Monday 2nd October

Monday, 2 October 2023 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

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more