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 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more