Monday 29th July

Monday, 29 July 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Support for Somerset residents struggling to pay their council tax bills could be cut from April next year. RMT members at First Bus in Somerset are planning further strike action. A movie written and produced by an ex-Yeovil College media student is to be premiered at Cineworld in Yeovil...and more

Support for Somerset residents struggling to pay their council tax bills could be cut from April next year to save more than £6 million. Somerset Council currently operates a council tax reduction scheme, providing discounts for single people, couples, and families. This costs around £29 million of which £16 million funds discounts to working-age people. The council has now launched a consultation into the scheme, aimed at reducing the discount available by £6 million a year.

More disruption is looming for local bus travellers. RMT members at First Bus in Somerset plan further strike action in support of their pay claim on Friday, August 9th and Monday, August 12th with an overtime ban on Saturday, August 10th and Sunday, August 11th. First Bus has urged the RMT to halt the action and engage in more talks.

A Chard man has been arrested after drugs were found at a property in Tatworth. The search was conducted by officers from the Chard Neighbourhood Policing Team assisted by members of the Regional Organised Crime squad. The man, who’s 37, was arrested on suspicion of importing class B drugs into the UK, with intent to supply.

Britain in Bloom judges are in Yeovil today. The town is competing in the large town category of Britain in Bloom having scored high marks with Yeovil in Bloom in last year’s regional competition.

A movie written and produced by an ex-Yeovil College media student is to be premiered at Cineworld in Yeovil. Connor Raithby has booked one of the big screens at Cineworld to show 'Stapler', a film that follows the adventures of a beleaguered white-collar worker and an office stapler that talks. 'Staple' will be given its premiere at Cineworld on Friday, August 2nd. Tickets are free and can be obtained by emailing Connor at: connorraithby@gmail.com

More from News

Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,