Monday 20th May

Monday, 20 May 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

There's been an eleven percent increase in burglaries in Somerset. Somerset Council say they're committed to buying the Glovers Walk shopping centre in Yeovil and protecting Yeovil bus station. The new public car park at Castle Cary railway station has opened permanently....and more.

Figures just out show there has been an eleven percent increase in burglaries in Somerset. According to Churchill Support Services, 1,653 burglaries were committed in Somerset between September 2022 and September 2023. That’s in the Avon and Somerset force area excluding Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police say while the number of burglaries has risen year-on-year, Somerset remains one of the lowest areas for burglaries across England, with the national average for burglaries being more than twice that for Somerset.

Somerset Council says it is committed to buying the Glovers Walk shopping centre in Yeovil and protecting the future of Yeovil bus station. The Council isn’t saying when the transfer of ownership will happen. In a statement, the Council says they will keep the bus station open as a key transport hub and bring Glovers Walk into public ownership as part of plans to redevelop the Lower Middle Street area.

The new public car park at Castle Cary railway station has opened on a permanent basis. It opened briefly in November and then closed in March for further work to be carried out. Spaces to park 193 vehicles and four electric charging bays are provided. The opening of the car park marks the start of a series of improvements at Castle Cary station, including installing a temporary footbridge for this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

A woman from South Petherton whose husband has dementia has praised a care group for providing the couple with much-needed support. Aileen Channer says without the social interaction provided by the Filo Project their lives would be very different.

A new bubble tea shop has opened in Yeovil. Bubble tea is a Taiwanese recipe which blends tea with milk, fruit and fruit juices. The shop can be found at 14 Wine Street in Yeovil town centre.

Yeovil Town has announced the departure of Rhys Murphy to National League South side, Dorking. Rhys, who returned to Huish Park for a second spell at the start of the 23/24 season, scored 15 goals in 30 games. Meanwhile, the Glovers will play a pre-season friendly against Exeter City at Huish Park on Friday, July 19th, kick-off is at 7.30 pm. A second pre-season friendly away against Weston-super-Mare will take place on Saturday, August 3rd.

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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
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more