stop and search by Avon and Somerset Police. It’s a small decrease from last year when black people were seven times more likely to be subjected to stop and search, and after the force was described as ‘institutionally racist’.

A housing developer is taking legal action against Somerset Council in a bid to prevent further delays to building 130 new homes on the Somerset-Dorset border. The Planning Inspectorate granted outline permission to Gladman Developments in 2018 to build up to 130 homes on Woodhayes Way in Henstridge. But Somerset Council has twice turned down the developer's proposals to improve the A357 that links with the development. The developer has now lodged a further appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to get the central government to sign off on its road improvements and allow building work to begin before the outline planning permission expires.

The ruling executive at Somerset Council meets next Monday to decide whether to pay waste contractor Suez an extra 47 million pounds. Suez says the pandemic, the roll-out of new services and inflation mean the cost of delivering services has far exceeded projections. A report to the council has looked at alternatives but concludes that paying Suez the extra money appears to be the least bad option.

A Somerset teenager hopes to break records when he sets off on a journey around the UK coastline in an electric boat. Harry Bleasley, who is 18, will start his charity fundraising challenge in the summer. Harry says using an electric boat, rather than one that is conventionally powered, will be challenging.

More from News

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