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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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
Friday 16th January

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