Monday 11th December

Monday, 11 December 2023 at 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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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
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