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.

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