Local News Wednesday 13th April

Wednesday, 13 April 2022 06:00

Police are looking for a man who helped a woman after she claimed she’d been sexually assaulted at Ham Hill Country Park, near Yeovil. A charity is asking local employers to give more consideration to employing ex-offenders on leaving prison. A former chief officer at South Somerset District Council, accused of using public money on her private business, will face no further action from police. A motorist has spoken of his surprise at seeing a council worker trying to cut the artificial grass on the Hospital Roundabout in Yeovil with a strimmer. ...and more.

Police are looking for a man who helped a woman after she claimed she’d been sexually assaulted at Ham Hill Country Park, near Yeovil. The man, called Dominic, let the woman sit in his car following the alleged incident. His vehicle, a white hatchback, was parked at a viewing point at Ham Hill at around 11.30 pm on the night of Sunday, April 3rd. If you can help the Police with their enquiries, you’re asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

The Somerset-based charity, Key4Life, has helped more than 500 ex-prisoners to find work by giving them training and emotional support. This year, the charity is celebrating its tenth year.

A former chief officer at South Somerset District Council, accused of using public money on her private business, will face no further action from police. Clare Pestel was sacked by the district council last year following an independent investigation. Avon and Somerset Police say the evidence provided did not meet the threshold for pursuing a criminal prosecution. Ms. Pestel has always denied the allegations made against her.

A motorist has spoken of his surprise at seeing a council worker trying to cut the artificial grass on the Hospital Roundabout in Yeovil with a strimmer. Nigel Castle was driving past the roundabout when he spotted the worker attempting to mow the artificial turf. South Somerset District Council says the worker has been given more training to make sure the mistake doesn't happen again.

A well-known pub in Yeovil town centre is to have a change of use. The Westminster in Westminster Street was put up for sale last year and has been bought by a "religious foundation". According to the selling agents, the new owners plan to use the building for educational and learning purposes.

More from News

Wednesday 17th June

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Tuesday 16th June

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more
Monday 15th June

People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more
Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.