Monday 5th February

Monday, 5 February 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Plans by Somerset Council to cut one thousand jobs have been described as a betrayal. The go-ahead has been given to build a new solar farm in West Coker. Avon and Somerset Police won't be recruiting any new Police Community Support Officers this year due to a cash shortage...and more.

The Regional Convenor of the local government union, UNISON, Neil Guild, has described Somerset Council’s plans to cut one thousand jobs as a betrayal. Lib Dem members of Somerset Council’s ruling Executive meet on Wednesday to vote on the job cuts and to cut overall spending by one hundred million pounds to avoid the Council going bust. Neil Guild said when the County Council and district councils were disbanded to form the new Somerset Council, UNISON was given no indication that the reduction in jobs would be so great.

The go-ahead has been given to build a new solar farm in West Coker, on the outskirts of Yeovil. Despite objections, planners agreed to 40 acres of farmland off Camp Road being used for the scheme. The site will supply nearly a quarter of the electricity needs of the Leonardo Helicopter factory on Lysander Road. A public right of way that runs through the site will be maintained.

Avon and Somerset Police say PCSO numbers within the force will drop by around eighty this year. This, despite its share of the Council Tax going up by an extra £13 from April. Avon and Somerset Police say the additional income will be enough to retain officer numbers at their current levels, but back-room jobs will be cut and no new PCSOs will be taken on this year.

Plans to regenerate Wincanton have been scrapped. South Somerset District Council had planned to spend £5.6 million smartening up the town centre and to bring empty shops back into use. Somerset Council, who inherited the scheme when SSDC was disbanded, says it’s no longer affordable.

Crewkerne in Bloom says it has nowhere to grow its plants and store its handing baskets this year. Up until now, plants that are publicly displayed in Crewkerne have been supplied by Lufton Nursery in Yeovil but the nursery, which is owned by Somerset Council, is at risk of closing as part of the Council cutting its spending by £100 million to avoid bankruptcy.

A new landmark is soon to be unveiled in Ilminster. It’s a large clock, located above the Retail Therapy shop in Silver Street, to commemorate the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The clock, that Ilminster Rotarians have provided, will be officially unveiled at a ceremony held at midday on Saturday, February 17th.

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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