Monday 29th July

Monday, 29 July 2024 at 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 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more