Monday 8th January

Monday, 8 January 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council says it needs to raise council tax by ten per cent to prevent it from bankruptcy. Two local men have been jailed after admitting to dealing in stolen farm machinery. A Chard woman has set a new personal best by completing four marathons in as many days....and more.

Somerset Council says it needs to raise council tax by ten per cent to prevent it from going bankrupt. The Council’s ruling Lib Dem Executive meets on January 15th to agree on a savings plan that includes closing recycling centres, visitor centres and reducing subsidies to local theatres. Nevertheless, even after making these cuts, the Council says it will still have a shortfall in its budget starting in April of tens of millions of pounds.

Two local men have been jailed after admitting to dealing in stolen farm machinery. Harry Hollowell of Jellicoe Road, in Yeovil, and Vincent Bruce, of Bearley Lane, in Tintinhull, were appearing for sentencing at Bristol Crown Court. Hollowell was sentenced to three years and two months imprisonment and Bruce to one year and four months, suspended for two years.

A Somerset family has given up attempting to cross halfway around the world without flying. Shannon Coggins, Theo Simon and their daughter Rosa left East Pennard in August to travel the 10,000 miles to Australia by land and sea only. But Theo says at the halfway point, they had to concede that flying was their only way of making it to Australia.

Thatcher’s Cider is giving away five hundred apple trees to local community groups. The cider maker says it wants to see the creation of community orchards in rural and inner city areas to support those in greatest need.

A Chard woman has set a personal best by completing four marathons in as many days. Lisa White who works at the 1610 gym in Chard completed each marathon in around four and a half hours, covering a total distance of 104.8 miles.

Yeovil Town have moved to 10 points clear at the top of National League South after their win against local rivals Bath City by 2 goals to nil at Huish Park on Saturday. Yeovil are next in action tomorrow night when they play away against Taunton Town at Wordsworth Drive. Kick-off is 7.45 pm.

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