Monday 12th August

Monday, 12 August 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Four people were arrested in Yeovil at the weekend during a large police operation put in place over concerns of possible disorder in the town. Bus users in Somerset are facing disruption today with staff at First Bus staging a walkout. Work is underway replacing a historic stained-glass window at Ilminster Arts Centre...and more.

Four people were arrested in Yeovil at the weekend during a large police operation put in place over concerns of possible disorder in the town. Police say the arrests were for offences, including a racially aggravated public order offence and possession of a knife. Officers stopped and searched 14 people, while six people in a dispersal zone were directed away from the area. In addition to the police having extra powers during Saturday’s operation, horses, a dog unit, a drone team, and officers from neighbouring forces were deployed. Those arrested remain in police custody.

Bus users in Somerset are facing more disruption today with staff at First Bus staging a walkout in their long-running pay dispute. The RMT union claim First Bus has refused to negotiate further on the pay claim but the company says it’s offered an above-inflation offer of 5.1 percent on all pay grades.

The next phase of road surface work in Somerset starts today. Surface dressing is a technique used to seal a road, improving skid resistance, and preventing water from getting under the surface, to help stop potholes from forming. Roads in our area being treated this week include; Canal Road in Ilminster, Fosse Way at Lydford on the Fosse, and Frome Road at Bruton.

A Planning Inspector has given the go-ahead for 37 new homes to be built at Walton near Street despite the plans being rejected by Mendip Council. They’d argued the homes would worsen road safety issues on the busy A39 but the Planning Inspectorate ruled in the developer’s favour, meaning the new homes can now be built on land off South Street in Walton.

A Somerset woman is planning to set a new world record for flying to the most countries in a hot air balloon. Allie Dunnington, who currently holds the women’s world record for flying through one-hundred-and-fifteen countries aims to beat the men’s world record held by her late husband.

An historic stained-glass window at Ilminster Arts Centre is undergoing restoration after being damaged by bad weather. The repairs are due to be completed by the autumn.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more