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 dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more
Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more
Friday 29th May

South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more
Wednesday 27th May

The UK Health Security Agency has increased its heat health alert for Somerset to amber. Trading Standards officers have shut down three shops in Taunton after illegal cigarettes and vapes were discovered on the premises. Bridgwater Town Council is considering running its own bus services...and more