Monday 11th December

Monday, 11 December 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Avon and Somerset Police say 61 motorists have been arrested so far in the run up to Christmas. Extra pumping equipment is being used to help prevent more homes and businesses in Somerset from flooding. Plans have been submitted to upgrade the skate park in Stoke-sub-Hamdon...and more.

Avon and Somerset Police say 61 motorists have been arrested so far in the run-up to Christmas. The Christmas Drink and Drug Driving campaign began last week and continues until the first week of January.

Extra pumping equipment is being used to help prevent more homes and businesses in Somerset from flooding. A flood warning remains in place for low-lying properties along the route of the River Yeo and River Parrett around Muchelney, Muchelney Ham and Thorney Moor.

Wincanton Racecourse says they’re hopeful that the rest of December’s racing fixtures will go ahead despite the course being waterlogged. Racing had to be cancelled last week due to the extremely wet conditions. The next scheduled meeting at Wincanton is Tuesday, December 19th.

Plans have been submitted to up-grade the skate park in Stoke-sub-Hamdon. The parish council wants to install new ramps and equipment to replace the current ramps at the Matt’s Lane recreation ground that are worn out after 21 years of use. Meanwhile, Westfield Academy has applied for planning permission to install 12 air source heat pumps at the upper school site off Stiby Road. A new substation will also be constructed to provide additional electricity for the pumps.

People in South Somerset are being urged to book a winter flu and Covid jab before online bookings close. This Thursday, December 14th is the last day to make a flu and Covid vaccination booking via NHS online, the NHS app, or by calling 119.

Somerset Council has given the go-ahead for a new solar farm to be built at Illton. A planning application by Solar South West Limited to create a new solar farm off Merryfield Lane in Ilton was approved on condition the developers keep construction traffic and noise to a minimum.

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Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
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