Local News Wednesday 16th August

Wednesday, 16 August 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Two people have been charged in connection with a burglary at a school in Yeovil. Somerset Council's facing a legal challenge over plans to build new houses in Chilthorne Domer. The Somerset charity Re-Engage is appealing for volunteers. A Somerset winemaker says 2023 could be a vintage year for local producers...and more.

Two people have been charged in connection with a burglary at a school in Yeovil. Tyler Singer, aged 21, of Shepton Mallet, faces a charge of non-dwelling burglary, taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and driving without insurance. Grace Brownhill, aged 18, also from Shepton Mallet, faces a charge of non-dwelling burglary and being a passenger in a stolen vehicle. The charges relate to a break-in at Westfield Academy School in Yeovil on Sunday, June 11th.

Somerset Council is facing a legal challenge over a delay in deciding a planning application. Developers, Land Allocation Ltd applied to build seventy-three new homes in Chilthorne Domer in August 2020 but neither South Somerset District Council nor its successor Somerset Council has yet made a decision on the application. Land Allocation Ltd has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds of non-determination, meaning Somerset Council has failed to come to a decision in a reasonable period.

A Somerset teacher says schools should be encouraging more pupils to take up music. Data shows a twelve per cent decline in the take up of music in schools last year. The appeal comes from Nicola Thompson, a Senior Teacher at Somerset Music, which is part of Somerset Council's Support Services for Education.

The Somerset charity Re-Engage is appealing for volunteers to become phone companions for older people. According to Office of National Statistics data, there are around twenty-five thousand people aged sixty and over living alone in Somerset, desperate for companionship.

Somerset winemakers say it could be an exceptional year for grapes with production at record levels. Guy Smith from the Smith and Evans Vineyard near Langport says the mixed summer weather has not affected his crops but is hoping for a dry September.

Green Flags have been awarded to three council-run open spaces in South Somerset. The scheme gives green flag status to public spaces with high environmental standards. In the latest round of awards, Green Flags were given to Yeovil Country Park, Ham Hill Country Park, and Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve.

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Wednesday 28th January

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Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more