Monday 28th October

Monday, 28 October 2024 05:00

By Steve Haigh

A date has been set for the trial of five men in connection with the death of Yeovil man, Michael Wheeler. Somerset Council has announced a further 450 job cuts. Final approval has been given for 765 new homes to be built at Up Mudford on the outskirts of Yeovil...and more

A date has been set for the trial of five men in connection with the death of Yeovil man, Michael Wheeler. His body was found at Yarlington more than a month after he was reported missing.

Somerset Council has announced a further 450 job cuts as part of efforts to avoid the authority going bankrupt. Council Leader, Bill Revans, says the cuts will impact services and has repeated his call for the government to step-in with a rescue plan, not just for Somerset Council, but local government as a whole.

Final approval has been given for 765 new homes to be built at Up Mudford on the outskirts of Yeovil. Following years of negotiations and delays, the Abbey Manor Group was given the green light for the development between Mudford Hill and Wyndham Park at a recent Somerset Council’s Planning South Committee meeting. In addition to the new homes, a community hall, 65-bed care home, medical centre, retail outlets, and industrial units will also be built on the site, with an extension to the nearby Primrose Lane Primary School.

New jobs could be created at Sparkford after plans for new employment units were approved. The units will be arranged in eight blocks next to the former Haynes publishing site.

Somerset Council says it won’t be taking up the opportunity of a road closure to carry out improvements to a zebra crossing in Chard. Currently, Furnham Road is shut for repairs to a gas pipe. Local residents had hoped Somerset Council would re-paint the crossing at the junction with Beeching Close while Furnham Road was closed but Somerset Council say the work is not scheduled in its current maintenance programme.

Six thousand pounds has been raised at the Cross Keys Inn at Lydford-on-Fosse for two good causes. At a charity presentation evening, the money was divided equally between Cancer Research UK and the Alzheimers Society.

Local artists have the chance to apply for two bursaries of £400 each with Halstock Community Arts. They’re available to support groups and individuals to develop creative projects. Those applying have to live or work within a 20-mile radius of Halstock. The closing date for applications is December 31st.

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The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
Thursday 15th January

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
Wednesday 14th January

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more
Tuesday 13th January

The Government says it won’t bring forward a decision on buying new helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Yeovil’s temporary police station on Horsey Lane is to close at the end of the month....and more
Monday 12th January

Leonardo is threatening to shut its Yeovil factory. Somerset Community Foundation says there's still time to donate money to its Surviving Winter Appeal. The Swan Theatre in Yeovil is staging a number of special performances to mark its 50th anniversary...and more.
Friday 9th January

A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. A Somerset food manufacturer could be expanding its Wincanton base. A new dementia-friendly choir has been launched in Yeovil...and more.
Thursday 8th January

Adam Dance MP is welcoming developments in his campaign to support neurodivergent schoolchildren. Somerset was the star of the small screen last night, thanks to BBC comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’. A Yeovil gymnastics club has hosted a VIP guest...and more.
Wednesday 7th January

Somerset's Lib Dem MPs have described a one per cent rise in Council funding as 'profoundly disappointing'. A new independent cinema will open next month in Wincanton. We’re facing the chance of heavy snow with Storm Goretti hitting the region on Thursday...and more.