Local News Wednesday 9th August

Wednesday, 9 August 2023 at 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.

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Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more