Monday 2nd October

Monday, 2 October 2023 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Taxi fares in Somerset could soon rise as Somerset Council seeks to harmonise the cost of journeys across the county. Wincanton Transport has closed its depot in the town. A new Local Plan for Somerset setting out where new homes will be built will not be in place until 2028 at the earliest...and more.

Taxi fares in Somerset could soon rise as Somerset Council seeks to harmonise the cost of journeys across the county. Fares were previously set by district councils, resulting in variations in what passengers paid, depending on where in Somerset they were using taxis. Under the new proposals, drivers will charge £4.60 for the first mile, and 30 pence for every one-tenth of a mile, thereafter. It means a typical two-mile journey would cost £7.60.

After more than 70 years, Wincanton Transport has closed its depot in the town. The company says the cancellation of a contract with the food producer, Muller, had left the Wincanton depot without work.

Somerset Council says it is supporting local businesses with the ban on certain items of single-use plastic from this week. The use of plastic cutlery, balloon sticks, polystyrene cups and food containers is no longer permitted, however, containers, plastic plates and bowls can still be used provided they’re part of pre-packaged food.

A new Local Plan for Somerset, setting out where new homes will be built, will not be in place until 2028 at the earliest, according to Somerset Council. The Council says due to the amount of work involved and because of outstanding legal issues, the new Local Plan, which will also identify where new schools, doctors’ surgeries, railway stations and village halls are built, is unlikely to see the light of day for at least another four years,

A number of events are being held in Yeovil and Crewkerne during October to mark Black History Month. The Somerset African Caribbean Network says it’s to celebrate the contribution in the workplace and within local communities that the Windrush generation has made.

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