Local News Wednesday 9th August

Wednesday, 9 August 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council has been fined three thousand pounds for allowing a child with special needs to miss six months of school. Plans have been outlined for an expansion of new housing in Wincanton. A licence has been granted to hold a boxing 'fight night' in Wincanton despite fights breaking out among the spectators at two previous events...and more.

Somerset Council has been fined three thousand pounds for allowing a child with special needs to miss six months of school. The boy was unable to attend a mainstream school after he moved to Somerset in September 2021. Somerset County Council - now Somerset Council – was found at fault for failing to make changes to his care plan and provide him with a budget to be educated outside of a mainstream school. The Local Government Ombudsman ordered Somerset Council to formally apologise and compensate the family for the distress they had caused.

A care home in Chard has been rated as ‘good’ following an inspection by CQC inspectors. Chard Manor Care Home on Tatworth Road was previously rated as being ‘outstanding’.

Plans have been outlined for an expansion of new housing in Wincanton. The scheme, put forward by The Vistry Partnership, will see around one hundred homes, together with seven business units built at Lawrence Hill. The development will link to the existing walking and cycling routes at Lawrence Hill, providing a way into the town centre via Cale Park.

Somerset Council has granted a licence for a boxing 'fight night' to take place in Wincanton this Saturday despite fights breaking out among the spectators at two previous events and the police objecting to it being held. ‘Fight Night 4’ is an event in which contestants agree on several rounds to box each other. A crowd of five hundred is expected at the event which is being held at the Wincanton Sports Centre.

Sheep farmers in Somerset say the wet summer is making it hard for them to shear their animals. They claim they’re losing money because less wool is being produced than would normally be produced at this time of the year.

Organisers of South Petherton Carnival are appealing for more floats to take part in this year’s event. South Petherton is the first illuminated carnival on the South Somerset circuit and takes place on Saturday 9th September. It’s free to enter and details can be found on South Petherton Carnival Facebook page.

A boy from Somerset is aiming to raise one million pounds for charity by having a haircut! Jago, whose dad Alex died from motor neurone disease, is working with his mother to raise money and awareness of the illness. Jago, who's autistic, says it was a big deal having his hair chopped because it had grown down his back after not going to a barber for three years.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more