Local News Wednesday 15th March

Wednesday, 15 March 2023 06:00

New road signs are being put up to advertise Yeovil as the “home of British helicopters”. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is closing for two weeks from next week for improvement works. A man’s been jailed after admitting to a number of shoplifting offences in Yeovil. National Highways will discuss the dualling of the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester at a series of open events later this month...and more.

New road signs are being put up to advertise Yeovil as the “home of British helicopters”. South Somerset District Council has approved a request by Leonardo Helicopters to install the new signs on three of the main roads leading into the town. Leonardo says it will be paying for the signs to be installed and for their upkeep.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is closing for two weeks from next week for improvement works. The centre is being upgraded to make it more accessible and wheelchair friendly.

A man’s been jailed after admitting to a number of shoplifting offences in Yeovil. Taunton Crown Court was told that David Bailey stole products, including cosmetics and electrical items, from shops in Yeovil on several occasions. Bailey pleaded guilty to four shoplifting offences, to taking a motor vehicle without consent and driving while disqualified, He was jailed for 18 weeks.

Another dental practice in Chard is closing. Chard House Dental Practice, on Leach Road, will shut at the end of April and has blamed the decision on a shortage of clinicians. It follows the announcement that MyDentist in Fore Street in Chard will close at the end of this month.

People in Chard have until next week to take part in a survey about shaping the town’s future. A Community Plan was launched last month to identify issues of importance to Chard residents, in particular, new ways to make the town greener and more attractive to shoppers. To comment on the plan go to the South Somerset website.

National Highways will discuss dualling the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester at a series of open events later this month. Members of the Project Team will be at Haynes Motor Museum on Tuesday, March 28th and Friday, March 31st. Also, at Teals Farm Shop on Wednesday, March 29th and Thursday, March 30th to answer questions from residents and businesses who have been affected by the road widening scheme.

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Wednesday 10th December

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Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

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Tuesday 2nd December

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious assault in Wincanton. Fire crews have dealt with a house fire in the village of Pitney. Plans have been submitted to redevelop Bridgwater Docks into a cultural and tourist destination. Ilminster's annual Christmas tree festival has opened in the town...and more