Monday 5th February

Monday, 5 February 2024 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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more